Season

Mountain biking is considered a fall sport with races occurring during the end of August through the middle of October. Early season training starts each year in July and continues through October.

The 196 MTB team is a cycling team that develops riders and competes against other teams in Minnesota under the rules of the MCA.  We balance the competition of a team with other aspects of a club to keep the sport fun and enjoyable for riders of all ability levels.

Yearly schedule

Per MCA rules, Team practices may officially begin July 1. Casual team training with Group Coaches begins in July and will increase in intensity throughout the season.

Season dates

  • First summer practice: Mid-July
  • Season end: October 31
  • 196 MTB awards ceremony is held after the MCA State Championships in mid-October.

Race dates

Participation in at least one race is encouraged.

There are nine races held on seven race weekends beginning at the end of August and continuing through October, including the State Championships. Each team races in a total of five races (including the finale), with scheduled “byes” for the race weekends during which the team is not registered to participate in any races.

Regular-season race days will be Saturdays for Middle School and Sundays for High School.

The State Championship schedule differs from regular season and is subject to change.

The race schedule will be announced in spring where the 196 MTB team will only race in a total of five MCA races (see Schedule) with criteria to qualify for the State Championship, the final race.

We will refer to MCA race communications and the MCA website (https://minnesotacycling.org >>) for qualification criteria and ALL race and pre-ride schedules.

Weekly schedule

During the school year, the team has a typical weekly schedule. This schedule may change because of weather, day light or training needs. We will communicate all scheduling changes through TeamSnap.

Monday

Optional – Performance / Race Training

Taking place at various locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area, these sessions will allow riders to gain additional skills and conditioning with a focus on race preparation and performance.

Tuesday & Thursday

Normal practice days at various MTB locations. Start times will be clearly communicated via TeamSnap. To ensure required coach to rider ratios 6:1 rider to coach or 8:2 rider to coach, we ask that student athletes and ride leaders confirm availability within TeamSnap at minimum of 60 minutes prior to the start of scheduled practice.

Saturday

Race day for our middle school riders.

Sunday

Race day for our high school riders.

Optional adventure rides

At various times throughout the season, additional rides may be organized based on coach and ride leader availability.  Any rides that are scheduled will be added to the calendar in TeamSnap.