Cross-Country Racing - Island Cup Race Series

Cross Country Races

Cross Country (XC) is a classic style of racing where the event starts and ends usually at the same point. XC courses and trails consist of a mix of singletrack trails, and smooth fire roads.

On Vancouver Island, that includes lung-burning technical climbs and exciting swerving descents.

The 2026 Cross Country series consists of 6 events, with the overall standings determined by the best 5 results.

Race Calendar and registration TBD

2025 XC Race Schedule

Round 1 - Jordie Lunn

March 16, 2026

Round 2 - Cumberland

April 19, 2026

Round 3 - Powell River

May 3, 2026

Round 4 - Location TBD

Date TBD

Round 5 - Location TBD

Date TBD

Round 6 - Victoria

June 21, 2026

CROSS COUNTRY RACING FAQS

WHAT LEVELS ARE THERE?

Beginner racers are usually younger riders, first time racers, and less experienced riders. If you have been riding for 15 years but never raced, jump up to intermediate. If you have been riding for one or two years and never raced hit up the beginner category and give it a try. Usually our Beginner winners are approximately 12-14 years old so be prepared to get schooled by a young ripper.

Intermediate racers are the bulk of our racers. It could be your first race or maybe you aren’t too competitive but want the challenge of a longer distance. Abilities in this category vary a lot but if you think of yourself as an intermediate rider you should probably race the intermediate category.

Expert racers are very experienced riders. Most have raced a bunch or at least ride a couple times a week for the past several years. Or maybe you’re a young ripper that is training to take on the Elite racers one day.

Masters (40+) racers are experienced riders who want to race in their age group. Most have raced or at least ride a couple times a week for the past several years. Oh! and they are 40 years or older.

Notes for all: If you placed in the top 3 consistently last year in your category (or in the overall) you should move up to the next category.

Most XC races do:

Beginner – 1 Lap

Intermediate – 2 Laps

Expert 3 – Laps

Masters Women – 2 Laps

Masters Men – 3 Laps

HOW DOES THE SERIES WORK?

There are 6 races in the series and racers get points for each race that they participate in.

The series is a best 5 of 6 races so if you miss a race you can still receive full points. If you make all 6 races you will drop your lowest 1 points toward your overall.

We will award the top 3 in each category for the overall at the final race.

Note that if you switch categories through the year you will loose your points, so try and stick to the same category for each race.

Points per race are awarded to the top 30 in each category as follows:

Place	Points
1	500
2	450
3	420
4	400
5	390
6	380
7	370
8	360
9	350
10	340
11	330
12	320
13	310
14	300
15	290
16	280
17	270
18	260
19	250
20	240
21	230
22	220
23	210
24	200
25	190
26	180
27	170
28	160
29	150
30	145

DO I NEED A RACING LICENSE?

Racing more than 3 events?

YES – Racers participating in more than three events need to purchase a Cycling BC ‘PROVINCIAL RACE LICENSE‘ license.

Racing less than 3 events?

NO – Racers participating in three or less events can pay for a one day license. This one day license costs $25 on top of registration to cover insurance costs ($5 for Participants under the age of 19). This will provide the rider with accident insurance for the day of the race.

You are limited to 3 events without purchasing a license, so if you plan on more racing you should purchase a license at the beginning of the season.

License Type: ‘PROVINCIAL RACE LICENSE‘ or ‘UCI RACE LICENSE‘

CLICK HERE FOR CYLCING BC LICENSE OPTIONS

WHAT IF I NEED A REFUND?

In the event that you register online but just can’t make the race we have the following registration policy:

100% back* – Up to one week before the registration cut off.
50% back* – During the last week of registration.
No refunds – After registration closes.

*this does not include CCN fees. CCN fees will not be refunded.

To request a refund, please email islandcupracers@gmail.com

CAN I USE AN E-BIKE?

Sorry, no.

E-bikes vary so much from traditional bikes and for safety reasons we cannot have E riders racing on the same course as non E.