Racing Rules

Cyclocross Racing Rules

(Updated September 2025)

UPCROSS prides itself on providing a race series without the stuffiness of "sanctioned" races. The rules we have adopted are meant to ensure our events are safe, competitive, fair, and most importantly: fun. 

Equipment 

UCI 1.3.001 “Each [rider] shall ensure that his equipment (bicycle with accessories and other devices fitted, headgear, clothing, etc.) does not, by virtue of its quality, materials or design, constitute any danger to himself or to others.”
All riders must wear a properly secured helmet complying to DOT or CPSC standards when riding/ racing on course.

Pit Areas

UPCROSS courses will include a pit area in which equipment changes and repairs may be made. Pit areas should be straight and not include any obstacles. The pit lane should be separated from the racing lane with tape. Pit location should be near the finish line.

Classification

UCI 5.1.050 All riders who cross the finish line after the winner shall have finished the race and will be given a placing on the basis of their position. A rider who retires must leave the course immediately and does not have the right to cross the finish line. S/He shall be listed in the results as «DNF» («did not finish») and shall not be awarded any points for this event or the series.
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Lapped Riders: All riders will finish on the same lap as the race leader- no riders will be pulled. Lapped riders are asked to pull to the side to allow leaders to pass.

Racers must complete at least 4 of the 6 races to be in contention for the series standings. Your 5 best races will be used to calculate final standings. This is intended to help ensure that the series is a series, and that the title (or coveted tenth place) doesn't go to a rider who does well in a couple races. For 2025 season, those who wish to be eligible for season-end points must race at least one race at Al Quaal, on either October 25 or October 26, 2025.

Series  Race Points

1st: 35 points
2nd: 31 points
3rd: 28 points
​4th: 25 points
5th: 22 points
6th: 20 points
7th: 19 points
8th: - 25th: 18 -1 points

Double Points will be Awarded for UP Cyclocross Championship

"Call Ups"

Series Races: Self seed based on your current standings and/or ability.  Or at the discretion of the race host.
UPCROSS Finals: Preferred start for series leaders

Categories 

Riders are free to choose the categories they race. Please consider your riding ability and level of competitiveness when choosing categories. The higher categories are more competitive.

Category A: Elite Racers 
Category B: Intermediate Racers
Category C: Beginning Racers
Masters:  Age 40+
Single Speed: Racers compete on a bicycle with only one gear
Fat Bike:  Minimum Tire Width 3.8"

Upgrading During Season: Riders may change categories at any time during the season. However, riders upgrading categories at or before one-third of the season may take half of their points.

Mandatory Upgrades: The board reserves the right to mandate a category upgrade for a rider based on, but not limited to: the margin of victory over other racers, consecutive victories, and winning the UPCROSS Championship in the category.

Please don't be a sandbagger. If you are crushing the competition, move up.