Enter a cyclo-cross race

September sees the cyclo-cross season start in earnest, with regional leagues kicking off up and down the country.

Start autumn with a bang than by racing around a muddy field for an hour. Ok, if your’re not convinced then cyclo-cross is great fun, hacking around the woods, switching between bridleways, towpaths and the tarmac, and adding a new dimension to your riding after a busy summer on the road.

And cyclo-cross racing is among the most accessible forms of racing – it’s not like a criterium or road race, where if you’re dropped then it’s game over. Instead, a cyclo-cross race becomes strung out over the course and you’re likely to always be locked in a battle, whether that’s between first and second, or 31st and 32nd. You can find a local cyclo-cross race on the British Cycling website.

All you need is a bike (most leagues allow mountain bikes) and you’ll get a tough but rewarding workout for an hour which, once we finally leave summer and head into autumn and winter, serves as a great way to maintain your motivation and fitness.

Cyclo-cross bikes are also increasingly versatile, with rack and mudguard mounts, making them a good option for winter road riding and all-weather commuting. You can read our in-depth cyclo-cross bikes buyer’s guide here.