2024 Festival & RACE WEEKENDS

RACING with Driftless MTB

We often receive a LOT of questions about NICA Wisconsin League races. Bottom line: races are super fun, and super rewarding.

Not sure if you want to race? Read on! Not sure what to pack, where to stay, or what to expect? We’ve answered that, too!

Think we’ve forgotten an important detail? Let us know and we will add another question to the mix. Check out this video to get a sense of the spirit of NICA racing. Check out this video if you want to get stoked!

 RACING BASICS

What is NICA racing?
NICA races are cross-country style mountain bike races. Courses consist of a loop of well-built single track as well as double-track sections. Courses offer a mix of terrain - from flowy trail to technical challenges - and each course is a bit different. Riders begin each race in a “mass start” and ride a pre-determined number of laps depending on their age group. First person to cross the finish line is the fastest - but all riders are guaranteed the reward of fun!

Who can race?
Any Driftless team rider who is fully registered in NICA’s PitZone, barring coach discretion (i.e. rider lacks safe riding skills/safe equipment) can participate in Wisconsin League races.

What are the racing categories/age groups?
Riders are categorized by age group, and, in high school, skill/speed. Race categories are as follows: Middle School, Middle School 2, High School Open, Freshman, JV2, JV3, and Varsity. Riders may petition to move categories (i.e. a fast, experienced sophomore may petition the league to enter the Varsity category) but this is rare. Petitions must take place in the summer, prior to the racing season start.

What do you mean by “race weekend?” Is a race really that long?
Race events take place over a full weekend (see below for detailed schedules) but the race itself takes place on Sunday.

How long is each race?
Each race course is approximately five miles of mixed terrain. Most middle schoolers ride one lap (with the exception of Middle School 2 - they race 2 laps); High School Open races 1 lap; Freshmen and JV2 ride 2 laps, JV3 rides 3 laps, and Varsity rides 4 laps. Depending on a rider's ability, a lap could take anywhere from 25 to 60 minutes.

My rider isn’t sure that they want to race. Should we register?
We strongly encourage all team riders to attend as many NICA races as they can, even if they don’t personally choose to race. Riders who are not registered can still pre-ride the course, hang out with their teammates, and cheer/provide team support. Additionally, each race weekend hosts a GRiT (Girls Riding Together) ride, which is open to all female-identifying riders, regardless of their race status. If your rider is new to the sport, come to one of the early-season races to experience the fun. A lot of the time, the energy and excitement of the race is enough to motivate even the most timid riders to jump into the mix! You can register for races up to one hour before the ride begins, however, a $15 late fee is applied. See more about registration below.

How do I register an athlete for a race?
Go to www.pitzone.NationalMTB.org and sign in. Click on the button that says “Register [RIDER NAME] for Events”. Select the race(s) you want to register for by placing a checkmark on that row, and click on the “update order and continue” button. You can register for one race at a time, or for multiple races. Race fees are determined annually by the league.

Can I register an athlete the day of the race?
Yes, you can register a rider the day of the race, but they must be registered at least ONE HOUR before their race start time. Online race registration closes the Tuesday before each race weekend; after that deadline, riders have to register on site during the race weekend (Saturday or Sunday).

RACE WEEKEND LOGISTICS

What makes a NICA race different than say, a soccer game?
NICA races are structured a bit differently than most of the team sports families may be accustomed to…this means that knowing the schedule/what to expect is important to help riders feel relaxed and ready to go when their group is called up to the start line! Race weekends start on Fridays, and races take place on Sundays. Athletes have the option to come and go through the weekend, but there are key times at which they must be present. For example, a rider could pre-ride the course Saturday afternoon, and then leave for a football game, and return on Sunday to race. That said, we encourage riders to maximize their time at the race venue to soak in the entire experience.

Where do riders stay during race weekends that are far from home?
NICA race venues offer a unique lodging opportunity for athletes and their families: camping! Camping is often recognized as one of the highlights of NICA race weekends by riders and families alike. The Wisconsin League provides information for camping at each race venue. Those who wish to camp are responsible for knowing all of the rules and regulations associated with camping. Of course, sleeping in a tent or RV might not be everyone’s cup of tea - in that case, many families opt to find lodging at local hotels or via AirBnB, etc. - or, riders may choose to attend only one day of the race weekend and drive to/from the venue without adding lodging logistics. It should be noted that NICA races are surprisingly large - several thousand people usually attend the events, which can cause a lodging shortage. Families are encouraged to plan ahead and reserve camping as soon as the league announces availability, or find hotels early in the season as they will likely book up quickly.

Where do we go/where do we park?
Details for each race venue are available at the Wisconsin HS Cycling League page. Go to the RACE SCHEDULE tab and click on the race name for venue-specific information. NOTE: Some races take place in state parks, or trails systems that require a parking and/or trail pass. Please be prepared for these additional expenses.

What should I pack?
Riders are expected to be self-sufficient during their race weekend. Athletes need to be prepared for the weather, possible mechanical issues, and changing course conditions. We’ve put together a basic list that includes the essentials and some additional gear suggestions for a typical NICA race. Please note this list is not inclusive of what you would need for an overnight experience/camping, etc. - it only includes items needed for race day.

