Mountain Bike XC
Mountain Bike XC
How do i sign up?
There are loads of XC races around in Scotland. Many adult events often have Junior and kids races too. Have a look at the Scottish Cross Country website for starters www.sxc.org.uk, you can also search on the British Cycling website.
You can race the U12 races or any of the other categories without a full licence. If riding in Juvenile or Youth you can enter with a day licence. Most regular riders own a license because they compete in other cycling disciplines which require one. You can become a member of British Cycling and get a race license for free (Membership is £9 for under 12s or £15 for under 16s).
What is XC racing?
In Cross-Country racing, riders start together (massed start) and compete on a marked lap very much like cyclocross. Under 12’s tackle a different course to the older children and adults with multiple laps of a short circuit.
The courses for U12’s tend to be all on grass but can have some low level technical features with climbing, descending, single-track and tight turns, mud or other difficult terrain. Youth and adult courses are typically 3–6 Kilometres and are usually a combination of grass, fire road and single track. They are often on bespoke race day courses but would be graded blue/red in difficulty.
Some XC events will incorporate a mix of racing in that they will have short crits over a small course with a fast pace of racing. There are also MTB time trials. The U12 races are all well supported and organised and an easy introduction to racing in general.
How long are the races?
XC races for under 12’s are around 15-20mins and under 16’s around 30 – 60 minutes dependant on category.
What sort of bike can be used?
A standard mountain bike with front suspension can be used for either although a full suspension bike in downhill is advantageous. XC bikes tend to have only front suspension and are light. For safety you must ensure that you have got bar plugs in.
Age categories
Races are split into different age groups
U12’s – usually split into 3 categories with races of different lengths on the smaller version of the course.
Juvenile – they must be at least 12 or in their 13th or 14th year.
Youth – they must be in their 15th or 16th year.
Junior – they must be in their 17th or 18th year.