Fitness
How to Use Cyclocross to Build Fitness and Cycling Skills
In this episode of Bicycling’s Bike Shop, Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy and Senior Photographer Trevor Raab—an elite ’cross racer—explain how cyclocross workouts can improve your handling skills, strength, and power on the bike. Trying cyclocross is easier than you may think—gravel bikes are suitable for ’cross and groups meet in many cities to practice skills and techniques. Many cyclocross drills are great HIIT workouts and, like core exercises, help improve on-bike stability. Plus, ’cross is a great way to follow some of your favorite pro tour racers in the off-season.
Bicycling Members can watch the full episode below.
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As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.