Categories 

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.

Masters Men/Women (40-49 years) – 5 Stages

Masters is for people over 40 who don’t feel skilled enough to ride Elite. Being 40+ does not make you slow, often it means you have experience which makes you fast. If you are over 40 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 (Dependant 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. We are excited to have a dedicated U13 category this year, please note that a minimum age of turning 11 years old in the competition year still applies.

E-Bikes

Open (18+ 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 (18+ 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 (18+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 2025, 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 2025, the competitor must compete a minimum of 3 races in the same category to be eligible.