Categories
GESA categories are self-seeded, meaning we leave it up to you to enter the category that is appropriate for your skill level, fitness and racing experience.
Sandbagging (entering a lower category to claim glory on the podium) will not be tolerated. GESA reserves the right to alter your category based on previous results.
From 2025, the U21 category will no longer be available. Recent changes made by the UCI and Auscycling to this age category will be adopted by GESA. The U19 category will now be a single age (No Elite or Open) category with the number of stages to be raced dependent on the venue.
Novice Men/Women (13+ Years) – 3 Stages
Continuing the success of Novice category in previous years, Novice will allow newcomers to dip their toes into the GESA racing format. Racers will then be able to compare their times to the other categories to see where they end up. Generally Novice will be the last category to start which will mean less/no chance of being caught by other riders - we have done this to try and alleviate the pressure new riders may feel about “getting in the way” or being “rushed/pushed” off the track.
We also endeavour to have a team of Mentors on race day to ride with the Novice category. They will not be there to “coach” but will be riding with the group and available to chat, support, encourage, give tips and generally have an awesome time on the bike with you! Please let the team know if you would like to be a Mentor.
Athletes can compete for free in their first Novice race. If riders do not feel confident to move to Open or their age category after their first race but have enjoyed the vibe and want to carry on racing (which we hope they will!) they may continue to race the rest of the season in Novice, but do have to pay for the remaining races. Season points are not awarded in Novice categories. Previous races entered under Novice are not able to be moved to subsequent selected categories.
Open Men/Women (18+ years) – 5 Stages
This is our entry level category. If you don’t have time to train and your mates are usually waiting for you at the bottom of the hill on social rides, this category is for you.
Expert Men/Women (18+ years) – 5 Stages
If you’re reasonably fit, you are out on the bike regularly and can ride most features confidently, this category is for you. Racing expert means you get to complete an extra stage compared to the open category and get a bigger day of racing in. Open to anyone 19 years or older.
Elite Men/Women (18+ years) – 6 Stages
You’ve raced a lot. Probably different disciplines. You train, you’re fit and talented on a bike. Some stages may not have B-Lines and may race a more challenging course. Elite racers will get to do the full course + an extra stage at most races, providing them with a great test of skill and fitness. Open to anyone 19 years or older.
Veterans Men/Women (30 - 39 years) - 5 Stages
Masters Men/Women (40-49 years) – 5 Stages
Veterans & Masters are for people over 30 who don’t feel skilled enough to ride Elite. Being 30+ does not make you slow, often it means you have experience which makes you fast. If you are over 30 and used to kill it in DH back in the day, and still have pretty good fitness, enter Elite. Show the young whipper snappers how it’s done.
Super Masters Men/Women (50+ years) – 5 Stages
For riders over 50.
Same rules and guidelines apply to Super Masters that apply to Masters, only difference being that super masters will allow us to determine the best riders over 50.
Under 19 - 5 Stages - Determined by age on 31 December of the racing year
U19 (17-18 years): 5 Stages (Dependent on venue)
Junior Categories – Determined by age on 31 December of the racing year
U17 (15-16 years): 5 Stages
U15 (13-14 years): 4 Stages
U13 (11-12 years): 2 or 3 Stages
Our junior categories have been tailored to provide each age group with an appropriate level of challenge, without placing too much strain on the younger riders.
U11 (9 - 10 years) & U9 (7 - 8 years) : Please see our page dedicated for Little Shredders. We provide a U11 and U9 categories aimed at proving our youngest riders with a safe, supportive way to experience the excitement of enduro racing. Please refer this page for more details as this category is non-competitive.
E-Bikes
Open (16+ years) - Casual riders wanting a fun day out! You will race the standard GESA course (normally 5 stages) with no extra or power stages.
Elite (16+ years) - You’ve raced a lot. Probably different disciplines. You train, you’re fit and pretty talented on a bike. Some stages may not have B-Lines and may race a more challenging courses including Power Stage.
Novice (16+years) - Athletes can compete for free in their first Novice race. If riders do not feel confident to move to Open or their age category after their first race but have enjoyed the vibe and want to carry on racing (which we hope they will!) they may continue to race the rest of the season in Novice, but do have to pay for the remaining races. Season points are not awarded in Novice categories. Previous races entered under Novice are not able to be moved to subsequent selected categories. Normally 3 Stages.
For 2026, GESA will run the State Championship event included in a Series Round. Some categories will not be a State Championship category, details to follow.
To be up for the Series Title wins in 2026, the competitor must compete a minimum of 3 races in the same category to be eligible.
Gravity Enduro is built around multiple times decents, and we always aim to deliver the maximum number of stages appropriate for each category. However, final stage count for any event is determined by the venue, terrain, trail access, safety considerations, and the race format chosen for that round. Some locations allow for more stages, while others require us to adapt. Our priority is always to provide the best possible racing experience within the conditions and constraints of each venue.