How should a rider prepare for the race?
Just like any other sporting event or athletic endeavor, proper preparation for a NICA race is key to an athlete’s success, but moreso their safety. Riders have been preparing for race fitness during our season, but they can always supplement practice time with additional training. Riders should stay hydrated the day before and day of the race; they should get adequate sleep and eat a healthy meal the evening prior to the race, and a lighter, healthy meal previous to the race in the morning. If a rider is nervous or anxious, we encourage them to chat with a coach or trusted teammate to help them ease their anxiety! More than anything else, we believe racing should be FUN.

What is a typical race weekend schedule?
Races take place over a full weekend:

• FRIDAY: League staff arrive and set the course. Athletes do not need to be present on Friday, but many families choose to travel to the race location check into their lodging, and socialize with other teams/families. Camping is available ONLY on Saturday night for each race weekend (with the exception of Telemark).

• SATURDAY: Riders and coaches arrive at the race venue to set up camp and the team “pit zone” (canopy tents, a changing tent, bike racks, table, & chairs) - typically families arrive between 11-11:30. At noon, NICA holds a GRiT ride (usually a pre-ride) for female-identifying riders. After the GRiT ride, the course is open for all riders to pre-ride. A pre-ride is not required to race, but can benefit riders greatly as it provides them with familiarity with the course, builds their confidence, and allows them to strategize certain technical sections of the course if they wish. Generally, our group will gather several times to pre-ride together with coaches/teammates. This leaves Saturday evening open for team bonding, meals, and socializing at camp or in nearby towns. Riders normally turn in at a reasonable bedtime, to rest up for race day.

• SUNDAY: Today is the day! Races are ordered differently this year from previous years. Athletes will race from oldest riders to youngest. The race awards ceremony takes place at approximately 4 p.m. 

Wow…that’s a packed schedule. Is there any downtime?
Yes! Race weekends have plenty of down time, so bring some activities to stay entertained in the gaps between events.

Can we spectate, cheer, and take photos?
Yes! Spectators can get pretty serious about their cheering duties at NICA races - everything from cowbells to costumes are encouraged. Positive sporting attitude and enthusiasm are required! Spectating is different on each course - if you’re not sure where to go, ask a veteran NICA family, or watch to see where other fans are flocking to cheer. It is important to be aware of the course/where you spectate at all times during the weekend, so that everyone stays safe. Our Driftless team will also facilitate media sharing after races via Google Photos, so families can enjoy photos/videos they captured during the event.

Will the team provide food or beverages during the race weekend?
Generally speaking, families and riders are responsible for their own food and beverages. Most weekends, our team will organize a dinner together on Saturday evening (possibly at camp, or at a local restaurant) so athletes can spend time together. Driftless MTB will provide some food for the races (such as Clif Bloks or gels) but if racers have specific dietary needs or preferences, they should plan on bringing their own food. On race day, the league contracts several food vendors to attend the event. Picnics are also allowed/encouraged. Team families will often work together to bring food/snacks for riders to share (i.e. sandwich ingredients, sports drinks, fruit, pretzels, etc.) - please let us know if you’d like to help with coordinating team food for race weekends!

NOTE: NICA rules state that riders cannot have any caffeine the day of the league race. For a full list of banned substances and race rules, see the NICA rulebook.

Are races ever cancelled?
The league will generally make every effort possible to hold races; even if weather is less than ideal! Races will be held unless they are deemed unrideable and/or dangerous. Please see the official Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling league race weather and refund policy for details. NICA races can be hot, humid, and buggy, or riders might find themselves riding in light snow, rain, and biting wind. It is the athlete’s responsibility to make sure they have appropriate clothing for all conditions.

Will there be bike mechanics on-site?
Riders should make every effort to ensure their bike is in prime condition prior to race weekend. Ultimately, a rider’s gear is their responsibility. Riders should have everything they need to be self-sufficient on race weekend. Additionally, they should go into the race understanding the rules around receiving help while on the course. A time penalty is not awarded for a rider receiving assistance in the case of a mechanical if they are the one carrying the supplies and tools required for their repair. At a minimum a rider should carry a tube and tire levers. All this saie, we have several coaches who are also experienced mechanics and may be available and willing to help in Pit Zone. Minor repairs and fixes may be completed on-site during race weekend in our team pit zone. Additionally, the league schedules an on-site mobile mechanic for each race weekend who provides mechanical services (for a fee) as well as complete bikes/bike parts for sale.

Are dogs allowed?
Dogs may be allowed by the venue, but are required to be on-leash and attended to at all times. Check the detailed race information on the Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League site for venue-specific rules/regulations.

MORE RESOURCES

NICA’s “Quick Start Guide to Interscholastic Mountain Bike Racing”

NICA Handbook

Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League Race Weather & Refund Policy

Still not sure what to expect? Watch the video below from Trek & NICA, filmed in Waterloo, WI.