Information for mtb east league - U7/9/12
MTB East Kids Races – 2026 FAQ 🚵♂️✨🚵🏽♀️
Entries close at midnight on the Wednesday before each race.
Our kids’ series is friendly, supportive, and designed to help young riders fall in love with mountain biking. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026 ⬇️
Age Categories for 2026 🧒🏽👧🏻👦🏿
Age groups are decided by year of birth:
• Under 7 (U7) → Born 2019 or later
• Under 9 (U9) → Born 2017–2018
• Under 12 (U12) → Born 2014–2016
Race Format & Prices 💷⏱️
• Race entry: £5 per round (U7, U9, U12)
• MTB East Membership: Paid once per year; includes your race number board
• Replacement number board: £5 if lost
Race durations:
• U7: 7 minutes (parents may assist but cannot influence the result — balance bikes welcome!) 🏁
• U9: 12 minutes
• U12: 18 minutes
How the 2026 Series Works 🏆📊
The 2026 season has 7 rounds, and:
• Your best 6 results count toward the season standings
• All riders earn series points in every round
• Every finisher receives a medal and a collectible tag at every race 🎖️
There are no podium prizes for the kids categories — the focus is on fun, progression, and confidence building.
Why Kids Love MTB East ❤️🌲
• Supportive, family-friendly racing environment
• Short, confidence-building courses
• Safe, well-marshalled routes
• Perfect for beginners and keen young riders
• Fun, encouraging atmosphere full of energy and smiles 🥳✨
Important Information 📌
• No entry on the day — all entries must be completed online
• Results posted within 24 hours of the race
• A final bell rings for “one lap to go” 🔔
• All riders finish on the chequered flag 🏁
Bike Requirements 🚴🏾♀️🔧
To keep racing safe and fair:
• Any safe, well-maintained bike is suitable (MTB recommended)
• Helmets must be worn at all times
• Handlebars must have end caps
• Gloves recommended
• Balance bikes allowed in U7 only
Parent Zone 👨🏾👩🏼👧🏻👨🏼👦🏽👩🏿👧👦
• Spectators welcome and encouraged
• Please avoid blocking start/finish areas
• No running alongside riders (except in the U7 assistance zone)
• Cheer loud — it makes a huge difference! 📣😄
This league is all about having fun, building confidence, and fostering a love for mountain biking in a supportive, inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see your young riders on the start line in 2026! 🚵🏿♂️🎉
Entries close at midnight on the Wednesday before each race.
Our kids’ series is friendly, supportive, and designed to help young riders fall in love with mountain biking. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026 ⬇️
Age Categories for 2026 🧒🏽👧🏻👦🏿
Age groups are decided by year of birth:
• Under 7 (U7) → Born 2019 or later
• Under 9 (U9) → Born 2017–2018
• Under 12 (U12) → Born 2014–2016
Race Format & Prices 💷⏱️
• Race entry: £5 per round (U7, U9, U12)
• MTB East Membership: Paid once per year; includes your race number board
• Replacement number board: £5 if lost
Race durations:
• U7: 7 minutes (parents may assist but cannot influence the result — balance bikes welcome!) 🏁
• U9: 12 minutes
• U12: 18 minutes
How the 2026 Series Works 🏆📊
The 2026 season has 7 rounds, and:
• Your best 6 results count toward the season standings
• All riders earn series points in every round
• Every finisher receives a medal and a collectible tag at every race 🎖️
There are no podium prizes for the kids categories — the focus is on fun, progression, and confidence building.
Why Kids Love MTB East ❤️🌲
• Supportive, family-friendly racing environment
• Short, confidence-building courses
• Safe, well-marshalled routes
• Perfect for beginners and keen young riders
• Fun, encouraging atmosphere full of energy and smiles 🥳✨
Important Information 📌
• No entry on the day — all entries must be completed online
• Results posted within 24 hours of the race
• A final bell rings for “one lap to go” 🔔
• All riders finish on the chequered flag 🏁
Bike Requirements 🚴🏾♀️🔧
To keep racing safe and fair:
• Any safe, well-maintained bike is suitable (MTB recommended)
• Helmets must be worn at all times
• Handlebars must have end caps
• Gloves recommended
• Balance bikes allowed in U7 only
Parent Zone 👨🏾👩🏼👧🏻👨🏼👦🏽👩🏿👧👦
• Spectators welcome and encouraged
• Please avoid blocking start/finish areas
• No running alongside riders (except in the U7 assistance zone)
• Cheer loud — it makes a huge difference! 📣😄
This league is all about having fun, building confidence, and fostering a love for mountain biking in a supportive, inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see your young riders on the start line in 2026! 🚵🏿♂️🎉
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MTB East League – Key Race Details 2026 🚵🏾♀️🚵🏻♂️✨
Why Is the MTB East League Reduced to 7 Rounds This Year?
