2010 Cyclocross Categories

Categories are based on ability. In order of speed they are: 'A', 'B', citizen*

All racers require a UCI race licence or an MCA citizen licence** - both available from the Manitoba Cycling Association. A and B categories are for riders with a race licence. Citizen for those with citizen licences.

NOTE: As per other jurisdictions, for 2010 riders will have to earn their way into the A category. Determining criteria will be wins/podium finishes in B and lap times vs average A lap times. Applications to change categories shall be given to the road/cyclocross coordinator (Gary Sewell) who will take them first to the cyclocross committee and then only if supported by the committee to the commissaires.


*Provincials are completely different and are run on the basis of age categories.
**There are three races on the schedule that do not require a race licence to participate: Menno Cross, St. Malo, and Altona.

2010 Cyclocross Equipment Regulations

In the past we have conveniently looked the other way when it came to cyclocross bike regulations. Some Canadian jurisdictions (for example BC and Alberta) have disallowed mountain bikes in their A categories for many years on the basis that they are an unfair competitive advantage. As cyclocross has matured in Manitoba there is a need to harmonize our rules with others. The cyclocross committee has adopted the following regulations for the upcoming seasons - see attached table. To ease the transition, changes will take place in a step-wise fashion. The red entries signify a change.

For 2010 the UCI has reduced the maximum tire width to 33 mm (1.3"). In Manitoba we will continue to allow a maximum width of up to 35 mm (1.38") for 2010 and 2011.

The most significant change for Manitoba races this year is the need for narrower tires on mountain bikes in the A category. The committee has still allowed a slight advantage for mountain bikes by allowing 26" tires a width of up to 1.5" to allow the Continental CrossCountry which is 26 x 1.5" to allow more options. It has a pretty aggressive tread. The Schwalbe CX Pro is a cross tire that is available in 26 x 1.35" (as well as 700c). It is cheap and gets consistently good reviews. The local shops should be able to get them. If not, they are widely available online. Quite possibly there are also other choices available. Note that 29'ers will be allowed a max width of 35 mm (1.38")

Riders should note that 'cross equipment often sells out and they should make arrangements to obtain tires as soon as possible.

There is no change in rules for 'B' and citizen's category.

*The cyclocross committee reserves the right to adopt rules changes at any time with reasonable notice.

Cross Lab Schedule

Saturday, August 28: Whittier Park 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 1: Omand Park 7:00 p.m
Saturday, September 4: Omand Park 7:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 8: Whittier Park 6:30 p.m
Saturday, September 11: Omand Park 7:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 14: Omand Park 6:30 p.m
Saturday, September 18: no cross lab - Wildwood Race
Wednesday, September 22: Whittier Park 6:30 p.m
Saturday, September 25: no cross lab – Menno Cross Race
Wednesday, September 29: Omand Park 6:30 p.m
Saturday, October 2: no cross lab - Omand Park Race


Wednesday night (Tuesday on September 14th) CrossLabs will take place at either Omand Park or Whittier Park and will emphasize skills development and a workout. Time: about 1 hour.

Saturday morning Crosslabs (with the exception of August 28) will meet at Omand Park and ride from there through the city to a different cross location, them maybe finish with a stop for coffee. Some skills development, but mostly a gentle to moderate ride. Time: about 2 hours.

The August 28th morning CrossLab will incorporate skills development and riding around Whittier and Gaboury Parks. Time: 90 minutes.

Cross Labs

That sound you hear off in the distance? That is the 2010 cyclocross season. It's just around the corner now, and it is boisterously yammering about some exciting plans that are in the works. The first race of the season is exactly one month from today. It is now time to stop talking about the need to start training. At this point, some actual training would be a good idea. Don't know how to train for cyclocross? A good place to start is to show up at a Cross Lab. Cross Labs are informal cyclocross training sessions geared toward beginners. They are led by a group of friendly local cyclocross racers. Come out and practice some cyclocross specific skills like dismounting and remounting your bike, hopping over barriers, shouldering your bike, and railing the corners.

This year they will take place on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The first one is next Wednesday, August 25 at Omand's Creek, starting at 7pm.

Questions? Send an email.