The Complete Book of Cyclocross by Scott Mares

Review of a Cross Biking Book Emphasizing Skill Training & Racing

Oct 13, 2009

A brief analysis of a new cross biking book. Mare's book provides a comprehensive look into the sport of cyclocross bike racing.

The Complete Book of Cyclocross, written by Scott Mares, (Sibex Sports, 2008) is a welcome addition to the library of anyone interested in the sport of cyclocross bike racing. Prior to the release of this book, Simon Burney's book Cyclocross Training and Technique (Velo Press, 3d edition 2007) was the only book available in the United States covering the subject of cx biking.

Cyclocross Biking Photos

Cyclocross is a very technical form of bike riding. Simply reading about how to ride a cx bike, can be confusing at best. Mare's book contains a plethora of cross bike photos. The photographs show the author, and other cyclocross bike riders, completing a variety of cross specific skill drills. The drills replicate a variety of conditions found at a typical cyclocross bike race.

The author emphasizes the need to master the basic skills of cross racing, such as mounting the bike, running with the bike to clear barriers that can't be ridden over, and remounting the bike. The photographs found throughout the book, help the novice rider become familiar with the sport of cyclocross biking.

Strength and Core Conditioning

Mare's book contains a 25 page section of strength and core conditioning exercises by Scott Hackett. Hackett has many sports specific qualifications, including a BA in exercise science, and is a NSCA certified strength and conditioning specialist. This section includes 15 pages of photographs showing how to properly perform the conditioning exercises. These core conditioning exercises are useful for general body conditioning of the beginner through advanced cyclocross bike rider.

Detailed Cyclocross Information

The Complete Book of Cyclocross also offers detailed information, for anyone interested in racing cross bikes, including mental training, goal setting, specific training routines and race tactics. Mares has included an overview of cyclocross specific equipment, clothing and gear in the book, which is useful to anyone thinking of becoming involved in the sport of cross bike racing. Mares has also included copies of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) cyclocross rules and USA Cycling cyclocross rules at the back of the book.

About the Author

Author Scott Mares is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Mares obtained his BS in Health and Sports Sciences at the University of Oklahoma. Mares has raced on the cyclcocross circuit for many years, and spent nine years as the head coach of the annual American Cycling Association Jr. Cyclocross Camp.

Visit the official website of The Complete Book of Cyclocross for additional information on the book, to read an excerpt from chapter two of the book, or to find out more information on author Scott Mare.

Complete Book of Cyclocross Details

Additional Information

The copyright of the article The Complete Book of Cyclocross by Scott Mares in Sports Books is owned by Lynn Smythe. Permission to republish The Complete Book of Cyclocross by Scott Mares in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.