Knobbly tyres, mud, cow bells, beer and frites take over from September to February for cyclo-cross season.

Cyclo-cross racing is, in our opinion at least, one of the most accessible forms of competitive cycle sport, with a packed calendar of mass start, first-across-the-line-wins local league races up and down the country.

Racing is hard and fast – a great way to stay in shape through winter – and we’ve already caught up with two-time national cyclo-cross champion Ian Field, Great Britain’s sole representative on the men’s World Cup circuit, to find out his five top tips for ‘cross racing, from how to get started to technique.

But what race day gear do you need? You can use your road helmet and kit – cyclo-cross racing is still the preserve of lycra, not baggy shorts – so we’ll deal with those items specific to the sport.