Mountain biking encompasses a wide range of competitive events, each offering unique challenges and experiences. Below are the key competitions in the world of mountain biking:
1. Cross Country Racing (XC)
Cross-country (XC) racing takes place on a varied terrain circuit, typically ranging from 6 to 8 kilometers. It is always a mass start race. According to UCI rules, elite, U23, and Junior Expert riders at UCI sanctioned events are allowed technical assistance in designated zones by authorized team mechanics. However, teammates can assist each other at any point during the race. Professional-level races usually cover a distance of around 50 kilometers.
2. Cross Country Olympic (XCO)
Cross Country Olympic (XCO) racing is a more intense variant of XC, with races featuring technical features and obstacles. Riders navigate through laps of a challenging course, testing their endurance and technical skills.
3. Short Track Cross Country (STXC)
This fast-paced, exciting event is approximately 800 meters long, with winning times around 1 minute and 30 seconds. STXC is known for its short, sharp nature, making it thrilling to watch and participate in, also referred to as Cross-country eliminator.
4. Downhill (DH) Racing
Downhill racing is a time trial event where riders start at intervals ranging from 30 seconds to three minutes. The rider with the lowest time wins. This discipline features steep, rough terrain, requiring bikes equipped with long-travel suspension and hydraulic disc brakes for optimal performance.
5. Super D
Super D racing blends cross-country and downhill elements, primarily featuring downhill trails with occasional short uphill sections (100–500 meters). Riders typically use cross-country or trail bikes for this event. The start format may vary, with options for seeded starts or a Le Mans mass start.
6. Freeride (FR)
Freeride competitions focus on skill and style rather than traditional racing. Courses include cliffs, drops, obstacles, and ramps, with scoring based on the rider’s choice of routes, fluidity, and tricks performed, along with the completion time.
7. Dual Slalom (DS)
Inspired by ski racing, Dual Slalom pits two riders against each other on identical tracks. The first rider to cross the finish line wins, and the event operates on a knock-out format.
8. Four Cross (4X)
Four Cross (4X) is a thrilling event that features four riders racing on the same course. The event is structured for rapid progression, with elimination rounds determining the final winner. Unlike mountain cross, in 4X, riders take timed runs down the course.
9. Eliminator Cross-country (XCE)
This event features short, technical laps, with riders racing against the clock and each other. The format emphasizes both speed and strategy, making it an exciting addition to mountain biking competitions.
10. Marathon (XCM)
Marathon mountain biking is a grueling endurance event, with races typically covering distances of 60 to 100 kilometers, often on challenging mountainous terrain. Races exceeding 100 kilometers are termed Ultra-Marathons. Recently, the UCI introduced the Marathon World Cup, showcasing this demanding discipline.
11. Enduro
Enduro races feature timed downhill stages, with neutral uphill transfers that are not timed. Riders accumulate their times from the timed downhill sections, and the lowest combined time wins. Enduros can take place over one or two days, with some events lasting up to a week.