RACING RULES
On this page, you will find the competition rules and guidelines.
MTB Rally races are built to be low-threshold and fun, without sacrificing fairness and safety. We follow Finnish Cycling rules where applicable in our race series.
General
Race with respect. Ride within your limits. Follow event-specific instructions and schedules.
Series points
Series points are calculated during the current season for Gravity Rally Cup, Crank Up Downhill Cup, and Jr. Crank Up Downhill Cup.
Points per event (per class): 1st place 100p, 2nd place 90p, 3rd place 80p, 4th place 70p, 5th place 60p, 6th place 50p, 7th place 40p, 8th place 30p, 9th place 20p, 10th place 10p.
Event pages may define how many results count toward season standings (e.g., best X rounds).
Track marking
Stages are marked with MTB Rally tape between start and finish. If a stage is not fully taped, you must ride from marking point to marking point. A marking point means tape on both sides of the trail. Obvious shortcuts may result in a time penalty or disqualification.
Race classes
Classes are announced on each event page. Standard groups include Juniors, Youth, Rookies, Open, Masters (40+), and eMTB. Some events may add or merge classes depending on participation.
Race numbers
Race numbers are fixed (season-long) in Gravity Rally Cup, Crank Up Downhill Cup, and Jr. Crank Up Downhill Cup. Other races use event-specific number sets. Trail Endurance numbers are not fixed - you'll receive a number per event.
Gravity Rally Cup rules
Gravity Rally Cup is bikepark stage racing: 3-5 timed stages on gravity-oriented trails. Uplift is used for transfers.
How results are formed: Each stage must be completed at least twice. You may ride one extra run per stage (max 3 runs). Your two fastest times per stage are counted; the slowest is dropped. Overall result is the sum of your counted stage times - fastest overall time wins. Why two counted runs? More riding value and less bad luck: one small mistake shouldn't ruin your whole day.
Race day flow: Practice first (enough time to ride stages 2-3 times). Rider briefing. Timing chip pickup at the race office/tent (chip is worn on the right wrist, unless stated otherwise). Ride stages in any order - but you are responsible for completing the required runs. Return the chip after your final run according to schedule so results can be read and published. If you miss a run: Bikepark schedules often allow you to go back and complete a missing run - but always follow the event schedule and rules.
Crank Up Downhill Cup rules
Crank Up is a single-track downhill race day - the most traditional and fastest MTB Rally series.
Race day flow: Registration + race number pickup. Fixed race number for everyone - you get yours at your first race. Class-based practice schedule. Seeding run: one timed run per rider. Seeding results set the class start order for finals. Finals: two timed runs - your faster time counts. Start judge controls starts and spacing; follow marshal instructions. Awards after results are confirmed.
Timing: Timing chips are picked up from the office/tent and worn on the right wrist, unless stated otherwise. Follow chip instructions for seeding and finals, and return the chip after the race according to schedule. Live results (2026): Live results are available for seeding and finals during the 2026 season events.
Jr. Crank Up Downhill Cup rules
Jr. Crank Up follows the same downhill spirit with a junior-friendly flow: safe starts, clear instructions, and lots of encouragement.
Junior classes: U10 Boys / U10 Girls, U12 Boys / U12 Girls, U14 Boys / U14 Girls.
The junior race day keeps things simple and supportive. Event details define the exact schedule and run count (commonly 3-5 race runs). Jr. races are typically held on the same days as Crank Up DH Cup, with a separate track and schedule. Series points are counted for Jr. Crank Up Downhill Cup during the current season.
Trail Endurance rules
Trail Endurance is long-format trail stage racing: you follow a GPX route, and the race is decided by multiple timed stages. Every rider receives a SportIdent timing chip, and your official race time is the combined stage time recorded at stage start and finish punches. Stages may include both climbing and descending sections, rewarding fitness, pacing, and technical skill.
Route rules: The GPX guides the full route, but only the timed stages decide results - transfers are not raced as long as you stay within the time limits. Stage order matters: Stages must be completed in the published order, following the marked route. In Trail Endurance, missing a stage or riding stages out of order typically results in DNF - so always check the route plan and event instructions.
Categories include all standard MTB Rally classes, plus eMTB and eMTB Rookies (event-specific). eMTB Rookies is intended for newer e-bike riders starting their racing journey.
Trail Endurance is stage-based - the clock matters on stages - but the overall challenge can be more physical and endurance-driven than bikepark formats. Consistency across all stages leads to a strong overall time.
Helping another rider: If you stop mid-stage to assist an injured rider, inform the organizers/marshal as soon as possible. Time compensation may be applied by setting your stage time to the fastest time of that stage (event-defined handling). Bike choice: The format works well on XC and trail bikes. Trail character varies, and some stages may include small climbs even in non-eMTB categories. eMTB stages may be longer (e.g., 5-15 minutes), making battery and energy management an important part of the race.