IF YOU DO SOMETHING RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, THEN IT’S NOT HARD ENOUGH.
DANNY MACASKILL

What is Gravel?

The discipline ‘gravel’ describes riding a drop-bar bike on trails and unpaved roads, and is fitting somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking. It basically describes any terrain between the steep, rocky inclines of mountain biking, and the smooth asphalt of road biking. It will lead the rider through gorgeous scenery, pleasantly challenging conditions and less cars. Still it remains mostly undefined, as one person might imagine quiet, slightly crunchy roads. Another may see challenging, steep, cratered-out, boulder-pocked trails. At Ontario Cycling, the clue isn’t really in the name – gravel riding can encompass all types of terrain, from actual gravel to wooded singletrack and everything in between. Versatility is key when it comes to gravel bikes, and that extends to gravel riding as a whole. From super-chilled social rides to remote and demanding endurance racing, mass-participation events to dirt touring, there’s something in gravel for everyone.

How do you get involved?

With their feet on the pedals and their head in the clouds, cyclists in all parts of Ontario enjoy the freedom of feeling the fresh air on their skin. If this is the feeling you are seeking, you have come to the right place. Our members are drawn from all areas and backgrounds, with riders from under five years of age up to sixty plus. By becoming a member at Ontario Cycling (OC), you are joining the cycling community, and it will get you access to several activities and member benefits. Get your membership and license here. If you are new to the sport of Gravel racing, please select the entry-level/novice category unless you have a previous race license with another cycling entity (proof required before the license will be issued).

Regional Sanctioned Events

Regional level events have the same categories as Ontario Cup (OCup) events. Events previously classified as citizen-level events now fall within the regional level of sanctioned events. Please confirm with the organizer as some categories may change due to the number of riders participating. Since Gravel World Championships are in October 2022, classes are based on the rider’s age as of December 31, 2022.

Ontario Cup

Ontario Cups are raced at the highest provincial level against riders of their age or ability group. The people and families involved are usually interested in bikes, competitive sports, and their children’s physical and mental health. Ontario Cups also pride themselves on offering equal opportunities to both sexes and top-class competitive sports to all members. It is common for the whole family to be involved. The family nature gives the race day far more depth and dimension than just a simple race – it is an Event with an outstanding atmosphere.

In Gravel, there is no implemented Ontario Cup Series yet. Throughout the races, points are awarded to all categories, except youth ability categories. The best rider will be honoured as a series champion at the end of the season.

Homegrown: Based in the Gravel Cycling Mecca that is Canada’s National Capital Region, Brendan Gorman created the Gravel Cup to share his passion for gravel riding, and to provide a platform for gravel cycling enthusiasts to explore new routes, and challenge themselves on a variety of gravel genres.

Only riders who purchased their racing membership through Ontario Cycling are eligible for OCup points. Riders who upgrade during the season will not carry their accumulated points into their upgraded category. OCup points earned will remain in the class they were awarded within.

The Gravel season aligns with the road season, with the Gravel World Series held from April to September. With the Championships occurring at the end of September/beginning of October in Italy, categories at sanctioned events within the 2022 season are based on the rider’s age as of December 31, 2024.

RIDE AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE OR AS LONG OR AS SHORT AS YOU FEEL, BUT RIDE.
EDDY MERCKX

What is Youth Cycling?

OC currently has both a road and track series that allows riders between the ages of 9-16 to experience the speed and thrills of racing. The series focuses on participation and fun. With each passing year, more youth riders are participating and higher quality events around the province are taking place. The series are driven at the grassroots level with support from racers, parents, clubs and officials. Cyclo-Cross and Mountain Bike races continue to be incorporated into the OCup/Regional race format where youth riders compete within their age and ability level.

How do you get involved?

With their feet on the pedals and their head in the clouds, cyclists in all parts of Ontario enjoy the freedom of feeling the fresh air on their skin. If this is the feeling you are seeking, you came to the right place. Our members are drawn from all areas and backgrounds, with riders from under five years of age up to forty plus. By becoming a member at Ontario Cycling (OC), you are joining the cycling community, and it will get you access to several activities and member benefits. Get your membership and license here. If you are new to the sport of Mountain Bike racing, please select the entry-level/novice category unless you have a previous race license with another cycling entity (proof required before the license will be issued)

Youth MTB Development Series

Beginning in 2022, youth (8-16 years of age, not including U17 Expert) will now be slotted into ability-based “Grade” categories. This change will bring the MTB youth categories into closer alignment with those in Road, Cyclo-cross and Track racing events, and will provide a stronger athlete development system based on ability, rather than simply age.

The youth ability-based system will be a “self-seeding” category structure where coaches/parents are expected to enter their youth athletes in the most appropriate category for their current ability and skill level. Upgrading or downgrading from one youth category to another will be at the discretion of the coach/parent of the athlete. Category standings will continue to be tracked; however, parents/coaches are encouraged to focus more on the youth member’s development within the sport, rather than winning series recognition.

