A guide to the format of the race programme for 2021 Ulster series is as follows. See individual rounds for more details.
Race Timetable:
09:00 – Sign on opens
10:00 – Under 6s fun race
10:15 – Under 8s
10:30 – Under 10s
10:50 – Under 12s
11:15 – Prize giving for U8s, U10s and U12s
12:00 – Under 16s, Senior 4 men, Senior 2 women, Senior 3 women, Under 14s
13:30 – Prize giving for U14s, U16s, S2 women, S3 women and S4 men
14:00 – Senior 1 men, Juniors, Senior 1 women, Senior 2 men, Senior 3 men
15:45 – Prize giving for S1, S2 and S3 men, Juniors and S1 women
Race Categories explained (for the 2021 season)
NOTE: There is separate “Juniors race” for strong junior riders. For juniors who are new to cycling they are free to enter Senior 3 or Senior 4 men’s races. Junior females can take part in Senior Women 1, 2 or 3 races.
Senior beginners (S3 women – S4 men)
The sport will only grow when we attract new people to give cross-country racing a ‘go’.
For 2021 both the Senior 4 men and Senior 3 women have a reduced entry fee as per a proposal passed at the 2017 Cycling Ulster Off-road Commission AGM.
Also for 2021 the Senior 3 women’s race will share the Under 14s course as per a proposal passed at the 2017 Cycling Ireland Off-road Commission AGM.
Both the Senior 4 men and Senior 3 women’s races should last less than 50 minutes.
Under 6 race The Under 6s race is just for fun. It is an introduction to off-road racing.
There are no winners, no podium, no medals. It is all about the achievement of starting and finishing.
If you child can complete the course with ease and is ready for the next challenge please have them try the Under 8s race instead. There is no lower age limit on the Under 8s race.
| Category | Age | Comment |
| Senior (Men) 1 | 16+ | Elite riders and top 5/6 Experts/Masters/Vets – [5-7 laps] |
| Senior (Men) 2 | 16+ | Strong riders – [4-6 laps] |
| Senior (Men) 3 | 16+ | Seasoned/experienced riders – [3-5 laps] |
| Senior (Men) 4 | 16+ | Introductory category for men starting racing (Sports) – [2-3 laps] |
| Senior Women 1 | 16+ | Elite women [4-5 laps] |
| Senior Women 2 | 16+ | Experienced riders – [3-4 laps] |
| Senior Women 3 | 16+ | Introductory category for women starting racing (Sports) – [2-3 laps] |
| Juniors | 16-17 | Those born in 2003 or 2004 |
| Under 16 | Those born in 2005 or 2006 | |
| Under 14 | Those born in 2007 or 2008 | |
| Under 12 | Those born in 2009 or 2010 | |
| Under 10 | Those born in 2011 or 2012 | |
| Under 8 / Under 6s | Those born in 2013 or earlier |
For 2021 championship categories the following age groups apply
2003-2004 Junior
1999-2002 Espoir
1992-1998 Senior
1982-1991 M30
1972-1981 M40
1962-1971 M50
1900-1961 M60