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What is cyclo-cross?

     Thompson described it as a cross between road racing and mountain biking. "It has the roughness of mountain biking, but it also has the open-road sections of road racing," he said. It's also a sport that's gaining in popularity - about 5,000 spectators showed up to the San Francisco races.
     But that's nothing compared to the popularity biking enjoys in Europe, which is the true hub of the biking world, according to Thompson.
     During the 45-60 minute cyclo-cross races, he said, the riders maneuver through a variety of flat and hilly terrain - including grass, paved roads and dirt trails. On occasion, they must perform high-speed dismounts and jump over strategically placed obstacles while carrying their 20-pound bikes.

Training

     Cyclo-cross and bike racing in general is physically exhausting and requires a great deal of endurance and stamina. And that's where Thompson's extensive exercise regimen pays off.
     The just-under-6-foot, wavy-haired teenager explained his workout schedule with detail and enthusiasm.