Categories 

Novice Men/Women (15+ Years) – 3 Stages

A new category from 2023, 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.

Open Men/Women (21+ 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 (21+ 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

New category for 2023 – 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 21 Elite (17-20 years) – 6 Stages

Another new category from 2023, U21 Elite will bring the GESA categories more in line with what athletes will experience when racing at an interstate or international level.

U21 elite recognises the outstanding capabilities of our young athletes and gives them a platform to test themselves and show what theyre capable of. They will complete the same full course as the Elite adults.

U19 will not be present from 2023, if you do not think you can be competitive in the U21 Elite Field, enter U21 Open.

Under 21 Open (17-20 years)– 5 Stages

We understand that not every young rider wants to be punching out a huge day of racing, so for the first time we will be offering a junior category with the option of an easier day on the bike.

Under 21 Open provides an opportunity for young crew to come and race a slightly shorter and less demanding day without having to compete with the incredibly competitive level of the U21 Elite field.

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 (19+ 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 (19+ 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.

For 2024, GESA will run the State Championship event independent of the Series Rounds. State Championship categories will be in line with AusCycling categories. To be up for the Series Title wins, the competitor must compete a minimum of 2 races in the same category to be eligible.