It’s almost that time of year again, when it’s socially acceptable to walk around with a mixture of snot and mud on your face. To kick off our kickoff to ‘cross season, we asked Kevin Molloy, one of the best NY ‘cross riders, a few questions.

NYVC Cyclocross season is your favorite time of year. What is it about ‘cross that you love so much?

KM I really enjoy the bike handling aspect, probably for the same reason that I enjoy criteriums. I think there is a huge void of bike handling skills among nyc riders. I can comfortably race several levels above my fitness in a crit exclusively on handling skills. I would love for the CRCA to be able to host a weekly training crit!

In addition, the typical 1 hour race duration is tailored to my ability to ride at threshold/high heart rates for a long time (and my abject neglect of endurance training).

NYVC You’re more of a sprinter on the road. Do you alter your training when ‘cross season rolls around?

KM Being able to sprint is important in any racing discipline. I won several ‘cross races last year in two up sprints in the last 250 meters.

I basically just start racing ‘cross using whatever fitness I’m able to carry over from the road. A good ‘cross season is highly correlated to a good road season. I usually shut down the endurance training and try to stay rested during the week, because an hour at threshold requires fresh legs and I’ve never been accused of being overtrained.

@##=#<1,r>@##=#NYVC How extensive a schedule are you planning?

KM This year is going to be tough, I’m in Europe right now and won’t be back until the end of September, 3 MORE weeks off the bike after 3 weeks off in July/August. I’ll do what I can, but there’s not a doubt in my mind that it will be tons of fun. I find road racing is not much fun unless you are winning, but ‘cross fun is relatively independent of results!

NYVC Any tips for newbies regarding bike set up, riding techniques?

KM Just get out there and try a few races. Your handling skills will blossom and you will be amazed at the amount of fitness that you can carry through the winter on 1 hour race workouts (this is important when you’re old like me!). Oscar Rosales just started ‘cross last year, then he started turning up at every race, he’s hooked. I think he started on a road bike with Ritchey ‘cross tires, it’s totally doable. You can even begin with a mountain bike, just get out there! Also, for those folks with significant others, ‘cross races are much more digestible spectator events for the general population; short courses and distances, park environments, foliage, etc.

NYVC You got a lot of your teammates into ‘cross last year. Is Axis coming out in force again this year?

KM Team Axis is addicted, but we’re also 9-5’ers (+some) and will be at every race we can fit into our schedules.