As the youth categories are self-seeded, the following chart has been created to simply act as a suggestion chart. Some early season growing pains with seeding in the appropriate category are expected, but ultimately, this shift will result in a stronger development race series for youth participants.

• A Grade: Top 50% in U17 Sport Boys | Top 25% in U15 Boys 13-18km
• B Grade: Finished in the Bottom 50% of U17 Sport | Finished outside of the Top 5 of U15 | Finished in Top 3 consistently of U13 | Finished Top 505% of U17/Junior Sport | Finished in Top 25% of U15 5-10km
• C Grade: Limited racing experience in OCup MTB Series | Finished in the Bottom 50% of Boys’ categories | Finished in the Bottom 75% of Girls’ categories 5-10km
• D Grade: New or very limited OCup MTB race experience | Have raced weekly series or other cycling discipline 4-6km
• E Grade: New or very limited MTB racing experience 4-6km

Athletes looking to upgrade to the U17 Expert category for Ontario provincially-sanctioned events must submit a request to the OC Youth Upgrade/Downgrade Committee for approval. The minimum requirement for requests includes A-Grade results for Boys and B Grade results for Girls. The Committee will review the request and at their discretion, decide if the athlete is eligible for an upgrade to U17 Expert. For any athlete younger than 15 years of age (as of December 31, 2022), this upgrade does not apply for National Championship or Provincial Championship events.

Youth Road Development Series

The Youth Road Development Series will be an ability-based series. Participants will be able to choose from one of five categories depending on both their ability and comfort levels. Participants must be between the ages of 9 and 18 as of December 31st, 2022. Second-year Cadets with upgrades and Juniors can do both the Youth and Ontario Cup Series. Participants should consult their club & coaching staff first before choosing a category.

Categories will consist of A-Grade through to E Grade. The upper-tier grades are for athletes with more experience, or a higher comfort level and the lower tier grades are for those newer to the sport. For a detailed breakdown on categories please see the 2022 Youth Road Development Series Guidelines.

The following are the suggested distances for each grade. Distances will vary depending on each race venue. These distances through consultation were deemed appropriate for each category.

• A Grade – 40-50 KM
• B Grade – 30-40 KM
• C Grade – 25-30 KM
• D Grade – 15-20 KM
• E Grade – 10-15 KM

Series Format

The Youth Road Development Series will consist of a road race as the core event and one additional event. The additional event may be a sprint challenge, team or individual time trial, skill session, hill climb, or a grasstrack race. Parents and coaches are encouraged to pick a category for their youth rider that is ability specific and challenging.

Equipment

The wearing of a CSA-approved helmet is mandatory whenever astride a bicycle. Cycling gloves are strongly recommended. The participants are encouraged to ride on a road-racing bicycle however other suitable bicycles may be utilized. All equipment must be in good repair, have adequate tires and operating brakes. Wheels with a rim depth greater than 40mm are not permitted. These restrictions are in place so that the emphasis is placed on athlete development and personal achievements rather than athlete equipment needs.

• No bar-ends or aero bars
• Rim depth larger than 40mm is not permitted

License Requirements

All participants in the Youth Road Development Series must be a licensed member of the OC. Licensing is as follows. Licenses must be purchased two weeks in advance of the first event in order to allow for processing time. Be sure to have your license in advance of the first race!

Gear restrictions

Under the new Youth Road Series format, each event will be run with ability-based categories. That means that every rider, regardless of their age will have to meet the Cadet gear restriction at a minimum which is 7.12 meters. We still encourage athletes to implement the gear restriction base on their age set out by Cycling Canada. The rollout distances can be found below:

• U17 – 7.12 M rollout
• U15 – 6.71 M rollout
• U13 – 6.2 M rollout

Youth Track Development Series

The Track Development Youth Series has been designed to optimize the development of our young athletes through a format that removes the emphasis on winning and instead focuses on skill development.  Riders will now select their category based on their own ability. The ability categories will allow athletes at different levels of physical maturity or time in the sport to participate in meaningful mixed gender competition. This will also provide better opportunities for young riders to develop skills and progress as an athlete, and be challenged by other riders of a similar ability.

Riders select their category based on their own ability. This is to further align the Track Development Youth Series with the Long Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD) This alignment will allow first time riders to select a category that they are both comfortable with and allow them to work their way up to competing in a more advanced category. Under the new system males and females will be racing together with riders of the same caliber. Cycling Canada’s Track Cycling LTAD Model states:

• It is deemed essential to base cycling-specific training on developmental age, not on chronological age
• It is essential to understand that when working with young athletes, we are not simply preparing them for our sport, but for all sports- and that by offering well-rounded development that builds physical literacy, we are also preparing them for a more active, healthy lifestyle
• Young athletes of the same chronological age can vary widely in their development, ability to learn skills, and emotional readiness for competition. Over-emphasis on skills and tactics the athlete is not ready to learn, or intensive competition can take the FUN out of the sport.
• Young athletes deserve a program appropriate to their own stage of development.

