Cyclocross- a party with a bike race in the middle

As a fan and a participant, I absolutely love cyclocross. Unlike a road race, which often has a serious feel, a cyclocross event feels like a giant party that just happen to have a bike race in the middle of it. Mud, cold, barriers, crowds, cowbells, beer, and a bunch of exhausted athletes trying to make their way through the mess...what's not to like? I have posted some of my cyclocross racing photos before, but today for @juliank 's #sportsphotography Saturday contest I want to share a few that I think capture the feel of a cross event as much as the racing itself.

All photos taken with my Nikon D50 at the 2016 Cyclocross National Championships in Asheville, NC. Let me know which shots you like best.

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