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 – Enter All 3 Rounds NOW! –
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 and save up to $30.
Free Entry for Under 19s – Powered by Ride Mechanic
We are excited to announce that Brisbane based Ride Mechanic is supporting the next generation of racers by covering the entry cost of all under 19’s. Check out their range of Aussie-made bike lubricants, cleaning products and more. Under 19’s use “RIDEMECH” during registration for free entry.
Why You Should Race
New Racers: A supportive, welcoming environment where you can experience the thrill of racing for the first time. C and D grades race in their own dedicated sessions, away from the high-speed elite riders.
Regular Competitors: Sharpen your skills, practice your race starts, and push your limits ahead of longer events later in the year.
- Senior riders: 5 new categories this year | Participation | Single Speed | Enduro Bike | Masters A Grade – 40+ age group | Masters B Grade – 40+ age group.
- Women’s Only Racing: Women in B and C grades enjoy their own exclusive race start, providing a clear track and a supportive atmosphere.
- Junior Racers: three separate kids-only races, kept completely distinct from the senior categories to ensure maximum safety and fun.
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.
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
• Enter Round 1 Only Here
Round 2
• Sunday, 8 February 2026
• Eastern Escarpment (Mt Cotton – Gate 2, Schoeck Road)
• Enter Round 2 Only Here
Round 3
• Sunday, 15 March 2026
• Daisy Hill (Don and Christine Burnett Conservation Area – Ford Road)
• Enter Round 3 Only Here
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 | 17+ | For riders who want to join the fun without the pressure of racing. No podium. |
| Enduro Bike | 40 mins | 13+ | For enduro bikes with 151mm+ front travel. Keeps things fair against XC bikes. |
| E-Bike | 50 mins | 13+ | Legal pedal-assist only. Bikes will be checked for chips. Non-compliant bikes cannot race. |
| Single Speed | 40/50 mins | 13+ | One gear only. Electronic drivetrains allowed with battery removed. |
| D Grade | 40 mins | 13+ | Ideal for first-time racers or riders with limited experience/fitness. |
| C Grade | 40 mins | 13+ | For regular racers with intermediate skills and fitness. |
| B Grade | 50 mins | 13–39 | For highly skilled, very fit riders. |
| A Grade | 50 mins | 13–39 | 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 kids course at race base. |
| C Grade | 10 mins | U9, U11 | Up to 24” wheel size bike. 200 metre kids course at race base. |
| B Grade | 20 mins | U13, U15, U17 | Junior course. |
| A Grade | 20 mins | U13, U15, U17 | Junior course. |
Additional Notes
- Only exceptional Under 13 riders are permitted to race in the Senior categories. e.g. likely to win a podium.
- Only exception Under 11 riders are permitted to race Junior AB grade. e.g. competitive against adults.
- Junior riders are recommended to start their first race in the lowest possible grade for their age group. Once experienced consider stepping up.
- Junior riders may be pushed up in to a higher grade to ensure the safety of all riders. This decision will be made by the commissaire at the event.
- Participation - Suitable for riders who aren't concerned about racing but want to support the RATS, the Summer Sprints and have a great time on course - no podium. This is the most beginner friendly introduction to racing and events.
- Single Speeders will race in their chosen ABCD or Masters AB race and fight for that podium as well as a Single Speed only podium where single speeders from different grades fight for a podium. 1 gear only (electronic gears with the battery removed / shifter pod removed also accepted, commissaire will check at race start).
- Single Speeders, please check the "Special offer opt in" box.
- Enduro Bikes, more than 151mm of travel in the front fork. As printed by the manufacturer.
- A Grade and Master A Grade may be merged into one podium if low numbers.
- B Grade and Master B Grade may be merged into one podium if low numbers.
- All categories above have male/female except D grade which is men only. (due to numbers).
- You may be asked to move up one grade if you are dominating a lower grade.
- Participation may be merged with the CD grade race pending numbers
- Participation race is men and women on course together. If you would like a women's only race please enter C Grade women.
| 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 |
2025 Summer Sprints Pricing
We’re rewarding those who participate in all 3 rounds with a lower entry price, saving up to $30 compared to last year.
Entry Fees
| Entry Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Senior | $35 |
| Senior RATS club member | $25 (save $10) |
| Juniors | Free thanks to Ride Mechanic |
| Participation | $10 |
| Senior RATS club member 3 rounds | $60 (save $15) |
| Senior full price all 3 rounds | $75 ( save $30) |
- If you are a RATS club member, select the "Membership claimed" tick box when entering to gain the discount.
- Juniors racing up in senior races will be charged at the Senior rate
- 3 round discount will be applied on the last race. e.g. pay full price for the first 2 rounds, then the discounted price for round 3
Free Entry
- Free entry is available for ALL podiums from Bayview Blast 2025 and Chicks in the Sticks 2025
- Free entry is available for trail care volunteers at RATS hosted sessions (RATS members only)
- Free entry is available for event volunteers e.g. set up, pack up, marshals, BBQ, etc (RATS members only)
- Free entry can be used for your kids, partner or friend
- Free entry is available for RATS committee members (plenty of openings we especially need a SECRETARY!)
To claim free entry, enter the appropriate promo code into the "Promo code" box when entering:
"TRAILFAIRY" for trail care volunteers.
"BVB25" for podium prize from Bayview Blast 2025.
"CITS25" for podium prize from Chicks in the Sticks.
"VOLUNTEER" for event volunteers.
"COMMITTEE" for our very hard working committee members.
In the "Entry remarks" comment box, add a brief description of why you are eligible for free entry, please see examples below.
* Trail Care Volunteer (e.g. volunteered on Sunday 20th at Underwood Park session. 7am to 11am)
* Committee Member (race director, secretary , president, etc)
* Bayview Blast Podium (name, age group, podium position, etc)
* Chicks in the Sticks Podium (name, age group, podium position, etc)
* Event Volunteer (Summer Sprints round 1 BBQ, marshal, set up, etc)
Free entries need to pass the pub test. e.g. attending trail care for 30 minutes doesn't pass the pub test, a 3 hour session would.
If you are not eligible, PLEASE do not abuse the free entry system. If the system is abused it will be removed in future events for everyone. This system is intended to reward those who support our club and the wider mountain bike community.
Member Pricing
RATS Cycling Club members will enjoy member pricing, please check the "Membership claimed" tick box to receive your discount.
Non members who abuse this will be removed from the start list, not permitted to race and will be asked to leave without a refund.
Series Entry Discount
Senior RATS member 3 round discount. Entry price $60 (save $15)
Senior non member 3 round discount. Entry price $75 ( save $30)
3 round discount will be applied on the last race. e.g. pay full price for the first 2 rounds, then the discounted price for round 3
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 5 riders must start in a category for prize money to be awarded.
- Prize money must be claimed within 7 days of the last round. Prize money for all races will be transferred after the last race. Prize money can be donated to the club by not claiming it.
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.