And now for something completely different…
XC#5 is one week away, and there is a lot to know!
GENERAL INFO:
XC#4 was one of our biggest races ever! We are oh-so-close to that elusive 150 riders!
After one of our longer courses last week, we are totally switching gears.
If you are unfamiliar with the Short Track race format (also call XCC), the basic idea is that is it fast and short. XCC courses are generally not very technical, very wide, and with only moderate climbing. Courses are generally about 1km in length and repeated 3-6 times with the goal of a 15-18 minute race (for all adults categories) and about 10 min for the Lambs. The race is run in “heats” so there is room for lots of passing and exciting, close finishes. If you want to get a sense of what its all about, checkout the most recent edition on the World Cup in France https://www.redbull.com/ca-en/live/xcc-short-track-les-gets-2021-uci-mountain-bike-world-cup
See all the info below, but take note of 3 very important points:
- Registration closes earlier than usual (and no onsite registration)
- Race start time is 6:30PM instead of the usual 7:00
- Pre-Ride is only available on race day
COVID REMINDER:
Now that we are into Phase 3, masks are no longer required outdoors. 2m distancing is still required at all times, so we will continue to use a grid of cones for the pre-race talk as well as the start.
REGISTRATION:
Registration is NOW LIVE on webscorer.com: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=250206
WE NEED TO CLOSE REGISTRATION EARLY so we can design the heats and post them.
Registration closes on TUESDAY AUGUST 17th AT 1:00PM.
There will be NO REGISTRATION ON RACE-DAY. Online pre-registration only.
You must be a Black Sheep member to participate.
No fee for “Race” members. $10 for “General” members.
COURSES:
We are not able to post courses at this time. Construction is slated to begin in Kinsmen Park shortly and we will not know until the weekend if we will be able to race there. The backup location is Centennial Park.
Because the course is 1km long, there is plenty of opportunity to ride a few laps right before the start. We will email all participants and post on our BS Facebook page on Tuesday to let you know the location.
SCHEDULE:
5:00 – COURSE OPEN FOR PRE-RIDE (NOT BEFORE)
5:15-6:15 – Plate pick up (if needed) and racer check-in. You are required to check-in even if you have a number plate already.
6:20 – Mandatory race briefing – all riders
6:30 – First start
WAVES:
We are aiming for approximately 20 people in each wave, and a new wave starting every 20 minutes.
Waves will be cross-category and cross-gender. Waves will be created to the best of our ability based on average speeds and placings from previous races. The names of all the riders in each wave and the start time will be printed and posted at the registration table when you arrive.
LAMBATUER:
It was mentioned a couple times last race that we may not have a Lambateur category at this event. WHAT?!?! Eric must have been going crazy. Of course we will have a Lambateur category! It will be very short and fast and fun (probably 2 laps). All Lambs will start together in 1 wave, somewhere in the middle so we can all cheer them on!
OTHER:
We need a few volunteers to make this event happen. A couple course marshals and a couple at the start/finish area. Please email racing@blacksheepmtb.com if you can help or let us know at the registration desk on race day.
