new to CX and need some tips

irac Your question about winter gear for races is a good one. You are sure to get different answers from different people but basically you wear the same gear you would for training and add or subtract layers depending on the conditions. Most people would add leg warmers, arm wamers and maybe a base layer shirt with a windproof panel on the front to their fall racing gear. I also believe that some extra wind protection for your privates will make things more pleasant. Try the Craft Windstopper (WS) base layers. A bit pricey but worth it. A toque under your helmet and balaclava if it is really cold and definitely a pair of winter cycling gloves. The lobster kind are good but they do make shifting a little harder. Glasses are a good thing to have just to block the wind from your eyes but they fog up if you stop are slow down on a climb so they are not ideal for racing. A must for training though I think. Footwear is a harder one to answer but a winter MTB shoe would help although to be more economical you can get winter booties to go over your summer shoes. Merino wool socks are great for keeping you warm even if you get a bit wet. Races last an hour at most depending on the category so you will probably not be out long enough to get too cold. I definitely recommend trying out the winter gear in training first so you know what you will need to stay warm. Mike