Cyclocross vs. road bike

No,  First of all the tires my not make it through the breaks.  Less breaking power as well.  Also you have swtich others things as well.  My answer is no.

Not really.

1.) The angles are wrong. A cross bike has slacker STA and HTA and, therefore as Kathy pointed out, a slightly shorter top tube. OK, a minor point for 40min + 1 lap, but it's a diference.

2.) The BB height is wrong. A cross bike should have a higher bottom bracket for clearance. OK, a minor point for 40min + 1 lap...

3.) You'll not have clearance for a 32 or 34mm tire. You can find 28's sometimes, but they're terrible handling.

4.) Unless you've got tree trunks for quads, the gearing will be very wrong. Cross bikes run a 46/36 compact w/ a 12-27 cassette. Your road bike is likely 53/39 w/ a 12-25. Your gearing will be terribly wrong.

5.) Brakes: They're not going to shed mud, gass, etc. like cantilevers. They'll also not have enough stopping / slowing power to ride safely.

6.) Front fork will likely be way to flexy

You're better off w/ an old hardtail mountain bike and, if you can afford or have them, some low rolling resistance dry weather, low profile tires. Pump the suspension up hard or lock it out. No bar ends allowed.