Information for mtb east league - U7/9/12
We’re excited to introduce this friendly, family-oriented race series designed to encourage youngsters to get into the thrill of mountain biking. Here’s everything you need to know about the age categories, race format, and what makes this series so unique:
What Are the Age Categories?
This is a gentle introduction to racing, perfect for young riders. Here’s how the categories break down:
• Under 7: Riders born since 2018
• Under 9: Riders born between 2016 - 2017
• Under 12: Riders born between 2013 - 2015
• U7/U9/U12 Races are £5 per round
• We only charge £5 for a race number board. This one-time fee covers all rounds. If lost, replacements are £5.
• Under 7s (U7): 7-minute race. Parents/guardians can assist but must not influence the race outcome. Balance bikes are welcome!
• Under 9s (U9): 12-minute race.
• Under 12s (12): 18-minute race.
5Adult Categories in the 2024 Travers MTB Series
We’re excited to introduce some updates to our adult race categories, designed to accommodate the incredible growth we saw in 2024 and to welcome new riders to the sport. Here’s everything you need to know about the categories for both male and female riders.
What’s New in 2025?
1. Some categories have been renamed to make it easier for riders to understand.
- Juvenile is now U14 - Under 14 (riders aged 12 or 13 years old)
- Youth is now U16 - Under 16 (riders aged 14 or 15 years old)
- League 1 (L1) has changed to Sport 1 (S1) in both the Female and Male categories
- League 2 (L2) has changed to Sport 1 (S2) currently only Male category
2. Race Day Timing change changed slightly and some cateories have moved.
- U14 and U16 Male riders have been moved from the womens race to the S2 category.
- U14 and U16 Female riders remain with the womens race.
- Fun Men now start at the same time as the Fun women.
- The S2 Mens race and the Elite/S1 Mens race have swapped, The Elite/S1 mens race is now the last event of the day.
The Female U14 and U16 category will be run with the Female Adult Race starting ahead of the Male Fun and Women Fun Category.
The Male U14 and U16 category will be run with the Male S2 Adult Race Category.
• U14: Riders born in 2011-2012
• U16: Riders born in 2009-2010
Women’s Categories - Explained if you are new to the MTB east League and not sure which to choose.
- Elite: For competitive riders at the top of their game, representing the Southeast region.
- S1 (Sport 1): Perfect if you’re competitive but not quite at the Elite level yet.
- Fun: A welcoming category for those new to racing—focused on enjoyment and learning from others.
Men’s Categories - Explained if you are new to the MTB east League and not sure which to choose.
- Elite: For competitive riders at the top of their game, representing the Southeast region.
- S1 (Sport 1): Great for competitive riders who aren’t quite at the Elite level.
- S2 (Sport 2): For riders who love the thrill of racing but keep it fun and social.
- Fun: Ideal for beginners, offering a relaxed introduction to mountain bike racing.
The Fun categories are all about easing into racing in a supportive, no-pressure environment. With shorter race distances and no series awards, it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new, improve your skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of the MTB community.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or brand new to the sport, there’s a place for everyone in the 2025 MTB east League. Let’s make it a year to remember—see you on the trails! 🚵♀️🚵♂️
Rewards and Prizes
• Medals: Every finisher receives a medal and a tag to add to it at each race.
• Series Points: Points are awarded for finishing positions in each round.
• The best 8 of 10 results count toward the overall series standings.
• Top Prizes: The top 3 riders in each category (male and female) will win prizes.
Important Notes
• No Entry on the Day: All entries must be completed online.
• Results: Posted online the same evening after the event.
• Final Bell and Flag: A bell rings with one lap to go.
• All riders will finish on the checkered flag after the winner crosses the line.
This League is all about having fun, building confidence, and fostering a love for mountain biking in a supportive, inclusive environment. Whether your little one is racing for the first time or already a seasoned rider, we can’t wait to see them on the start line!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Let’s make 2025 an unforgettable year of mountain biking! 🚵♂️🎉
Key Race Details
What Happened to the Travers MTB Series?
Its has changed name to "MTB east League"! Why? to allow us to expand across the region, to help other organisers/clubs riun races and to bring back the fun to mountain biking in the region.
Do I need to Join the MTB east League?
Yes but it simple to do, when entering just buy a number board £5 for under 16s and £15 for everyone else. This gives you access to all races curently run under MTB east. Just enter the race and bring along your board.
How do I enter the races?
There are 2 options:
I have already entered a couple of races in the 2025 season, I want to ride more, do I need to buy a new number baord?
Nope! if you have already ridden in 2025, then you are already a member, use the same number board.
Entry Limits:
Entry Deadlines:
• Entries close: Midnight, Wednesday before each round.
• No entry on the day – pre-entry online only.
