Summer Sprints
Summer Sprints 2026 – Bigger, Better, Faster!
Get ready — the 2026 Summer Sprints are back, bigger and better than ever, with brand new race tracks to challenge and excite riders of all levels!
Fun // Local // Affordable
Whether you’re chasing personal bests, testing your fitness, or just in it for a morning of adrenaline and fun, the Summer Sprints have a category for everyone. Participate in 1, 2, or all 3 rounds of this exciting cross-country mountain bike series.
Why You Should Race
For New Racers: A supportive, welcoming environment where you can experience the thrill of racing for the first time.
For Regular Competitors: Sharpen your skills, practice your race starts, and push your limits ahead of longer events later in the year.
- For Senior riders: 5 new categories this year | Participation | Single Speed | Enduro Bike | Masters A Grade – 40+ age group | Masters B Grade – 40+ age group
For Everyone: Great tracks, friendly competition, and the chance to meet other passionate riders in a fun, community-focused atmosphere.
No matter your experience, Summer Sprints is all about fun, fitness, and friendly competition. Grab your bike, bring your energy, and join us for some action-packed racing on our new courses.
Important Info
Entry is available only via the links below.
A current AusCycling race membership is required to participate.
Not a member yet? Now is the perfect time to join the club and be part of the RATS community!
Don’t miss out — we can’t wait to see you racing in 2026!
Round 1
• Sunday, 18 January 2026
• Underwood Park
• Registrations Open Soon
Round 2
• Sunday, 8 February 2026
• Eastern Escarpment (Mt Cotton)
Round 3
• Sunday, 15 March 2026
• Daisy Hill (Don and Christine Burnett Conservation Area)
Riders self-seed into their chosen grade or category. Use the guide below to help you choose where to start.
First-time off-road racers: Start in D Grade.
Riders with road racing experience: Start in C Grade, then adjust as needed.
This year we’ve added five new senior categories:
Participation
Single Speed
Enduro Bike
Masters A Grade (40+)
Masters B Grade (40+)
Seniors
| Category | Race Time | Age | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation | 30 mins | 15+ | For riders who want to join the fun without the pressure of racing. No podium. |
| Enduro Bike | 40 mins | 15+ | For enduro bikes with 151mm+ front travel. Keeps things fair against XC bikes. |
| E-Bike | 50 mins | 15+ | Legal pedal-assist only. Bikes will be checked for chips. Non-compliant bikes cannot race. |
| Single Speed | 40/50 mins | 15+ | One gear only. Electronic drivetrains allowed with battery removed. |
| D Grade | 40 mins | 15+ | Ideal for first-time racers or riders with limited experience/fitness. |
| C Grade | 40 mins | 15+ | For regular racers with intermediate skills and fitness. |
| B Grade | 50 mins | 15–39 | For highly skilled, very fit riders. |
| A Grade | 50 mins | 15–39 | For expert-level, extremely fit racers. |
| Masters B | 50 mins | 40+ | Highly skilled and very fit riders aged 40+. |
| Masters A | 50 mins | 40+ | Expertly skilled and extremely fit riders aged 40+. |
Juniors
| Category | Race Time | Age Groups | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| D Grade | 10 mins | Under 9 | Balance bikes and up to 16” wheels. 200m course at race base. |
| C Grade | 20 mins | U9, U11 | Up to 24” wheels. Short kids-only course. |
| B Grade | 30 mins | U13, U15, U17 | Full course. |
| A Grade | 30 mins | U13, U15, U17 | Full course. |
Additional Notes
Juniors may be moved up a grade for safety at the commissaire’s discretion.
Participation category: Best for beginners wanting to experience racing in a supportive, social way. No podiums.
Single Speed: Riders race in their chosen senior grade AND compete for a Single Speed-only podium. Bikes must have one gear; electronic systems must have the battery/shifter removed.
Enduro Bikes: Must have 151mm or more front fork travel.
Masters A & B may be combined into a single podium if numbers are low.
Male/female categories exist for all grades except D Grade (men only due to numbers).
Riders may be moved up if they are clearly dominating a lower grade.
