Cyclocross fans in the U.S. tend to be passionate and a little crazy-eyed about the sport.

WSJ: Cyclocross: The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl��Jason Gay

The main reason is that the people who follow cyclocross here have probably also raced cyclocross themselves.

WSJ: Cyclocross: The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl��Jason Gay

There are rampant rumors that after the cyclocross world championships are over, there will be a foam afterparty.

WSJ: Cyclocross: The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl��Jason Gay

"I have seen a lot of stuff in cyclocross, " Powers said.

WSJ: Cyclocross: The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl��Jason Gay

Vos is a champion in track, road racing and cyclocross, and not long ago, BBC Sport writer Ben Dirs made the case that she is the greatest cyclist in the world.

WSJ: Cyclocross: The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl��Jason Gay

At a cyclocross race, you can stand in one place, drink your beer, shake your cowbell (that's not a euphemism I mean a real cowbell) and watch the whole thing unfold since a lot of the course will be visible.

WSJ: Cyclocross: The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl��Jason Gay

So let's explain what cyclocross is.

WSJ: Cyclocross: The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl��Jason Gay

It's just not a cyclocross race.

WSJ: Cyclocross: The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl��Jason Gay

Yeah let's talk about cyclocross.

WSJ: Cyclocross: The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl��Jason Gay

And while the races are competitive, cyclocross is also beloved for its laid-back atmosphere and sense of humor. (Taking yourself too seriously is for road racers.) Joan Hanscom, the organizer of the Louisville event, recalled a recent cyclocross race in which a fan in a unicorn costume dangled cookies from a fishing line on the course for passing riders to grab.

WSJ: Cyclocross: The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl��Jason Gay