Racing
Categories, licenses, and upgrades, in plain language. How bike racing levels actually work, and how I'm working my way up.
First, the thing that trips up everyone new to racing: a lower category number means a better rider. Mountain bikers start at Category 3 and work up to Category 2, then Category 1, then Pro. Everyone begins at the entry level. Nobody skips the line.
To race a sanctioned event, you need a USA Cycling membership. If you just want to try a race before committing, most events let you buy a one-day license when you register.
You move up by earning upgrade points. Since 2025, mountain biking uses a points system where your finishing place and the size of your field decide how many points you earn. You track them in your USA Cycling account, and when you have enough, you request the upgrade. Pick your move below to see how it works.
Which move are you making?
One important thing: USA Cycling makes these rules and updates them (the current points system started in 2025). This page is a plain-language map, not the rulebook. For exact point totals and the official process, always check USA Cycling before you count on a number.
The official hub for how upgrades work, including the upgrade tracker in your account and the request process.
The actual upgrade policy, with the points structure and the exact requirements for each discipline and category.
Become a member or grab a one-day license so you can line up for your first sanctioned race.