XCO Race Categories

If this is your first time racing and you are not sure which category to enter, don’t despair. It’s not that big a deal, and it’s really your choice. No one cares whether you come first or last, and you can change categories next race if you get it wrong anyway.

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Simply ask yourself the following questions:

 

• Do any of my mates I normally ride with race, how do I compare to them and which category do they race in?
   

• Do I already do some road racing, do I know anyone from road racing who is racing the mountain bike and what category are they racing?
   

• How long have I been mountain biking and what are my skills like?
   

• How long do I want to race for? 1 hour with guys or girls of my pace, 1.5 hours with the State's fastest Elite riders, or somewhere in between?

Simply pick a race category you think suits you and enter, it’s that simple. And if you are still unsure, you can’t go wrong entering C grade.

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The information below may also help:

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Men

 

A Grade = Fast, fit, experienced and technically gifted racers - the best in WA
B Grade = Not so fast but still fit, experienced and a high technical ability
C Grade = Intermediate level riders with a reasonable fitness and technical level
D Grade = Intermediate-beginner level with average fitness and technical level
E Grade = Beginners 

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Women

 

A Grade = Fast, fit, experienced and technically gifted racers - the best in WA
B Grade = Fast but not so serious, experienced riders with technical ability
C Grade = Intermediate-beginners level with average fitness
D Grade = Beginners

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Juniors

 

Under 17 = Choose 'Grade' according to ability - awarded U17 category points
Under 15 = Choose 'Grade' according to ability - awarded U15 category points
Under 13 = Races on shorter, easier course with other juniors same age
Under 9 = Races on shorter, easier course with other juniors same age