Mountain Biking - UCI course question

How come in UCI races like world cup and that type of stuff you rarely see a very technical course?

There's no French term for "sick gnar," so they don't know how to do 'em.

How come in UCI races like world cup and that type of stuff you rarely see a very technical course?

I assume it's because a very technical course would be an advantage to the technically skilled riders only.

I don't know how the UCI race courses are determined in the US or anywhere else, but here (C1 and C2, no world cup yet), it's done by the cycling federation. Usually, after the course is partially marked, the UCI official checks the course if it includes varieties, and then he notifies the organizers for any modifications that needs to be done. In the end they always come up with a somewhat balanced course, technically.

here's the UCI regulations about courses:

Course
4.2.012 The course for a cross-country race should include a variety of terrain such as road sections,
forest tracks, fields, and earth or gravel paths, and include significant amounts of climbing and
descending. Paved or tarred/asphalt roads should not exceed 15% of the total course.
(text modified on 25.09.07).
4.2.013 The course must be wholly ridable even in difficult weather conditions. Parallel sections
must be provided on sections of the course likely to deteriorate easily.
(text modified on 25.09.07).
4.2.014 [Article transferred to art. 4.1.043 on 25.09.07].
4.2.015 Extended single track sections must have periodic passing sections.
4.2.016 [Article transferred to art. 4.1.042 on 25.09.07].
4.2.017 On the course for a cross-country event at world championships, continental championships
and world cup and Hors Classe events, provision must be made for at least 6 crossing points for
spectators. The crossings must be marshalled on each side.
(text modified on 25.09.07).

There's no French term for "sick gnar," so they don't know how to do 'em.

"Zees course are...how you say...gnarcore?"

Because Euros are pansies ;)


No but really, it's so that mtb races stay races, and not "who can run faster over the unrideable sections" (see collegiate nationals this year...). They are supposed to be fast, not necessarily super technical. UCI courses focus more in rider fitness than technical skill, to ensure that the strongest rider can win.

I think a new race category is needed "technical short-track". Basically this would intentionally provide officiated obstacle zones. These could be anything from steep ascents to rockgardens. Riders who "dab" in such a section would be held in a box for a given amount of time, then released. Riders who get off their bike would be held longer. Penalties would set such that getting off your bike and running would be suicide to your time.

The East Coast NMBS suffers from the same easy-course problem - so long as you can climb & descend quickly, a rider will not be overly challenged by a ski-resort race. I think the problem is that the gnarly trails which can be made into big time races just don't have resort lodging parked next door.

Becuse XC guys are a bunch of panty waist sissys.

The East Coast NMBS suffers from the same easy-course problem - so long as you can climb & descend quickly, a rider will not be overly challenged by a ski-resort race. I think the problem is that the gnarly trails which can be made into big time races just don't have resort lodging parked next door.You should have heard the grumbling from the XC crowd when the NMBS was at Schweitzer, ID. Ooooh, there were rocks . . . oooh, there was dust. Freaked 'em out when the course left the fire roads and went into the trails with the rocks and trees. There was areason our local promoter named the Scweitzer stop in our series the "Dirt & Rock Tour,"

Most of my riding would fall under the "xc" classification, but those "xc" race courses are so boring, its almost nothing like real mountain biking.

everyone but the DHers gripped about Snowshoe, too - the mud! the rocks!

The UCI World Cup in Canmore was pretty sweet. Rocks, steeps, roots, reggae - it was all in there. I was very disappounted to se that they pulled out all the slivk roots on the climb to the Oven. It was all nicely grippy dirt instead. ZBooooo!

I have been drinking a bit of wine.

I think a new race category is needed "technical short-track". Basically this would intentionally provide officiated obstacle zones. These could be anything from steep ascents to rockgardens. Riders who "dab" in such a section would be held in a box for a given amount of time, then released. Riders who get off their bike would be held longer. Penalties would set such that getting off your bike and running would be suicide to your time.

It's an OLD category called "scot(t) trials", i.e., timed course with technical sections with time added for dabs.

http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&safe=off&q=%22scot+trials%22+OR+%22scott+trials%22

everyone but the DHers gripped about Snowshoe, too - the mud! the rocks!

I've found that when that is the case, the *****ing comes from riders from areas that are not from areas that are muddy and slick.

Becuse XC guys are a bunch of panty waist sissys.

This is true. Personally, I've been unable to find another pair of durable lace shorts to replace my current ones. The trails have just ripped up the ones from Victoria's Secret.

You could try some of the skort offerings - - not lacey but they have a bit of flair . . . .

You could try some of the skort offerings - - not lacey but they have a bit of flair . . . .

Doug, we could probably get this for Junkyard Xmas:

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd228/kenhill3/58556118_d3dd107fdb.jpg

Doug, we could probably get this for Junkyard Xmas:

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd228/kenhill3/58556118_d3dd107fdb.jpg

Would that gift come with the manicure too? You know how us XC guys like to keep our nails buffed and polished.

Junkyard-

You betcha on the mannycure. Sharp nails are a must for diggin' splinters outta your hide and for pulling thorns and goat heads out of your tires.

I've found that when that is the case, the *****ing comes from riders from areas that are not from areas that are muddy and slick.

you know, I distincly recall east coast riders *****ing about the CA courses... to dry! too high!!:eek:

you know, I distincly recall east coast riders *****ing about the CA courses... to dry! too high!!:eek:

Take people out of their comfort zone and they just have to tell people about it - loudly, clearly and, until they've had a few beers and relaxed, in a slightly whiny tone.