The emphasis on ‘Winning’ in the Track Development Youth Series has been reduced:

• Winning does not allow room for failure and learning
• Winning is all about the outcome, not the process of developing proper skills
• Winning rarely wields room for development; proper development inevitably leads to success

Where do you start?

• Participants should be between the ages of 9 & 18
• Have a track bicycle in proper condition
• Possess a Provincial or a UCI Race License
• It is preferred that participants have some racing experience

Series Format

Each race will feature 3-4 different events for each category. Please refer to the event calendar and the corresponding tech guide for event descriptions as well as a list of events to be held. Events such as:

• Standing 250M
• Standing 500M
• Kilo
• Scratch Races
• Points Races
• Chariot Races
• Keirin
• Point a Lap
• Flying Lap
• Longest Lap

IT NEVER GETS EASIER, YOU JUST GO FASTER.
GREG LEMOND

What is Track?

Track racing is an especially exciting, spectator-friendly form of cycling competition in which riders race on a steeply banked oval track, or velodrome. The bicycles used for track racing are very different from regular road bikes in that they have single-speed “fixed gears”, no shifting and no brakes. Fixed gears allow a rider to come to a complete stop on the track and balance indefinitely, which can be a useful tactic in certain events such as the Match Sprint.

Homegrown: Currently, there are two indoor velodromes in the province. Forest City Velodrome is located in London and the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton, a host venue for the 2015 Pan American Games. Ontario has managed to produce many medal winners at World Championships and Olympics over the past 30 years in the track events!

Bunch Races

Scratch Race

Competitors begin together lined up on the home straight. After a neutral lap, the Commissaire begins the race. The competitor that completes the prescribed distance the fastest wins.

Tempo Race

As with all bunch races, riders line up on the home straight to begin and after a neutral lap, the Commissaire starts the race. After 5 laps, a single point is awarded to the leader of each lap. Final results are first tabulated based on the points that have been awarded and ties are broken based on the final finish order across the line. A modification of this race is called point-a-lap and is very similar however doesn’t include the initial 5 laps where no points are awarded.

Elimination Race

Similar to all of the other bunch races above, riders begin on the home straight. After one neutral lap the race begins with an elimination of the rearmost rider every other lap. This race could be perceived as one of the most exciting of the bunch races as this race is not only based on power, but also tactics and strategy.

Points Race

Similar to a scratch race but with additional intermediate sprints where points are awarded for 1st through 4th place with 5, 3, 2 and 1 point(s) respectively. The final sprint is for double the amount of points therefore resulting in 10, 6, 4 and 2 points for 1st through 4th place. Points are given to athletes who lap the field (+20 points) thus encouraging a very active race. If you get lapped by the pack in this race, you can also lose points (-20). Final results are first tabulated based on the points that have been awarded and ties are broken based on the final finish order across the line.

Omnium

The Omnium is a combination of all 4 above mentioned bunch races run in the order of Scratch, Tempo, Elimination and Points race. Points are tabulated at the end of each race from 40 for first place, reducing by two points for every remaining place. Competitors carry these accumulated points into the final race and begin the points race with their current total accumulated points. The points race then becomes quite exciting and strategic as competitors battle it out to obtain the most points by the end of the race.

Sprint Races

Match Sprint

An initial qualifying time is taken during an event called the Flying 200m where over the period of 3.5 laps riders build up speed by utilizing the steep banking of the track. The official qualifying time is taken during the final 200m of the event with any ties being broken through the final 100m time. Riders then enter a sprint tournament where racers are paired off with the strongest facing the weakest competition racing a 3 lap, held-start race. The number of rounds is dependent on the total number of competitors entered into the event. The winner of each round is determined by the rider who finishes first. They will then move on to compete with the winner of another bracket until the finals. Some rounds are best 2 of 3 and this competition can last an entire day from qualification to final depending on number of competitors.

Keirin

Riders line up side by side along the home straight pursuit line while being held by their coaches or assistants in the order they selected during a random draw. A rider drawing number 1 would be closest to the infield, while a rider drawing 6 or 7 would be the highest up on the track. A motorized derny then begins from the opposite side of the track and brings it’s speed up to 30km/h. The starter will signal the beginning of the race by firing the starters pistol and riders must fall into order behind the derny. The following three laps, the derny then accelerates gradually from 30 to 50km/h where it will exit the track and racers will compete for the following 3 laps without the motorized assistance. First across the line wins, or if there are multiple heats of competitors, the prescribed number of riders will move on to other rounds to battle their way into the finals.

