I’ve started preparing my cyclo-cross bike for the impending cyclo-cross season.

I say impending; for many hardened ‘cross fanatics, it’s already underway. It’s too soon for me though. And besides, the bike is far from ready and is in need of a good service after last year. And I’ve got some new brakes to fit first and tubular tyres to glue to some new wheels.

Aside from preparing the bike and testing my fitness, one of the challenges the cyclo-cross season raises is the need to brush up on the technical skills. Uniquely, ‘cross courses are typically littered with obstacles (planks, steps etc) that require dismounting, followed by a quick hop, skip and jump before leaping back on the bike. It’s an unusual skill and one that takes some mastering if you’re to make it a seamless transition and not lose too much time.

The line between getting it right and wrong is a close one though. Something this video aptly demonstrates as a reminder of how easily it can go wrong.