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Injury epidemiology in cyclocross. A preliminary study.
Thomas Fallon1,2, Neil Fischer3, Neil Heron1,3
1Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|November 11, 2025
Summary
Cyclocross racing results in a high incidence of acute injuries, primarily lacerations and sprains, often due to course contact. Female cyclists experience longer recovery times from injuries than males.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Cycling Science
Background:
- Cyclocross is a growing competitive cycling discipline.
- Limited epidemiological data exists on cyclocross-related injuries.
- This study addresses the need for injury pattern data in cyclocross.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe injury incidence, type, location, and mechanisms in a national cyclocross event.
- To apply standardized injury surveillance methodology.
- To analyze injury characteristics by sex, mechanism, and severity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study at the 2025 British National Cyclocross Championships.
- Used IOC consensus statement and UCI framework for injury recording.
- Calculated injury incidence per 1000 athlete-hours and analyzed injury characteristics.
Main Results:
- 6.7% of cyclists sustained injuries; incidence was 98.62 per 1000 athlete-hours.
- Most injuries were acute (91.9%), with lacerations (38%) and knee sprains (17%) being most common.
- Females had significantly longer time-loss per injury (22.5 days) compared to males (4.88 days).
Conclusions:
- Cyclocross has a high rate of acute, moderate injuries, distinct from road or mountain biking.
- Highlights the need for cyclocross-specific injury prevention strategies.
- Further research should focus on sex-based differences and technical terrain risks.