Timed Events

Time Trial

This race is run as a solo race against the clock where two competitors start on opposite sides of the track. The racers are held in place before the start by an electronic gate. Time begins once the count down clock reaches zero and the riders are released. Competitor distances range from 500m (2 laps) to a kilo (4 laps) depending on gender, age and ability level. The rider to complete the distance in the shortest period of time wins the race.

Individual Pursuit

Similar to the time trial, the IP is run with either one or two riders on the track at the same time. Riders will start on opposite sides of the track and typically have an electronic gate keeping them in place until the race has begun. Time begins once the count down clock reaches zero and the riders are released. Competitors distances range from 2000m (8 laps) to a 4000m (16 laps) depending on gender, age and ability level. The rider to complete the distance in the shortest period of time wins the race.

Team Sprint

These events are run in teams of 3 and can be run with either one or two teams on the track at the same time. Riders will start on the home and back straight pursuit lines and typically have an electronic gate keeping the first rider in place until the race has begun. The other team members are held by neutral holders also along the pursuit line however higher up the track. Time begins once the count down clock reaches zero and the riders are released. Race distance is 750m (3 laps). Each rider will lead their group for 1 lap, pulling out of the line, and out of the way of their team mates once they have completed their lap. The final finish time is taken when the last rider crosses their pursuit line.

Team Pursuit

These events are run in teams of 4 and can be run with either one or two teams on the track at the same time. Riders will start on the home and back straight pursuit lines and typically have an electronic gate keeping the first rider in place until the race has begun. The other team members are held by neutral holders also along the pursuit line however higher up the track. Time begins once the count down clock reaches zero and the riders are released. Race distances range from 2000m (8 laps) to 4000m (16 laps) depending on age and gender. Riders will take turns pulling their team around the track and once they are done their turn swing up the track “exchanging” and re-joining the back of their group. It is important to note that team’s final finishing time is taken when the third rider of the team crosses their pursuit line upon completion of their distance, so all teams must finish with a minimum of 3 members.

How do you get involved?

All competitors above the age of 18 will need to purchase either a Provincial Race License or UCI License. This can be done individually if you only wish to compete in track events, or be bought as an “add on” to your pre-existing Provincial Race License or UCI License. For those wishing to compete either outside the province or at a Nationally Sanctioned Event such as National Championships, a UCI License is mandatory.

Track competition at the Youth Development, Ontario Cup and local race series are based on ability level. Provincials and Nationals categorize riders based on both age and gender. Please consult your local race tech guide for your recommended category selection. It is to be noted that during ability-based competition, the race organizers reserve the right to move competitors within categories based on their experience levels and previous competition results.

Junior / Youth Gear Restrictions

Youth racers competing at the Youth Track Development Series will be expected to follow the roll-out distances as prescribed within the associated tech guides. Junior and upgraded U17 athletes racing at the Ontario Cups within combined ability-based categories will not be subject to roll-out. Gear restrictions are still required at events such as Provincials and Nationals for U17 athletes competing within their age group and they are being asked to consult the applicable tech guides for more information.

RIDE AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE OR AS LONG OR AS SHORT AS YOU FEEL, BUT RIDE!
EDDY MERCKX

What is Road?

Road cycling is the immanent form of all cycling disciplines. It is not only the most-watched discipline of the cycling program in general, it has also made some impacts on the world of sports in general. As one of the inaugural sports of the modern Olympic Games, cycling has a long tradition in our modern world culture. As its name implies, a road race takes place on paved roadways. Several subcategories can be broken out in the sport of road cycling. It is the most popular sport in leisure as well as on the semi-professional and professional levels. Nowhere else are as many people involved as they are in road cycling.

Road Race

Road Races provide something for everyone, from leisurely rides along the lanes, headlong sprints, and mountainous climbs to endurance rides, while demanding great endurance, bike handling, tactical know-how and skills. While road cycling can begin at anyone’s front-door, Road Races mostly start in a mass start format, where the main group of riders (peloton) head towards the finish on a designated course or lap with a distance somewhere between 40km up to 300km. Road races can be held on a variety of different courses, as day races or multi-day stage races known as Grand Tours. The most popular road race is the Tour de France – a 21 stage tour held in France every year in the summer. The majority of traditional road racing events take place on open roads, with vehicular marshals marking the nose and the tail of the race. Typically, riders group on a neutralized part of the stage to allow the peloton to group up before the racing commences.

Criterium

A Criterium is a mass start road race consisting of multiple laps on a short, 1 to 2 km circuit. Originating on the city streets of Europe, “crits” are exciting races to watch, as the riders are in almost constant view. From a rider’s perspective, these races place a premium on speed and nerve as tight corners demand bike-handling skill and rapid acceleration from the corner exits into the straights. High speeds become higher when the race organizers include “primes” or special sprints for prizes. These events can often finish in mass sprints of 50 riders or more.

