CX

Glenda takes on Qld Cyclo-cross Championships

Congratulations to our Club's gravel coordinator Glenda Banaghan, who stepped well outside her usual cycling territory at the weekend and came home with third place at the 2026 Queensland Cyclo-cross State Championships in Rockhampton.

So, what exactly is cyclo-cross?

If you've never tried cyclo-cross – or CX as it's commonly known – imagine a combination of road cycling, mountain biking, gravel riding and a little bit of steeplechase.

Races take place over short circuits that can include grass, dirt, sand, mud, steep climbs and descents, tight corners and obstacles. Some sections are designed so riders need to dismount, pick up their bike, negotiate the obstacle and get back on again.

Rather than simply testing speed and endurance, cyclo-cross demands bike-handling skills, concentration and the ability to quickly choose the best line through constantly changing terrain.

Glenda gives CX a go

Glenda travelled to Rockhampton for the Queensland State Championships on Sunday 9 August and discovered just how demanding cyclo-cross can be.

Her course included constant cornering on grass, off-camber sections, downhill sections leading immediately into sharp turns and climbs, a water jump, two obstacles requiring riders to carry their bikes and a sand trap.

After completing two warm-up laps to work out the course and the best lines, Glenda raced three laps in 40 minutes – and finished third place in Womens Masters category, getting faster each lap!

"It was quite the challenging experience," Glenda said. "You have to really concentrate to take the best line."

And there was another achievement she was particularly pleased about: "Didn't fall, yay!"

Despite some understandably sore quads the following day, Glenda enjoyed the challenge enough to want another go.

"I think when the season starts again next year I will enter some more. It's definitely good for skills and strength and was fun once I relaxed a bit."

Cyclo-cross might look a little unusual to those of us more accustomed to riding on the road or gravel, but Glenda's experience shows why riders enjoy it. It's short, challenging, technical and a great workout – and it certainly puts your bike-handling skills to the test.

Glenda also competed in the Qld Gravel Championships the day before and coming first in her age group.

Congratulations Glenda on a Queensland State Championships podium – and for being willing to give something completely different a go! 

--> Read about Glenda's other cycling adventures.