Cycling BC is excited to share several updates for the Downhill mountain biking discipline for the 2025 season. These updates were developed in collaboration with Cycling Canada and involved input from key stakeholders in the sport, including athletes, coaches, parents, event organizers and commissaires, with the goal being to ensure safe, fair, and progressive racing experiences at all levels.
New U15 Sport and U15 Expert Categories
The U15 Downhill age category, previously a single group, will now be divided into two groups based on ability level, similar to how the U17 and U19 age categories are separated. The U15 Sport category is for new and beginner riders, while U15 Expert is for more experienced and advanced riders. With the increasing size of fields in this age group, the division based on skill level will assist in managing start lists, minimize the chances of on-track passing, and create opportunities for younger riders to race categories with those of similar ability, opening up opportunities for success and advancement in the sport. View our list of DH Categories.
Reminder: Category Upgrade Policy Updates for Mountain Bike Racing
As previously announced in December 2024, Cycling BC has updated its Category Upgrade Policy for Mountain Bike Cross-country and Downhill racing. The updated policy introduces a points matrix for Mountain Bike racing, awarding upgrade points based on a rider’s finish placement and the category’s field size, similar to how upgrade points are awarded in other cycling disciplines.
Riders who qualify for an upgrade to the next ability category are encouraged to submit their upgrade request by February 20, 2025, to allow plenty of time to process the upgrade request ahead of the season. Visit cyclingbc.net/upgrade-request to submit an upgrade request.
Commissaire Development
Commissaires are essential to the sport’s success and we need more of them! We have updated the commissaire education modules to make it easier and more fun to get involved as a commissaire. If you are an athlete interested in officiating as part of your race experience (for example, racing in the morning and officiating in the afternoon), or if you are a parent already planning to attend events, we invite you to join our commissaire team for both volunteer and paid opportunities.
For more information about any of the above, please contact Ben Chaddock, Head of Coach Development for Cycling BC, at 604-737-3034 or ben@cyclingbc.net .