Time Trial

In these events the individuals race against the clock, commonly over distances of 15 to 40 km. Known as the “race of truth”, the time trial demands the utmost stamina and concentration from riders, where discipline, conditioning and technique are the traits leading to a victory. Time trials also can be ideal introductions to competition for novice riders who are still learning the basics of group riding and may not be confident enough to participate in massed-start events. Efficient riding technique and good aerodynamics are essential and make time trials one of the most technically exacting of cycling events.

Homegrown: Ontario’s Anne Samplonius won the silver medal in the Senior Women’s ITT at the 1994 World Championships.

Hill Climbs

Point-to-point time trials in which the finish line is at a considerably higher altitude than the start line are commonly referred to as hill climbs. The steepest, toughest climbs in Ontario are sought out for these events, which pit the riders against both the clock and the hill.

Stage Races

Stage races incorporate elements of all of the types of races described above. Each event is known as a stage. Racing over a different distance day after day is only for the fittest of the fit. The winner with the lowest aggregate time is the winner. There is a winner for each stage, and of course an overall winner. A crafty, consistent rider may win a stage race without ever winning a stage.

How do you get involved?

With their feet on the pedals and their head in the clouds, cyclists in all parts of Ontario enjoy the freedom of feeling the fresh air on their skin. If this is the feeling you are seeking, you came to the right place. Our members are drawn from all areas and backgrounds, with riders from under five years of age up to forty plus. By becoming a member at Ontario Cycling (OC), you are joining the cycling community, and it will get you access to several activities and member benefits. Get your membership and license here. If you are new to the sport of road racing, please select the entry-level/novice category unless you have a previous race license with another cycling entity (proof required before the license will be issued).

Regional Sanctioned Events

Regional level events have the same categories as Ontario Cup (OCup) events. Events previously classified as citizen-level events now fall within the regional level of sanctioned events. Please confirm with the organizer as some categories may change due to the number of riders participating.

Ontario Cup

Ontario Cups are raced at the highest provincial level against riders of their age or ability group. The people and families involved are usually interested in bikes, competitive sports, and their children’s physical and mental health. Ontario Cups also pride themselves on offering equal opportunities to both sexes and top-class competitive sports to all members. It is common for the whole family to be involved. The family nature gives the race day far more depth and dimension than just a simple race – it is an Event with an outstanding atmosphere.

In Road Racing, several Ontario Cups are hosted and merged as the Ontario Cup Road Series. Throughout the races, points are awarded to all categories, except youth ability categories. The best rider will be honoured as a series champion at the end of the season.

Only riders who purchased their racing membership through Ontario Cycling are eligible for OCup points. Riders who upgrade during the season will not carry their accumulated points into their upgraded category. OCup points earned will remain in the class they were awarded within. DNF riders (riders who do not finish) are not entitled to OCup points.

Junior Gear Restrictions

Juniors racing at the Ontario Cups within combined categories (E1-4) will not be subject to rollout. Gear restrictions are still required at all other events including Provincials. At these races, they will all need to comply with the 7.93-meter gear restriction. Second-year Cadets with an upgrade to race with the Juniors will also be subject to the same restriction. If a junior rider has received an upgrade to compete in the Elite category, they will NOT be subject to rollout.

IT IS THE UNKNOWN AROUND THE CORNER THAT TURNS MY WHEELS.
HEINZ STÜCKE

What is Para?

Introduced as a Paralympic sport in Seoul in 1988 for athletes with visual impairments, para-cycling now includes those with cerebral palsy, amputations and other physical impairments. Whether on the road or on the track, Cycling Canada closely collaborates with the Canadian Paralympic Committee to maximize the potential of all our para-cyclists competing here and abroad in four categories: bicycle, tricycle, handcycle and tandem.

Homegrown: Visually impaired athlete Robbi Weldon (Thunder Bay) won Gold at the 2012 London Paralympic Games and several Gold medals at the Parapan American Games while Shelly Gauthier (Niagara Falls) won silver at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and multiple consecutive World Championships. Marc Ledo (Maple) has competed at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games and won Gold at the 2015 Parapan American Games.

Competitors

Cycling events are open to all athletes with physical and visual disabilities. However, not all events are offered to all athletes. For example, Tandem and “C Class” (CP/Amputee and Traumatic Brain Injury) athletes compete in both track and road events while Tricycle and Handcycle athletes only compete at the Road events.

Classification

Competitors are classified based on their level of physical ability. There are multiple sub-categories within each classification ability. Athletes can be informally classified by a para-cycling coach. However, a formal classification by an approved UCI classification panel will be required for national and international level competitions. These panels are often available at national championships and identified international events. The following is a summary of para-cycling classifications.

