New Category! SacCX GravelCross
A new category joins the Sacramento Cyclocross race lineup this year, built for racers who seek endurance, personal accomplishment, and camaraderie: GravelCross.
“Gravel” riding is all about the long game. You’re just getting out there and enjoying riding with friends, seeing how far you can go, and conquering whatever terrain comes your way.
That’s what our new GravelCross category offers: A race that’s less about the holeshot or how fast you sprint and more about pacing, adapting to changing conditions, fueling throughout the day, and feeling accomplished with how many miles you rack up.
But all within the same great venues, fun courses, vibe, and camaraderie we have at Sacramento Cyclocross. So come on out, gravel the heck out of each ‘cross course, and see how much riding you can do by the end of the season!
How It Works
For the 2025 season, we’re introducing a GravelCross Men and a GravelCross Women category. These categories will race during four of our six start times each day.
GravelCross Men race for approximately 3 hours in the following timeslots:
- 9:30am – 30 min
- 11am – 45 min
- 1:30pm – 45 min
- 2:30pm – 60 min
GravelCross Women race for approximately 2 ½ hours in the following timeslots:
- 9:30am – 30 min
- 10:15am – 30 min
- 11am – 45 min
- 12:30pm – 45 min
GravelCross racers will do the same number of laps during each race as all racers for that race time; this number is set by the race leader. Only laps made during SacCX race times count (“pre-ride” laps in between race times don’t count).
“Aid Station” Time
“Aid station” time is your break in between race start times. This is your chance to catch your breath, refuel and rehydrate, hang out and debrief with friends…everything you’d do at an aid station!
Equipment
No bike or tire size restrictions (it just has to be safe for you and those around you). No e-bikes. You will receive a “Gravel” number plate to attach to your handlebars (in lieu of pinning on a traditional SacCX bib to your jersey).
On-Course Etiquette
Since GravelCross racers are out on course with CX racers with different goals and potentially very different abilities (and speed), we will ask GravelCross racers to work with other racers with the same care and respect that we ask of all riders on course.
If you’re significantly faster than another rider in a different category, it’s your responsibility to make the pass safely. Announce yourself, commit to a side and pass when there’s room. If you’re significantly slower than other riders or categories out on course, the primary responsibility to yield falls to you when being lapped. So keep an eye out for those coming up behind you, yield the racing line if possible and don’t fight the pass.
Scoring & Awards
At each race: All GravelCross participants will receive a finisher ribbon. These awards are in lieu of the traditional top 3 podiums, keeping the focus on personal accomplishment and camaraderie.
At the end of the season: The top 3 overall male and female riders will be recognized based on a ranking of total number of laps and then lowest cumulative time.
So how far will I ride this season?
Based on historic lead lap counts and course length…
- Men could reach 150+ laps and nearly 300 miles!
- Women could reach 120+ and nearly 250 miles!
It all depends on what mother nature throws at us throughout the season, and maybe how many handups you take on course or how those chili cheese fries you got from the food truck during “aid station” time sit with you.
Can I also race in another category?
No, sorry! GravelCross must be your only category for the season. It’s not possible to score you racing in two different categories at once.
I already registered! Can I change my category to GravelCross?
If you’re already registered for Sacramento Cyclocross and want to change your category to GravelCross, we got you! Email us at community@clippedinforlife.org, and we’ll help you make the switch.