09/20/2022
The invention of the mountain bike inevitably had to give rise to many competitions related to this type of bicycle. And so it happened. The first official competitions were held in the USA in 1976, and fourteen years later the first World Championship in cross-country and downhill was held. Later there was a parallel slalom, uphill (uphill race) and others. Some mountain bike sports disciplines developed rapidly, others lost popularity over time, and were modified.
The most democratic and at the same time versatile discipline is cross-country.
The simplest definition of this type of competition is cross-country racing.
Over the years, interest in cross-country has grown steadily around the world. Today it is a serious Olympic sport, in popularity in some countries is not inferior even to football.
How did competitive mountain biking take root in Russia in general, and in St. Petersburg in particular?
Since the appearance of "off–road vehicles" in our country, a characteristic difference between the two capitals has been the commitment to different directions of mountain biking: Moscow quickly oriented itself to the descent disciplines, and St. Petersburg - to the race on the "crossing". Of course, such a division was quite conditional – but, nevertheless, it existed, and has not completely disappeared until now.
It was not even about the greater "hilliness" of the Mother See, but about the established traditions.
There have been a large number of strong cyclists in St. Petersburg since Soviet times. With the advent of the first mountain bikes, the most determined of them switched to these unusual two-wheelers with thick tires. At the same time, the bike was appreciated by many young (and not so young) people, for whom it became a means of self-expression. Soon spontaneous parties turned into high-speed cross-country rides, hiking on difficult roads, as well as the first competitions. At the same time, state structures began to pay attention to this very young sport at that time: professional athletes who had a serious road racing school behind them came to cross-country.
The competitions of those years, both official and amateur, are now remembered with nostalgia. The first cross-country riders were perceived by many as real Robinsons, opening up new horizons of cycling. Heavy and clumsy mountain bikes at that time, the search for rare components, the mysteries of technical settings, conversations about the novelties of cycling. And then the abrasions and injuries from the first training sessions on steep descents and the search for techniques to overcome inaccessible climbs. Everyone was on equal terms, like stalkers walking through uncharted territory: dangerous, mysterious, but so attractive.
Cross-country riders have always been, and are to this day, the elite of non-extreme competitive mountain biking. This discipline requires the most versatile training from the rider: strength and endurance, honed reflexes and nerves of steel, cold calculation and clear mind, perseverance and dedication. There are no weak in spirit and weak in body: cross-country tempers both. It is not surprising that training on cross-country tracks is carried out by athletes from other, seemingly having little in common with mountain biking, sports: racing drivers, skiers, and many others.
In St. Petersburg, as in many other cycling centers of Russia, most riders are amateurs, enthusiasts of their craft, training and preparing equipment at their own expense. It is on them, and only on them, that mass cycling rests.
The same applies to competitions. Amateur "commercial" starts have grown over the years into competently prepared events, with excellent interesting tracks and a democratic atmosphere. They gather a large number of participants, and, supported by specialized Internet resources, are bright and interesting sports festivals, to which whole families come.
Since 1993, mountain bike has been recognized by the official city structures in charge of cycling. The first competitions were held at the same time. Over the past years, young people from sports schools have grown up, completely "staffing" the races of children, young men and juniors. However, only a few people move into adult categories, so there, in the vast majority, amateur athletes ride there, for whom a bicycle is not only a racing car, but also a means of active recreation, a generator of good mood, and sometimes a whole philosophy, a way of life.
Cross-country races are held according to simple rules that do not prevent beginners from getting acquainted with this wonderful sport. On steep descents and ascents, no one forbids moving along the distance on foot (without interfering with other participants) – there is no need to be embarrassed, everyone once started this way.Gradually, watching experienced racers, beginners from start to start drive better. And in just a few years they already feel confident even in difficult races.
There are many interesting cross-country trails of varying complexity in the vicinity of St. Petersburg. But the most famous and publicly accessible is the Shuvalov Park located on the northern border of the city - a real sanctuary for cross-country lovers. This rugged terrain closest to Northern Venice, dotted along and across with trails and singletreks, has nurtured more than one generation of riders. All year round, you can see riders training here, including respected cross-country veterans who stood at the origins of this sport in Russia.
Another, no less famous route with a rich history, is Suoranda, which is perfectly familiar to any trained cyclist. It is located near the village of Suoranda on the Koltush highway. Several circles of varying length and complexity allow you to "fit" the track for beginners and masters. Small, steep climbs – junkies, whimsical bends of forest paths, gentle but bumpy descents. There are almost no straight simple sections:continuous up–and-down movement. In addition to the undeniable advantages of the route itself, Suoranda is located in a stunningly beautiful place. This is the closest natural oasis to St. Petersburg from the green hills stretching in all directions, framed by a pine forest and distant villages. Such beauties usually quickly become private property, fenced with high fences. Unfortunately, the same thing happens with Suoranda: she is no longer the same as she was some ten years ago. But while there is an opportunity to enjoy its beauties – do not miss this time. A big plus of this route is also that it "holds" rain well, without turning into mud porridge for a long time. Well, summer "dry" races on a sunny day are the dream of any biker.
Over time, everyone interested in cycling will learn many other cross-country tracks: far and near, simple and complex, different in coverage and length of the circle.
The main thing is that racing and training bring joy and satisfaction from the path you have traveled.
Cross-country competitions are a great way to improve your level of skating and physical condition, the opportunity to ride with the strongest athletes and learn from them, and just communication of people united by common interests and the idea of a healthy lifestyle.
See you on the tracks!
