All questions about the Steppencross. If something is missing here – please write to us!
What is Cyclocross? What is MTB Cross Country?
Cyclocross and cross-country are short, varied races on circuits away from roads and paths. The course is usually 2-3 km long and leads over meadows, roots and forest paths. There are also artificial obstacles in between. Cyclocross is ridden on bikes similar to racing bikes with wider tires, and typically there are also sections where the bike has to be carried, e.g. up a hill through sand or mud. MTB routes have more difficult obstacles such as descents with roots or stone fields.
Catering & Program
On the festival site at the small Wukensee lake, where the start & finish is located, there will be delicious food and drinks available for a donation. The exact details are still being planned, but you can look forward to a good mix of both snacks and hot dishes. There will also be good music – perhaps again with a live band.
How long is the track and how many laps do I have to do?
The routes vary in length and difficulty. For the children’s races and the fun race, we have dispensed with steep climbs and technical descents. Both the cyclocross and MTB routes have some ramps and descents where you have to use a lot of power for a short time. You can recover a little on two longer descents.
Wheel race: ~100 m
U4-U6: 5 min (1 short lap)
U7-U10: 10 min (3 short laps)
U11-U15: 20 min (1 medium lap)
U16-19: 30 min (3 full laps)
Cyclocross FLINTA*: 45 min (4-5 laps)
Cyclocross Men: 1 h (7 laps)
MTB CrossCountry: 1 hour + 1 lap (~8 laps)
Funrace: 30 min (3 medium laps)
Is the race only for club riders and “pros”?
All races are open to everyone, a license is not required! A basic level of fitness is required, but we particularly welcome people who are taking part in a cyclocross race for the first time. A good technique will of course help you, but on the MTB course there will be bypasses on the particularly steep sections (B-Line) and on the cyclocross course it is always better to carry your bike for a short time than to crash.
Is the Steppencross an official competition?
The Steppencross is our first real race – but as always, we are all about solidarity instead of elbowing each other. We want an event that is suitable for both ambitious athletes and beginners and where mutual respect is paramount.
Are there training opportunities before the race?
You can now visit the route at any time and see for yourself: https://www.komoot.de/tour/1401301897.
We are also planning a FLINTA* training day in the weeks leading up to the race (you will find more information on Instagram soon).
How are prizes or awards designed for participants?
The Steppencross is first and foremost about having fun together, having a good time and making new friends. But of course there will also be a small prize for the fastest three in each race. Let us surprise you!
How does the race work?
We will publish the exact schedule about two weeks before the Steppencross. Please be there at least one hour before your race. You will receive your race number at the on-site registration. The race starts punctually in the starting area. The starting line-up will take place 10 minutes beforehand. This takes place in the order of online registration. The winners will be honored directly after the race.
Can I drive/test drive the track once on the day of the race?
Whenever there is no other race taking place on the track, you are welcome to ride the track. Be considerate of each other and leave the track in good time before the start of the next race.
Is there support for technical problems or injuries?
If your bike has technical problems and you don’t know what to do, please contact the registration desk or other participants. Paramedics will be on site for health emergencies.
What happens in bad weather?
Cross is a winter sport, so rain must always be expected. Bring warm and rainproof clothing and preferably a change of shoes. There will be covered areas in the start/finish area. In the event of severe weather, we will of course have to postpone the race.
This is my first race! How do you deal with obstacles?
It’s really cool that you’re there! The main obstacles are small hills and – depending on the weather – muddy sections. If you can’t get through them on your bike, simply jump off briefly and push the bike or take it on your shoulder and carry it.
Do I have to have a special cyclocross bike?
In cyclocross races, you can also compete on a gravel bike or a road bike with wider tires (max. 50 mm). Suspension is not permitted – but it is in mountain bike races.
Do I have to prepare my bike specially?
Not really. However, you should check beforehand that everything is working and that the air pressure is not too high. There will be a changing zone on site where you can leave your tools.
What is the point of categories like FLINTA* ?
Cycling is still heavily male-dominated. We are trying to break this down and make it more accessible for women and people who do not define themselves as “male” or “female”. FLINTA* specifically means: women, lesbians, inter, non-binary, trans and agender people.
Our goal is to create a community in which everyone feels comfortable. However, because FLINTA* are still structurally discriminated against in our society, we want to make a contribution to actively changing this. That’s why we organize childcare, extra FLINTA* training and award a rating for non-binary people.