Cyclocross bikes 'banned' by the ITU?

[m444ttb]

Some I know was hoping to do the event below until reading the rules found that cyclocross bikes aren't allowed by ITU rules. Does anyone know why that would be?

http://www.triferris.com/tomac/index.html

[anonymous-user]

To make it a level playing field - also it does say mountain bike in the event title!

[m444ttb]

It doesn't but in the description it does say '10 mile mountain bike ride' (or similar. I just wondered why there seemed to be a blanket rule from the ITU. The event is what it is. It may not event be CX suitable (whatever that is). I'm tempted to borrow an MTB and give it a go myself though. XC running is my thing so Id be alright at that bit!