Race Day Schedule:
• See the home page and/or your email with race details normally sent out Friday before the race.
Number of Rounds:
• There are 10 rounds in 2025.
• Your top 8 results count toward your overall series position. If you do all 10 your worst 2 will be dropped.
• The Fun category does not have overall standings, just results for each round
Prizes:
• Overall Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for male and female riders at the end of the League.
• Additional Prizes: Thanks to sponsors. These prizes will be randomly allocated, so everyone has a chance to win!
Race Essentials
• Bike: Any off-road-capable bike is welcome, including fat bikes and cyclocross bikes.
• Helmet: A correctly fitted helmet is mandatory that meets British standards.
What to Do on Race Day:
• Collect your number board and from the Travers Gazebo.
• Keep these items safe, as they’re used for all 10 rounds. Lost or forgotten items cost £5 to replace.
• Once collected at your first race you do not need to sign on at preceeding races.
Course Details:
The course is different at every round, please see the Venue page for more information.
Facilities & Location
This again changes at every venue, please see the Venue page for more details.
Car Parking:
• This changes at each venue, you will be directed by marshals to the correct location.
• Please ensure no litter is left behind, this included banana skins
Which Category Should I Enter?
Adult categories are based on ability, not age. Choose the level that matches your experience: Elite, S 1, S2, or Fun.
Riders Under 16 will ride in their appropriate age category, U7, U9, U12, U14, U16
How Old Do I Need to Be to Race in the Adult Categories?
You must be 16 or older.
What course do I ride?
U7, U9 and U12 ride on a shortened adults course, the U7 course is short and mainly flat, the U7 is slightly longer and the U12 is longer again.
U14, U16 and all adult categories all use the main adult course at all venues.
The MTB east League is designed to be welcoming and inclusive, so whether you’re here to compete or just have fun, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you on the trails! 🚵♀️🚵♂️
What Happened to the Travers MTB Series?
Its has changed name to "MTB east League"! Why? to allow us to expand across the region, to help other organisers/clubs riun races and to bring back the fun to mountain biking in the region.
Do I need to Join the MTB east League?
Yes but it simple to do, when entering just buy a number board £5 for under 16s and £15 for everyone else. This gives you access to all races curently run under MTB east. Just enter the race and bring along your board.
How do I enter the races?
There are 2 options:
- Single entry: You can just pick and choose the rounds you want to ride, there is no min or max.
- Series entry: Just one click and you are entered all 10 rounds.
I have already entered a couple of races in the 2025 season, I want to ride more, do I need to buy a new number baord?
Nope! if you have already ridden in 2025, then you are already a member, use the same number board.
Entry Limits:
- Each category is capped at 50 riders due to limited parking and narrow singletrack (this will be reviewed).
- Series entries guarantee a spot at every race.
Entry Deadlines:
• Entries close: Midnight, Wednesday before each round.
• No entry on the day – pre-entry online only.
Race Day Schedule:
• See the home page and/or your email with race details normally sent out Friday before the race.
Number of Rounds:
• There are 10 rounds in 2025.
• Your top 8 results count toward your overall series position. If you do all 10 your worst 2 will be dropped.
• The Fun category does not have overall standings, just results for each round
Prizes:
• Overall Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for male and female riders at the end of the League.
• Additional Prizes: Thanks to sponsors. These prizes will be randomly allocated, so everyone has a chance to win!
Race Essentials
• Bike: Any off-road-capable bike is welcome, including fat bikes and cyclocross bikes.
• Helmet: A correctly fitted helmet is mandatory that meets British standards.
What to Do on Race Day:
• Collect your number board and from the Travers Gazebo.
• Keep these items safe, as they’re used for all 10 rounds. Lost or forgotten items cost £5 to replace.
• Once collected at your first race you do not need to sign on at preceeding races.
Course Details:
The course is different at every round, please see the Venue page for more information.
Facilities & Location
This again changes at every venue, please see the Venue page for more details.
Car Parking:
• This changes at each venue, you will be directed by marshals to the correct location.
• Please ensure no litter is left behind, this included banana skins
Which Category Should I Enter?
Adult categories are based on ability, not age. Choose the level that matches your experience: Elite, S 1, S2, or Fun.
Riders Under 16 will ride in their appropriate age category, U7, U9, U12, U14, U16
How Old Do I Need to Be to Race in the Adult Categories?
You must be 16 or older.
What course do I ride?
U7, U9 and U12 ride on a shortened adults course, the U7 course is short and mainly flat, the U7 is slightly longer and the U12 is longer again.
U14, U16 and all adult categories all use the main adult course at all venues.
The MTB east League is designed to be welcoming and inclusive, so whether you’re here to compete or just have fun, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you on the trails! 🚵♀️🚵♂️