The Colorado State Mountain Bike Championships for high school and middle school teams and individuals will take place Saturday, Nov. 4 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Race action begins at 11 a.m. at the Penrose Equestrian Center.

Riders from around the state will be competing in the first-ever National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) sanctioned state high school mountain bike championship in the United States. Approximately 75 competitors are expected to race on a spectator-friendly course. Trophies, prizes and medals are up for grabs, as well as bragging rights to the hottest school team in the state.

General Information

The race is open to all sixth through eighth grade and ninth-12th grade riders for both the individual and team competitions. This is the FIRST sanctioned high school individual and team state championship to happen in the United States, and thus a historic event. The Penrose Equestrian Center is conveniently located off I-25 at the U.S. Highway 24 exit off Eighth Street.

Schedule

8 a.m.:     Registration opens on south side of Rodeo Arena
9 a.m.:     Course open for pre-race riding
10 a.m.     Pre-race clinic with USA Cycling National Team coaches
11 a.m.:    Middle School Race (three laps)
12:15 p.m.: High School Race (five laps)
1:15 p.m.:  Kids Race in Rodeo Arena
2 p.m.:     Awards ceremony

Registration

Located inside on the south side of the Rodeo Arena in Sirloin Room. Parking is free. Pre-register on-line at www.active.com.

Cost is $5 per individual rider with a NORBA license … 415 for non-licensed riders. Yearly NOBRA licenses will be available for purchase on race day. Race-day late registration, add $5. The Kids Race is free.

Course Information

The course is a fast 1.5-mile loop of mixed terrain, with short climbs and ascents, that begins and ends in the Rodeo Arena. A lap takes about 12-15 minutes. The Kids' Race will be in the Rodeo Arena.

Rules

Riders will be scored on an individual and team basis. Teams will be scored in men's groups, women's groups and combined men's and women's overall score. At least five me or three women are required to score team points for the gender-specific teams, and three men plus two women for the overall score. Teams are not limited in number, but the top-five or -three scores (or 3/2 combined) will count toward team points. All other NORBA rules apply.

Officials

Warren Conrad is the Chief Official, with assistance provided by Rainbow Racing volunteers. Larry Seidman will handle scoring, while Theresa Delp is coordinating registration.

Prizes

Each participant will receive two different T-shirts compliments of Tomac Bikes and Shimano Components. Top individuals and teams will receive medals and trophies. Medals will be awarded three deep. Other prizes may be included.

Sponsors

Penrose Equestrian Center, Nearon Enterprises, Tomac Bikes, Shimano, Rainbow Racing Club, Front Rangers Cycling Club, RockShox

For more information, please contact Steve McCauley at 719/330-4751 or 719/578-4856.