In July our son was diagnosed with cancer, and as a family we needed to ensure we could still run the series reliably while supporting him through treatment.
Reducing the League to 7 rounds for 2026 gives us the stability and capacity we need.
We fully intend to expand back out to additional venues again in 2027, with the same level of energy, variety, and community spirit that riders expect from MTB East. 💙
Do I Need to Join the MTB East League?
Yes — all riders must hold MTB East Membership to race.
You can get this in two ways:
1) When entering your first race of 2026, purchase membership:
• Under 16s: £5
• 16+ riders: £15
This includes your new 2026 race number board.
2) If you buy a Series Entry, your MTB East Membership is included automatically, and you receive your 2026 number board.
All riders will receive a new number board for 2026, even if they raced in 2025.
Replacement boards during the season are £5.
How Do I Enter the Races?
Two options:
• Single Entry: Pick and choose the rounds you want — no minimum or maximum.
• Series Entry: One click enters you into all 7 rounds AND includes your MTB east Membership.
Entry Limits 🚦
• Each category is capped at approximately 50 riders due to parking and narrow singletrack (review ongoing).
• Series entries guarantee your place at all rounds.
Entry Deadlines ⏳
• Entries close at midnight on the Wednesday before each race.
• No entry on the day — online entry only.
Race Day Schedule 📅
• Full schedule is emailed out (normally Friday before each round) and posted on the homepage.
Number of Rounds in 2026 🏁
• The League has 7 rounds.
• Your best 6 results count toward your overall series standing.
• The Fun category has no championship standings — just round-by-round results.
Prizes 🥇🥈🥉
• Overall Awards: Top 3 male and female riders in each adult category at the end of the League.
• Random Draw Prizes: Thanks to sponsors — everyone has a chance to win! 🎉
Race Essentials 🚴🏽♂️🔧
• Bike: Any off-road-capable bike is welcome (MTB, CX, fat bikes).
• Helmet: Mandatory and must meet a recognised safety standard.
• Handlebars must have end caps.
What to Do on Race Day 👇
• Collect your 2026 race number board from the MTB East gazebo.
• Keep it safe — you will use it at every race.
• Lost or forgotten boards cost £5 to replace.
• After collecting your board the first time, you do not need to sign on again — just go straight to the start grid.
Course Details 🌲
• Each round has a different course. See the Venue page for maps and details.
Facilities & Location 🏞️
• Facilities vary by venue — toilets, catering, and parking info listed on the Venue page.
Car Parking 🚗
• Marshals will direct you on arrival.
• Please take all litter home — including banana skins 🍌🙂
Which Category Should I Enter? 🤔
Adult categories are based on ability, not age (except needing to be 16+):
• Elite 🚵🏿♂️
For highly competitive riders with strong technical skills, excellent fitness, and regular race experience.
Expect a fast pace, confident handling, and consistent lap times.
• S1 (Sport 1) 🚵🏼♀️
For experienced, fit riders who love to race but are just below Elite level.
Good technical skills, strong fitness, and confident riding at speed.
• S2 (Sport 2) 🚵🏽
For capable riders who enjoy racing but prefer a more relaxed pace than S1.
Suitable for riders building experience, improving fitness, or returning after time away.
• Fun 😄🚵🏻♀️
A friendly, welcoming category for those new to MTB racing.
Shorter distance, no series standings — ideal for confidence building.
Riders Under 16 compete in age categories: U7, U9, U12, U14, U16.
How Old Must I Be to Race Adult Categories?
You must be 16 or older.
Which Course Do I Ride? 📏
• U7, U9, U12: Shortened adult course
– U7: Short, flat
– U9: Longer
– U12: Longer again
• U14, U16, and all adult categories: Full adult course at every venue.