1. B1-B3: Blind and visually impaired athletes who use a Tandem
2. C1-C5: Cycle, including some amputee and Cerebral Palsy and/or Traumatic Brain-Injured athletes, who use a regular bike
3. T1-T2: Tricycle, including some Cerebral Palsy and/or Traumatic Brain-Injured athletes
4. H1-H4: Handcycle, including some neurologically impaired, spinal-cored Injured, and Amputee athletes who use a handcycle rather than a regular bicycle

How do you get involved?

Ontario Cycling is committed to supporting para-cycling and is interested to hear from any potential athletes, coaches, or volunteers. This includes able-bodied cyclists interested in competing as pilots for visually impaired cyclists.

Ontario Cycling offers both introductory and competitive programs for para-cyclists.

Introductory Programs

1. Tandem cycling program at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre (Milton Velodrome). This initiative is being delivered in partnership with the W. Ross MacDonald School for the Blind [bicycles and pilots are provided].
2. Handcyclists looking for a riding groups [recreational or competitive] can contact the Handcycling Club of Canada to find out about opportunities in their area handcycling.ca
3. Camps/workshops are also offered by the OC for new and developing athletes. Please contact the office for more information. 

Competitive/ more experienced athletes

1. Typically any para classification can integrate into an OCup or Provincial Time Trial event.
2. Team Ontario hosts a number of training camps, including warm-weather camps in the winter, and prepares athletes for competition at national championships and other international events.
3. Other opportunities for road racing will be identified and announced by OC.
4. Defi Sportif is one of our highlight races for Para Athletes set to take place late April.
5. Team Ontario continues with their new tiered HP Athlete Program offering different levels of support to athletes based on past performances, training commitments and future aspirations within the sport of cycling. For more information and how to apply please contact the office.
6. Associate High-Performance Athlete: National Team athletes who will receive assistance and supplemental race and training support.
7. Training Program Athlete: Athletes tracking towards Cycling Canada programs with goals of achieving international success. These athletes will be at or near Cycling Canada’s (link) Developmental time standards.
8. Rising Stars Skills Camp Athlete: New or experienced athletes who are wanting to build upon skills, endurance and race preparation. These athletes are learning to train with goals in mind such as achieving National Developmental standards and will be allowed to participate in several of the local skills camps to help them continue to improve and build skills.

ONE DAY ON THE MOUNTAIN BIKE ALWAYS BEAT A GOOD DAY IN THE OFFICE.
MIKE BRCIC

What is Mountain Bike (MTB)?

Cross Country (XC)

Mountain bike racing offers many ways to have fun while challenging the individual physically and mentally. Various events are provided in Ontario to suit all abilities and experience levels. Cross Country (XC) is probably the most recognized category. The endurance-based activity is classified by unpaved roads, technical single trails and uneven terrain. The framework of the race is based on the ability level, the duration, and the complexity of the course. On the international level, a race typically contains 100-150 riders, who compete on the rough terrain throughout several laps for roughly two hours. They may be individual or mass start events, and depending on the type of start, either the rider with the fastest time or the first rider across the finish line wins. Cross country races may also be held in team relay format, where each rider on a team completes a set number of laps. Again, the winning team can be determined by either the fastest team time or the team whose rider first crosses the finish line.

Among the most prestigious cross-country events other than the Olympic Games are the UCI World Championships and the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup circuit.

Homegrown: Several riders from Ontario like Peter Disera, the Holmgren’s (Ava, Isabella and Gunnar), Canadian Champion Jenn Jackson, and Emily Betty were competing on the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup circuit during this season.

Short-Track

Similar to a road criterium short-track XC was implemented as a spectator- and media-friendly discipline, where riders are competing on a short circuit. In comparison to the classic XC races ST’s last just 20 minutes.

Ultra-Endurance

These off-road events last usually longer than common XC events. The UCI, as the international governing body defines the minimum distance for an ultra-endurance race as 100km. In Ontario, most ultra-endurance races are hosted as 4-hour, 8-hour or 12-hour competitions with solo competitors or as a relay to cover the most distance over a given amount of time.

Downhill*

This style of race is one of the many gravity-based events in cycling. As the name already tells the story, riders descend toward a finish line at a lower altitude than the start line in individual timed events. The fastest rider wins the race. Same as BMX riders’ Downhill riders wear a full-face helmet, gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and durable pants with pads for their safety. Knowledge bites for everybody: the most advanced technology was created in this category. The full suspension mountain bikes were first introduced to Downhill to allow the rider to experience a smooth ride as they descend rocky trails and drop-offs. Usually, a rider specializes in either endurance- or gravity-oriented races. Nevertheless, sometimes riders will cross over into other disciplines.

Homegrown: Downhill races in Ontario were hosted by Blue Mountain (Collingwood), Horseshoe Valley (Barrie) and Kelso Conservation Area (Milton) in the past.