Participation may be merged with C/D Grade depending on entries.
| Start Time | Race Category |
|---|---|
| 6:00am | Registration Opens |
| 7:00am | Race 1: D Grade Girls & Boys |
| 7:20am | Race 2: C Grade Girls & Boys |
| 7:45am | Race 3: A Grade Boys, B Grade Boys |
| 8:30am | Race 4: B Grade Female, B Grade Masters Female, C Grade Female, A Grade Girls, B Grade Girls, E-Bike Female, Enduro Bike Female |
| 9:15am | Race 5: C Grade Male, D Grade Male, Enduro Bike Male |
| 10:10am | Race 6: A Grade Male, B Grade Male, A Grade Masters Male, B Grade Masters Male, A Grade Female, A Grade Masters Female, E-Bike Male |
| 11:15am | Race 7: Participation Male & Female (If numbers are low, Participation Male merges with Race 5, Participation Female merges with Race 4) |
| 11:45am | Pack Up – please consider helping to collect bunting |
| Entry Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Senior – Full Price | $35 |
| Senior – RATS Member Early Bird | $25 (save $10) |
| Juniors | $10 |
| Participation | $10 |
| Senior – RATS Member All 3 Races | $60 (save $15) |
| Senior – Full Price All 3 Races | $75 (save $30) |
Note:
Juniors racing up in senior categories will be charged the senior rate.
Early Bird Deadline:
Early bird entry closes 11:59pm on the Sunday one week before each race.
Free Entry Options
Free entry is available for:
Podium finishers from Bayview Blast 2025 and Chicks in the Sticks 2025
Trail care volunteers at RATS-hosted sessions (RATS members only)
Event volunteers (e.g. setup, marshals, BBQ) (RATS members only)
RATS Committee members (we especially need a Secretary!)
Volunteers may use their free entry for a partner or child
How to Claim Free Entry
Email: racedirector@ratscc.com.au
Subject: FREE ENTRY SUMMER SPRINTS
Please copy and paste the following into your email and complete all fields:
Important
All required information must be provided and the subject line must be correct, otherwise your entry may be missed.
The Race Director processes almost 100 manual entries, so please ensure your information is complete to avoid delays.
Free entry requests must be submitted no later than the Sunday one week BEFORE the race.
Absolutely no free entry requests will be accepted in the final week.
Event volunteers must volunteer for one event to receive free entry to the next event.
Detailed Race Course Maps Available Closer To Event
Underwood Park
Eastern Escarpment - Mt Cotton
Daisy Hill
Prize money is available for all Senior A Grade races, including Masters. This encourages riders to challenge themselves in higher grades and helps keep lower grades fair and competitive.
Payouts
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $40 |
| 2nd | $20 |
| 3rd | $10 |
How to Claim
If you wish to claim your prize money, please email the Club Treasurer at:
treasurer@ratscc.com.au
Eligibility
A minimum of 4 riders must start in a category for prize money to be awarded.
AusCycling Membership Requirement
All participants must be an AusCycling race member. Proof of membership is required when collecting your race plate, or you can purchase a day membership.
Day Membership
Cost: $44 per race day
Purchase online: AusCycling Day Membership
Free Trial Option
A 4-week free trial is available.
We recommend timing your trial to cover all Summer Sprints rounds.
Example: start your trial the day before the first race.Sign up here: AusCycling Free Trial
Yearly Membership
- Visit our club membership page
Available as one annual payment or monthly instalments.
When signing up, please select RATS Cycling Club as your club.
Club membership numbers strengthen our voice when advocating for new trails and upgrades with local governments and councils.
Volunteers Needed
As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on volunteers to make our events possible.
If you’re not racing but want to help, please visit our Volunteers Sign-Up Page for more information.
Your support is greatly appreciated! As a thank-you, volunteers receive free entry to one of the Summer Sprints, which can be used for yourself, your child, or your partner.
Need more info or have a question?
Email: Racedirector@ratscc.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/RATSCyclingClub/
Phone: Race Director – Keegan Barns – 0401 502 343