Mountain bike races are full of adventure, excitement, and adrenaline both for the riders and spectators. MTB races are one of the most popular adventure sports events from all over the world. The first mountain bike event was conducted in 1988 under the title UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. Soon after this, Mountain Biking was also added to the Olympics as an official sport in 1993. Over time, mountain biking has diversified into further categories, each different from the other. So, before you hop on to look for “MTB races near me” have a look at the guide below as it would help you to understand all the different types of races and provide you with some tips if you want to participate in an mtb bike race.
Part 1: Types of Mountain Bike Races
Mountain bike races are usually of four types, the rest are slight variations of the formats.
Cross-Country:
Cross Country or also known as XC is a shorter format of mountain bike races that is usually based on a 6 to 8 kilometers circuit. It features a varied terrain which makes it highly competitive. According to UCI and NOBRA rules, professional-level XC races cannot be longer than fifty kilometers. Riders can have technical assistance in designated zones but only from an authorized mechanic. Riders on the same team can help out each other. There are many variations for a cross country race some of which include, Short Track Cross Country where the circuit is only 800 meters long, and Cross Country eliminator, where riders have a specific time to complete the lap.
DownHill:
Downhill racing, as the name suggests, features a steep downhill terrain. In races as such technique is the key to success. The faster you can descend, the greater your chances of winning the race. Downhill or DH races are usually fast-paced which means that riding speeds are higher when compared to cross country racing. Riders have a specified time to cross each section of the trail, and the rider with the lowest time wins. While you can use a standard mountain bike to participate in a DH race, it is always preferred to have a full long-travel suspension bike.
Free Ride:
A free ride race is not a race in its true sense but more like a competition, riders get together and display their skills to other peers and the audience. The free-ride circuit consists of various obstacles, ramps, and cliffs that even allow riders to perform stunts in between. People evaluate riders on two criteria, the time taken to complete the circuit and the tricks performed. Everyone enjoys such races, irrespective of whether they ride a mountain bike or not. Who doesn’t appreciate some good stunts on a bike? Dual Slalom or DS is a derivative of free ride competitions where two riders compete on identical man-made obstacle courses, and the first one to cross the finish line wins. If you are looking for mtb races near me, you would most likely come across free ride events.
Enduro:
Enduro is the most unique and extensive mountain bike racing format. It not only features downhill terrain but also includes uphill tracks. This means that the riders need to make double the effort when compared to a DH race. While all downhills are timed, no time is accumulated for uphill. You can complete the uphill anywhere in the given time, it would not affect your race time. Therefore, enduro is based on timed stages. An enduro event lasts two-three days but week-long events also take place. On average, there are 3 to 5 timed downhill races on each day, and the rider with the lowest time in each stage wins the race.
Part 2: Prep for the Ride
Once you have selected the event you want to participate in from the list of mtb races near me, you need to prepare for it.
Training
Good conditioning is vital for performance during an event. You should at least train for a month before you enroll for a race to ensure that you have enough stamina to last all events. Ideally, you should not work out during the last week because this allows your body to enter the competition fresh. If you are working out in the last few days, you would enter the competition in recovery mode and this would affect your performance.
Bike Adjustments
Needless to say, it is imperative to have a bike that supports the format you have selected. Alongside this, it is always better to check the bike for any adjustments needed for the track. You do not want to lose a race just because of some trivial mechanical problem. Always check your bike before you go to an event
Practice
Knowing the track can give you an edge over other competitors as well as help you to prepare better for the actual race. If possible, you should always go for a trial run before the actual race so that you become familiar with the track. Otherwise, you can take a look at the track so that you know what you would be facing on race day.
Part 3: Tips for Race Day
Regardless of the fact that it is your first race or not, having a clear mind is very important. All you should think about while standing behind the starting line is how you are going to win the race. No other thought should enter your mind except the race. Your body should be well-rested on race day and should be full of energy so that it can work most efficiently. Lastly, if you have a friend on the track, especially if it is your first race, things would become more fun. Not only would the race become more enjoyable but you would make some great memories.
