The sport originated early in the 20th century in France, but it eventually became popular throughout western Europe and in the United States. World championships were initiated in 1925; by 1950 these were recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI; International Cyclists' Union). After 1967 amateur and professional classes were officially separated in competition.

The 16–24-kilometre (10–15-mile) cyclo-cross course, often involving laps, is usually completed in 60–75 minutes. A course typically includes obstacles such as ditches, mud, fallen trees, streams, flights of stairs, fences, and gates; artificial hurdles are added to insufficiently challenging natural courses. Cyclo-cross races are usually held from September to March, adding winter weather hazards to the challenge.

There is a massed start with the field assembling not more than two abreast. Helpers are often stationed around the course with spare bicycles in case the original machine encounters mechanical difficulties or becomes too weighted down by mud picked up on the course. Compare motocross.