Race Category
Race category is a group of racers with similar race experience. The Minnesota League uses the Ability Based Racing model, a category and upgrade method that was first implemented for the MN League in 2017. This category system is based on rider ability and not solely their age.
The race category is reflected in the Race Plate, which is attached to a racer's bike during a race, and displays a unique racer number. The number is part of a dedicated number range that identifies a racer's race category.
Individual Awards are given for each race category.
Category Placement (CPT)
Riders from the Prior Season are placed in a race category according to age/grade, race experience, and race results from the prior race season. All past high school riders are subject to seasonal upgrades per the rules. Riders from last year may advance in category according to the Rule Book Criteria.
The CPT is the basis for the CALLUP order for the first race(s) - taking into account their team's bye-weeks.
New Riders are placed in a category based on their age/grade and will fall at the back of the CALLUPS for their race category until their race results give them a callup placement.
Once every rider has raced, the initial season CPT is no longer relevant, and the current season's rider's performance dictates their CALLUP order for a given race/category.
Upgrade Petition
- The coach may petition a student athlete into a more advanced race category at the beginning of the season
- Student athletes may petition up or down.
- Student athletes will only be moved out of JV2 once they have reached a high performance level or petition.
- A student athlete 'upgrade' in category includes no more than a 1-lap increase
- All petitions are subject to approval by the league.
If a rider changes categories mid-season, the racing points they earn in their prior category do not follow them into the new category for callup's, but will be counted for overall position at the end of the season.
How to Petition:
- Download this document : NICA Petition Form.
- Review the Category Qualification Rules below
- Fill in details for the rider.
- Submit by email to Joshua Kleve League Director.
Contact info@minnesotamtb.org with any questions regarding CPT.
Category Structure
Male and female student-athletes compete with the same athletic windows.
Category |
Qualification for Category Applied based on prior year results and the possibility of petitioning |
Race Duration* *Current coaching standards dictate all races are under 90 minutes |
Point Structures**
|
Middle School |
|
||
7th Grade | 7th grade student-athletes only |
20 to 45 minutes (1 lap) |
500 and descending |
8th Grade | 8th grade student-athletes only |
20 to 45 minutes (1 lap) |
500 and descending |
High School |
|
||
Freshman |
9th grade student-athletes or middle school athletes who petition into the category |
40 to 60 minutes (2 laps) |
500 and descending |
JV 2 | Sophomore, Junior and Senior student athletes |
40 to 60 minutes (2 laps) |
500 and descending |
JV 3 |
Freshman student-athletes who: -- A. Placed in the top 10% in any two races, or-- JV 2 student-athletes who: |
60 to 90 minutes (3 laps) |
545 descending |
Varsity |
Freshman student-athletes who: JV 3 student-athletes who: |
Under 90 minutes (4 laps) |
570 descending |