Information for Mountain Bike Racing:
Ability-Based Categories and Point Series Policies
[Version: April 6, 2011]
In 2010 Bicycle Nova Scotia made the move to ability-based categories for all sanctioned events. On the whole, this re-structuring has made for more exciting and satisfying racing, and also made the lives of our organizers easier - a benefit not to be understated. Listed below is a description of the ability-based categories at BNS mountain bike events.This document replaces all former policies regarding its subject matter, and is in effect until its future revision. Our aim is to provide all the information relevant to racers in one location, and to do so in a clear and precise manner. Please forward any suggestions and/or comments to president@bicycle.ns.ca or BNS.MTB@gmail.com.
Categories
Category A: Desired finish time of 1hr 50 minutes - 2 hours.
Racers competing in the “A” category will cover the longest distances of all categories and typically in the shortest period of time. This category is frequently visited by the province’s top athletes but is welcome to any racers interested in competing against other racers who’s devotion to cycling is more than recreational.
Category B: Desired finish time of 1hr 30 minutes.
This category suits those riders who have graduated from the “beginner” phase of mountain bike racing and consider themselves confident riders with competitive aspirations. Category B attracts the largest number of racers ranging from those with minimal training time—weekend warriors—to those riders developing their fitness before moving up to Category A.
Category Female A: Desired finish time of 1hr 30 minutes.
The female A category was created for those women who are interested racing for 1 ½ hours. This category rewards women of significant fitness and skill who are interested in a more intense race experience. To facilitate this, the Female A category will start and finish with the Category B, but will be recognized separately.
Category C: Desired finish time of 1 hour.
Members of the “C” category consist of those interested in trying mountain bike racing and/or those who are still learning and developing their mountain bike skills.
Category Female B: Desired finished time of 1 hour.
This category is for those women new to racing or those who are still developing their fitness and riding skills. Female B may opt for its own start time behind Category C.
Youth Categories: Under-13, U-15, and U-17.
These age-based categories are shorter events ranging from roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour in length.
Restrictions on Movement Between Categories
BNS does not enforce a formal system of mandatory progression through the categorical hierarchy. As the ability-based system suggests, racers are free to race in whatever category they feel is most appropriate for their ability level. However, it is expected that all racers will exhibit appropriate and realistic consideration for their fellow riders, and refrain from dominating transitional categories—in other words, any category save Category A.
Points Calculation
Points will be awarded to those individuals finishing in their respective categories. Points are calculated based on the % of time you finish behind the winner of your category. Points earned within a category will remain in that category regardless of whether a member moves up to another category. At the end of the season points will be totaled and awards given to the top 3 racers in each category. Points will be calculated based on a “best y of x races” format, which will be clarified upon the solidification of the racing schedule.
Prize Money
Organizers are encouraged to operate financially sustainable events, and BNS leaves the decision whether to offer prize money to their discretion. However, in the interests of gender equity, should an organizer award prize money to the top placing men in the highest category, they must also make an equal award to the top placing women in the highest category, which will typically result in an award to women racing in Category Female A.
