The return of the Cyclocross season

Here’s mud in your eye… and everywhere else, too!

Some years ago, a friend and former world tour cyclist and Tour of Britain winner, Geoff Lequatre told me that pro cyclists liked cyclocross because it ‘helped you to learn control and to develop peripheral vision in complex riding conditions, which then improved your riding awareness and bike control in the tight conditions of a fast-moving peloton.’ He was right of course – my extremely talented French cycling friend usually is. However, cyclocross is an unrelenting and often cruel aspect of cyclo-sport, with conditions unmatched by anything other than the World Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling Championships – yes, they exist!

The best riders in the world have competed at cyclocross, at all levels in their career trajectory, developing the skills that have taken them to the top. Within our own ambassador team of riders here at Lake, we have the first ever women’s world cyclocross champion, Daphny van den Brand, who won the title in 2023. Thankfully, working alongside great riders such as Daphny and others, we’ve been able to continue to develop and to create our range of cycling shoes for the mud and lose conditions that come with every new cyclocross season. Yes, our cyclocross shoes are some of the most comfortable that you’ll find in the industry, combining stability, security, performance and power just when you need it and in the worst race conditions.

New cyclocross shoe options for 2024 and beyond

Since last season in the mud and sand of cyclocross, we’ve been busy and have introduced several new off-road cycling shoe models. We’ve now got a range of options for all riders, and closure systems with both BOA and laces, giving cyclocross riders here in the Netherlands, Belgium and elsewhere some of the best cyclocross shoes available today – whatever your fit. We understand that you and your cycling feet are unique, and that you also want choice – in performance, fit and style – which is why we’re continually evolving the humble cycling shoe into something that fits like a second skin and performs perfectly on every type of terrain.

Lake MX30G – off-road excellence

Our new, lightweight and super-stylish Lake MX30G is the ideal cyclocross shoe for the racer inside of you. Designed on our MX Race ‘Last’, we’ve kept things light and super stiff using our Lake Race 100% Carbon Fiber Sole with our durable and grippy TPU lugs, to give you a reliable grip on those loose and technical surfaces. The lugged over-sole also has provisions for toe spikes for when the ground is extremely soft and you require that additional security of foot placement. It’s a stiff sole that guarantees grip, and keeps your feet firmly planted on the pedals, controlling the bike on the loose ground as the trails twist and turn. In terms of the upper, it’s a classically designed, pure and simple off-road cycling shoe, and is perfectly suited for cyclocross racing.

It comes as a stylish all-microfiber version and an ultra-lightweight mesh version, for those wet days when you want the water on the course to be able to move away from your feet, aiding the drying process with an airflow around the foot. The microfiber upper option is tough and hard-wearing, taking care of those knocksthat frequently accompany a fast-paced cyclocross race. In terms of the closure system, it has the BOA® Fit System Li2 dials to deliver ultimate precision in wrapping the upper around your unique cycling feet.

Laces for aces – the Lake MX20G

For those cyclocross racers who prefer the classic look and feel of laces, we’ve developed the new Lake MX20G, a gravel biking-based shoe that also holds its own on the cyclocross racing scene. For that all-important outsole grip and security, we’ve used our renowned Lake Race ‘Last’ alongside a 100% Carbon Fiber sole for super stiffness and performance. Add to this, the extra benefits on all terrain types of a secure and stable rubber off-road patterned sole, and you’ve got a classically styled cycling shoe with ultimate adjustability – laces. Additionally, our durable and grippy TPU lugs, give you a provision for toe spikes to keep your feet firmly planted on the pedals and the technical terrain of a tough cyclocross race.

For the all-important and legendarily comfortable Lake upper, our new MX20G has a super lightweight Clarino Microfiber upper, alongside mesh panels that allow the foot to breath, whilst also helping your feet to dry out rapidly, once the obvious water hazards are out of the way! It’ll keep your feet cool and dry, allowing you to concentrate on speed and smiles all race long. Yes, you may get wet, muddied, even bloodied on the tough and technical terrain of the new cyclocross season. However, with the latest developments in cycling shoe excellence from the team here at Lake, you’ll be secure and stable, and maximising your performance and enjoyment on the bike. Cyclocross is here once more, and Geoff Lequatre is quite correct; it’s the perfect place to ride and to develop those all-important bike handing skills in readiness for next years cycling season in the peloton. All cyclists can benefit from improved handling, which is why Lake continue to develop some of the best off-road cycling shoes for security and stability – with ultimate comfort and performance as standard!