Competitors cycle at the speed of elite road racers while cornering and bunny hopping like BMX riders. Mud, steep banks, and low hurdles force the riders to become runners, they sling the bikes over their shoulders. Firm ground and tarmac sections let the riders reach speeds over 50kph.

Traditional cyclocross bikes appear similar to road bikes; they are modified with firmer handling, knobbly tyres, lower gears and powerful brakes to withstand the rigors of off-road riding. There are no rules restricting the type of bike that can be used and mountain bikes are welcome in all local events.

The races last for one hour of thrills and spills. Race starts are very exciting; when all the riders are released, they battle for position in the push for the first corner. The primary feature that all cross races share and that sets them apart from the other disciplines is obstacles that force you to get off your bike. Sometimes you will leap over something and get back on, other times you'll run with the bike for some distance. Courses are usually based on a circuit of one to two miles in length.

Due to the running sections and constant "on again/off again" nature of the sport, participants find that racing 'cross improves their bike handling skills and provides a more well rounded workout than regular road or mountain biking cycling. More importantly, riders enjoy the typically low-key, friendly competition they find in cyclocross. Though there exist national and world cyclocross championship events, 'cross remains a relatively fringe sport with a dedicated following

Athletes in this sport are about the best all-rounders in the world of sport. Top riders have come from other branches of cycling like Road Racing, BMX, and Mountain Biking, and athletes have crossed over from fell running and triathlon.