Why every Cyclist should try cyclocross this winter: 5 indispensable benefits

As winter approaches, many cyclists temporarily stop their training. But this is just the perfect time to try something new: cyclocross. Cyclocross, a form of road cycling on mixed terrain, offers unique advantages that any cyclist can appreciate. Here are five reasons why you should give cyclocross riding a try this winter.

1. Improved bike control and technique.
Cyclocross takes place on varied terrain, including mud, sand and sometimes snow. This challenges you to improve your bike control and technique. Skills such as making fast turns, keeping balance on slippery surfaces and deftly navigating technical sections are hugely valuable, even on the road.

2. Increased explosiveness and strength
Due to the short, intense nature of cyclocross, you work on your explosiveness and strength. The varying terrain challenges often require short, vigorous efforts, which help build muscle strength and improve your sprinting ability.

3. Consistency in training
Winter can be demotivating for long road workouts. Cyclocross offers a fun and engaging way to stay fit even when the weather is not ideal. It helps you maintain a consistent training regime throughout the colder months.

4. Mental freshness
Switching disciplines can be mentally refreshing. Cyclocross is tactically different from road cycling and offers a new set of challenges that activate your brain and renew your enthusiasm for cycling.

5. Improved resistance and resilience
Riding cyclocross in colder weather can help improve your resistance to different weather conditions. It also teaches you to cope and adapt to changing conditions, a skill that comes in handy in all forms of cycling.

So, as the roads get icy and the temperatures drop, consider swapping your road bike for a cyclocross bike. You might be surprised by how much you will learn and grow as a cyclist.

Plan your rides more efficiently with the new ride calendar

🚴‍♀️💨 Discover the latest innovation in the Cyql Dashboard! – Now, with our brand-new ride calendar, you can plan all your cycling trips more conveniently than ever. Choose between a weekly or monthly view and get a clear overview of all your planned rides.

🧩 Flexibility in Planning: Move or Copy Rides – Got a postponed ride? Easily move the ride in the calendar to a new date. Just a few clicks and voilà, your ride is rescheduled, with automatic updates for all participants.

👩‍💻 Copy with a Click: Use the ALT key to copy a ride to a new date. Ideal for rescheduling your favorite routes.

🔁 Repeating Rides? Set them up once! Plan your weekly Social Ride for the coming months in one go! When creating a ride, opt for repetition (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) and set your planning on autopilot. Want to make a change? Choose whether it applies to the entire series or just a specific ride.

Madrid-Based Club Ciclista Majadahonda starts using Cyql for an enhanced cycling experience

CC Majadahonda, one of Madrid’s oldest and most prestigious cycling clubs, has begun utilizing the Cyql platform. Chairperson Isabel Molina Gonzalez discusses the impact of Cyql on the club’s activities. “With Cyql, managing and organizing our activities becomes a breeze,” says Isabel. Known for its diversity in cycling disciplines such as road cycling, MTB/Gravel, and triathlon, the club has over 90 members, primarily from the Madrid area.

Use and benefits of Cyql

“More than 70 of our 99 members are now using Cyql, and we expect to grow by 20 to 30% this year,” shares Isabel. The app is used for planning and tracking weekly rides and special club events. “Cyql’s user-friendliness, cycling-oriented features like coffee breaks and ride settings, and seamless Strava integration fit perfectly with our club,” she emphasizes.

Future plans with Cyql

CC Majadahonda looks forward to new features in Cyql, such as web browser support and managing member subscriptions. “More integration options with our club webpage would also be a great addition,” says Isabel. She also sees potential for Cyql to contribute to organizing the internal club championship and supporting club members in various competitions.

The role of Cyql in the cycling club

Beyond enhancing the club experience, Cyql will also contribute to strengthening the cycling community in Madrid. CC Majadahonda, a member of the Federacion Madrileña de Ciclismo (FMC) and Federacion Madrileña de Triatlon (FMTRI), views Cyql as a tool to promote cycling in the region. “Cyql helps us quickly and dynamically reach all (new) members, without the hassle of traditional communication methods like WhatsApp,” adds Isabel.