The MTB East League is welcoming, inclusive, and built for every kind of rider — from first-timers to experienced racers.
We can’t wait to see you on the trails in 2026! 🚵🏿♂️🎉🚵🏾♀️
Why Is the MTB East League Reduced to 7 Rounds This Year?
In July our son was diagnosed with cancer, and as a family we needed to ensure we could still run the series reliably while supporting him through treatment.
Reducing the League to 7 rounds for 2026 gives us the stability and capacity we need.
We fully intend to expand back out to additional venues again in 2027, with the same level of energy, variety, and community spirit that riders expect from MTB East. 💙
Do I Need to Join the MTB East League?
Yes — all riders must hold MTB East Membership to race.
You can get this in two ways:
1) When entering your first race of 2026, purchase membership:
• Under 16s: £5
• 16+ riders: £15
This includes your new 2026 race number board.
2) If you buy a Series Entry, your MTB East Membership is included automatically, and you receive your 2026 number board.
All riders will receive a new number board for 2026, even if they raced in 2025.
Replacement boards during the season are £5.
How Do I Enter the Races?
Two options:
• Single Entry: Pick and choose the rounds you want — no minimum or maximum.
• Series Entry: One click enters you into all 7 rounds AND includes your MTB east Membership.
Entry Limits 🚦
• Each category is capped at approximately 50 riders due to parking and narrow singletrack (review ongoing).
• Series entries guarantee your place at all rounds.
Entry Deadlines ⏳
• Entries close at midnight on the Wednesday before each race.
• No entry on the day — online entry only.
Race Day Schedule 📅
• Full schedule is emailed out (normally Friday before each round) and posted on the homepage.
Number of Rounds in 2026 🏁
• The League has 7 rounds.
• Your best 6 results count toward your overall series standing.
• The Fun category has no championship standings — just round-by-round results.
Prizes 🥇🥈🥉
• Overall Awards: Top 3 male and female riders in each adult category at the end of the League.
• Random Draw Prizes: Thanks to sponsors — everyone has a chance to win! 🎉
Race Essentials 🚴🏽♂️🔧
• Bike: Any off-road-capable bike is welcome (MTB, CX, fat bikes).
• Helmet: Mandatory and must meet a recognised safety standard.
• Handlebars must have end caps.
What to Do on Race Day 👇
• Collect your 2026 race number board from the MTB East gazebo.
• Keep it safe — you will use it at every race.
• Lost or forgotten boards cost £5 to replace.
• After collecting your board the first time, you do not need to sign on again — just go straight to the start grid.
Course Details 🌲
• Each round has a different course. See the Venue page for maps and details.
Facilities & Location 🏞️
• Facilities vary by venue — toilets, catering, and parking info listed on the Venue page.
Car Parking 🚗
• Marshals will direct you on arrival.
• Please take all litter home — including banana skins 🍌🙂
Which Category Should I Enter? 🤔
Adult categories are based on ability, not age (except needing to be 16+):
• Elite 🚵🏿♂️
For highly competitive riders with strong technical skills, excellent fitness, and regular race experience.
Expect a fast pace, confident handling, and consistent lap times.
• S1 (Sport 1) 🚵🏼♀️
For experienced, fit riders who love to race but are just below Elite level.
Good technical skills, strong fitness, and confident riding at speed.
• S2 (Sport 2) 🚵🏽
For capable riders who enjoy racing but prefer a more relaxed pace than S1.
Suitable for riders building experience, improving fitness, or returning after time away.
• Fun 😄🚵🏻♀️
A friendly, welcoming category for those new to MTB racing.
Shorter distance, no series standings — ideal for confidence building.
Riders Under 16 compete in age categories: U7, U9, U12, U14, U16.
How Old Must I Be to Race Adult Categories?
You must be 16 or older.
Which Course Do I Ride? 📏
• U7, U9, U12: Shortened adult course
– U7: Short, flat
– U9: Longer
– U12: Longer again
• U14, U16, and all adult categories: Full adult course at every venue.
The MTB East League is welcoming, inclusive, and built for every kind of rider — from first-timers to experienced racers.
We can’t wait to see you on the trails in 2026! 🚵🏿♂️🎉🚵🏾♀️