Easy to agree upon the fact that cycling is the most demanding sport, while I can't even imagine what it takes to compete in cyclo-cross.
I guess, Mike, delta, Alan at least will agree upon the fact that to discover a race track and find the best trajectories, a bicycle is the tool of choice. And if you drive a car under 300hp, you are sensible to where you should place the wheels to save efforts. Best example for youngsters is Eau Rouge, best example for "not so young" could be Pouhon!