Our first downhill race!!
This event is going to be ran similar to the big downhill races in the US.
Events like Monster Energy Pro Downhill, NW Cup, DHSE, and more.
We want to give riders the experience they would get when traveling to those other races!
The Cat 1 and Cat 2 course is looking to have something fresh!
Not just your standard Calculated Risk lap! But you won’t get to ride it unless you show up!!
This event is the finale of the Downhill portion of the Lake Superior Gravity Series! It is going to be scored the same as the rest of LSGS for that series.
All racers in Cat 1 and Cat 2 will have your score count for the LSGS series. Don’t worry, we’ll deal with that headache on the backend haha.
Cat 3 will not be scored towards LSGS Overall as they are going to be on a separate course.
USA Cycling Sanctioned Race!
What does this mean for racers?
Racers will need to have a USA Cycling license to race at this race. But don’t worry. If you have never purchased one before, USA Cycling is offering a 1 year license for only $20! (Use code 2025MTB or 2025MTBJR when purchasing your license)
If you’ve had a USA Cycling membership before, but need to renew it, use code INTROMEMB25 to get your license for only $50!
It means this event will go towards your ranking within USA Cycling!
USA Cycling Categories
Cat 1/Pro – This is going to be the fastest group of riders on the weekend. You should be very comfortable racing down the most technical features in the Midwest (ManPants in Copper Harbor, Gypsum in Marquette, Terrarium at Spirit Mountain). If you regularly are in the top 20 to 30 of the LSGS you could shoot to be in this category.
Cat 2 – This category is for riders who feel they can ride down the more technical features in the Midwest (listed above). If you have raced the Downhill event at Copper Harbor, Marquette or Duluth before, you are certainly good enough to be in this category!
Cat 3/Novice – This category is for those who are curious about downhill racing. Maybe you’ve never participated in a downhill race before, or you’re just getting into the sport. This category will get more practice time and will be on a separate course than the other categories. It’ll be either a green or a blue trail. Dip your toes into downhill racing by being in Cat 3!
Age Categories
Much like the rest of the LSGS series we are going to have age categories within each of the USA Cycling Categories.
40+
17-39
16U
Having USA Cycling involved will help riders get into the categories they belong in for future races when they travel. Since this is one of the only USA Cycling downhill races in the Midwest (other than some collegiate racing), we will be working with riders to get into their correct category. We don’t have a major say, but we will advocate for you if we agree you should be in a higher category.
Event Location/Dates
Spirit Mountain in Duluth MN is going to be hosting this awesome event!
Race courses won’t be announced until Thursday at 6pm!
The base will be where registration/riders meetings and most other activities will occur.
8551 Grand Ave Duluth MN 55808
They will also be offering racers a deal on lift tickets. Participating in the event will allow you to purchase a 3 day pass for $60!
Event festivities are Thursday September 11th through Sunday the 14th (race day!)
Official events start Thursday afternoon at 6pm with Track Walk for the Cat1/2 course opening up for the evening!
Sign up before August 31st and receive a special top cap from Onyx!
Registration prices go up September 1st!
Weekend Schedule
Exact times will be updated when we get closer, but here is a general idea of the weekend.
Cat 1 and 2 will only be allowed to practice during the allotted timeslots given to them. This is done to keep traffic on course lower, and for similar speed riders to be on course at the same time. Keeping things cleaner and safer.
Cat 3 will be allowed to practice all day Friday and Saturday, and won’t have Seeding Runs or Track Walk. Their course will also be open to the public Friday and Saturday.
Rules
Full face helmets are required when riding on track.
Riders may only practice during their allotted practice times.
Respect the rules of Spirit Mountain and Bike Patrol.
Keep watching this page and our social media for more information.