Ability-Based Categories
In an effort to create a more inclusive environment and allow for student-athletes to participate in fields that fill their needs, we assign students to ability-based categories.
For returning student-athletes, placement in our previous race season is used to calculate which ability-based field they’re in. Categories for returning riders are shared in the 2025 Category Placement Table (CPT). For new student-athletes, placement is based on the grade they’ll enter in the fall. Petitions for a category change will only be accepted after completion of the prologue.
Middle School Student-Athletes: Middle school student-athletes are placed in categories according to grade.
High School Student-Athletes: For new student-athletes, placement is initially based on the grade they’ll enter in the fall. For returning high school student-athletes, initial placement is based on grade and then the average lap times in the previous season. Current categories for returning riders can be found on the 2025 CPT.
LAPS
Each field does a certain amount of laps of the race course. Unless we need to alter the course or schedule for weather or trail conditions, lap counts for each field are usually:
MS1, MS2 and MS3 will do one lap with the option of one bonus lap (2 laps total)
HS1 and HS2 will do two laps with the option of one bonus lap (3 laps total)
HS3 does three laps with the option of one bonus lap (4 laps total)
Varsity does three laps with the option of one bonus lap (4 laps total)
Distance
Mileage at each race venues varies, but our courses are usually 3.5-4.5 miles long. Elevation (climbing) is around 300-600ft per lap.
Points
More on our points system can be found in the Oregon League Handbook.
Petitions
All category upgrade requests must be filled out here.