Dual Slalom

Similar to slalom events in downhill ski racing the dual slalom events in Cycling contains two identical courses that riders have to face in a head-to-head race. While starting side-by-side at the starting gate on top of the either red or blue course, riders will try to finish the course in the shortest period. After the first so-called heat, the competitors switch the course and ride the second heat. The accumulated time will define the winner of the race.

Enduro

The cross between endurance and downhill mountain biking events involves typically 3-6 timed stages. Riders are just timed in these extremely technical (vary in length, difficulty, and steepness) while the transfers (the connection between the stages) are mostly characterized by uphill pedalling, walking or climbing.

How do you get involved?

With their feet on the pedals and their head in the clouds, cyclists in all parts of Ontario enjoy the freedom of feeling the fresh air on their skin. If this is the feeling you are seeking, you came to the right place. Our members are drawn from all areas and backgrounds, with riders from under five years of age up to forty plus. By becoming a member at Ontario Cycling (OC), you are joining the cycling community, and it will get you access to several activities and member benefits. Get your membership and license here. If you are new to the sport of Mountain Bike racing, please select the entry-level/novice category unless you have a previous race license with another cycling entity (proof required before the license will be issued).**

Regional Sanctioned Events

Regional level events have the same categories as Ontario Cup (OCup) events. Events previously classified as citizen-level events now fall within the regional level of sanctioned events. Please confirm with the organizer as some categories may change due to the number of riders participating.

Ontario Cup

Ontario Cups are raced at the highest provincial level against riders of their age or ability group. The people and families involved are usually interested in bikes, competitive sports, and their children’s physical and mental health. Ontario Cups also pride themselves on offering equal opportunities to both sexes and top-class competitive sports to all members. It is common for the whole family to be involved. The family nature gives the race day far more depth and dimension than just a simple race – it is an Event with an outstanding atmosphere.

In Mountain Bike, several Ontario Cups are hosted and merged as the Ontario Cup Mountain Bike Series. Throughout the races, points are awarded to all categories, except youth ability categories. The best rider will be honoured as a series champion at the end of the season.

Only riders who purchased their racing membership through Ontario Cycling are eligible for OCup points. Riders who upgrade during the season will not carry their accumulated points into their upgraded category. OCup points earned will remain in the class they were awarded within. DNF riders (riders who do not finish) are not entitled to OCup points.

* DH riders can only purchase two Non-Member Permits each year. Note: DH One-day permits only for Ontario sanctioned DH races
** New members MUST select an entry-level/novice category unless they have a previous race licence with another cycling body (proof of this is required before a licence will be granted).

IF YOU WANT TO GO FAST, GO ALONE, BUT IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER.
AFRICAN PROVERB

What is Cyclo-Cross?

Cyclo-Cross is a unique sport that combines cross country running, mountain biking, hurdles, and road cycling. Races typically occur in autumn and consist of many short laps on a 2 to 4 km circuit, featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills, and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount and carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount. Since the season typically takes place in autumn, races are often plagued with adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain, wind and mud – all of which add to the sport’s allure.

Skinny tires, short but sharp off-road races with hurdles, obstacles and intense action await riders in this discipline. Cyclo-Cross combines the technical aspects of mountain biking and road racing speed, but neither in excess, so it is an excellent sport for someone looking to get into cycling. It is the most accessible form of cycle sport with racing for everyone – from young kids to grandparents.

Homegrown: The sport has grown immensely in Ontario and is very spectator friendly as riders are passing spectating areas every 6-8 minutes. The short and winding courses make it attractive to watch the riders master the challenges on the course. Races take place in off-road venues such as public parks and other open and accessible spaces. It is an off-road event, the surface can be everything from grass and mud to gravel and sand. It’s fun and provides thrills for riders and spectators alike.

How do you get involved?

With their feet on the pedals and their head in the clouds, cyclists in all parts of Ontario enjoy the freedom of feeling the fresh air on their skin. If this is the feeling you are seeking, you came to the right place. Our members are drawn from all areas and backgrounds, with riders from under five years of age up to sixty plus. By becoming a member at Ontario Cycling (OC), you are joining the cycling community, and it will get you access to several activities and member benefits. Get your membership and license here. If you are new to the sport of Cyclo-Cross racing, please select the entry-level/novice category unless you have a previous race license with another cycling entity (proof required before the license will be issued).

Regional Sanctioned Events

Regional level events have the same categories as Ontario Cup (OCup) events. Events previously classified as citizen-level events now fall within the regional level of sanctioned events. Please confirm with the organizer as some categories may change due to the number of riders participating. Since Cyclo-Cross World Championships are in January 2023, classes are based on the rider’s age as of December 31, 2023.

Ontario Cup

Ontario Cups are raced at the highest provincial level against riders of their age or ability group. The people and families involved are usually interested in bikes, competitive sports, and their children’s physical and mental health. Ontario Cups also pride themselves on offering equal opportunities to both sexes and top-class competitive sports to all members. It is common for the whole family to be involved. The family nature gives the race day far more depth and dimension than just a simple race – it is an Event with an outstanding atmosphere.

In Cyclo-Cross, several Ontario Cups are hosted and merged as the Ontario Cup Cyclo-Cross Series. Throughout the races, points are awarded to all categories, except youth ability categories. The best rider will be honoured as a series champion at the end of the season.

Only riders who purchased their racing membership through Ontario Cycling are eligible for OCup points. Riders who upgrade during the season will not carry their accumulated points into their upgraded category. OCup points earned will remain in the class they were awarded within.

The Cyclo-Cross World Cup season occurs from September to January, with the World Championships held in January. With the Championships occurring in January, categories at sanctioned events within the 2022 season are based on the rider’s age as of December 31, 2023.

WHEN WE TAKE CONTROL OF OUR LIVES, THE HABITS WE ADOPT, AND THE CHOICES WE MAKE ON A DAILY BASIS, WE CAN ACHIEVE WHATEVER WE DREAM AND THINK POSSIBLE.
JOSH PERRY

What is Bicycle Moto Cross (BMX)?

Race

A BMX race can be described as “sprint cycling over a specially prepared dirt racetrack.” Races are run on dirt tracks, usually 300-400 meters long and consist of a series of jumps, rollers and bumps with banked corners known as “berms.” Riders start off a 4m or 8m start ramp and race each other over one lap with eight riders in each race. The main goal is to cross the finish line first. BMX race is probably the most competitive side of the discipline. In BMX racing, riders need a lot of high-speed strength as the dirt tracks are short, and a lap takes only 30-40 seconds. Almost comparable to 100m sprint athletes, riders often work out at the gym to get solid legs.

The bikes are way smaller than usual bikes as the riders never sit down based on their need to nimble on the bike. The bikes are built lightweight while adding a measure of maneuverability and stability to achieve the right mix of strength, control, and speed. In BMX Race, riders wear a full-face helmet, gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and durable pants with pads for their safety.

Freestyle

BMX Freestyle is more a competition based on creative expression and sports than a race. It can be broken out into Street, Part, Dirt, Snake runs and Flatland. During competitions, riders execute tricks on ramps, banks, walls, box jumps and spines in a designated area – mostly a park or a specific street section. Like gymnastics, BMX riders are judged on the quality of their specific run. Difficulty, originality, and style are the relevant factors for this judgement.

Both categories are part of the IOC’s Olympic programme. While BMX freestyle was introduced to the 2020[ne] Tokyo Olympic Games, BMX race is already part of the Olympic programme since the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

How do you get involved?

With their feet on the pedals and their head in the clouds, cyclists in all parts of Ontario enjoy the freedom of feeling the fresh air on their skin. If this is the feeling you are seeking, you came to the right place. Our members are drawn from all areas and backgrounds, with riders from under five years of age up to forty plus. By becoming a member at Ontario Cycling, you are joining the cycling community, and it will get you access to several activities and member benefits. Get your membership and license here.

Ontario Cups – BMX Canada

Ontario Cups are raced at the highest provincial level against riders of their age or ability group. The people and families involved are usually interested in bikes, competitive sports, and their children’s physical and mental health. Ontario Cups also pride themselves on offering equal opportunities to both sexes and top-class competitive sports to all members. It is common for the whole family to be involved. The family nature gives the race day far more depth and dimension than just a simple race – it is an event with an outstanding atmosphere. Even though BMX racing is a fast, exhilarating sport, its safety record is second to none within the cycling sport. At each event, qualified first aid is present. At all events, riders are required to wear suitable safety equipment, the details of which are covered in the rules of BMX racing.

Events and Races are organized by and affiliated with BMX Canada, which is a subdivision of BMX USA. BMX Canada hosts the National Series which is a different race system that the UCI. Most of the BMX tracks are run by clubs and offer learn-to-ride or race programmes for all ability levels. In addition, these clubs host a variety of racing events. As these events are affiliated with BMX Canada, they fall outside of the Ontario Cycling jurisdiction. Unfortunately, Ontario Cycling is not organizing any BMX races or competitions in 2022. Nevertheless, the first step into the World of BMX is reaching out to a BMX track closest to where you live. Most tracks offer learn-to or try-out sessions. This is where you start elevating your skills and preparing for the upcoming events in this discipline.

Homegrown: At Canada Cups, and Canadian National Championships a UCI license is mandatory to participate. Ontario Cycling runs a Provincial BMX Program for developing and high-performance athletes. Please get in touch with Technical Lead & Performance Program Michael Suraci for further discipline-related inquiries.