Published: 09th Oct 2024 Images: Scottish Cycling

Pumptrack Racing: How to get started

Pumptrack racing is an exciting discipline that is the perfect first step for riders into racing. After successful events in 2023 and 2024, we want to boost the number of pump track events in 2025. Here’s our how-to-guide for running a pump track event.

Pumptrack races are great events that are easy to run and can easily build a good atmosphere. They need little infrastructure or set up.

Here are our suggestions of what you need:

  • Intro2Coach (BMX Racing) – link here to how to become an offroad Coach
  • 2 stopwatches
  • Appropriate First Aid cover (found in British Cycling medical guidance, made available once registered as an event organiser) – this can usually for Pump Track races be covered under the First Aid Coaches have in place
  • Start/finish area.
  • Permission to use the track.
  • British Cycling Event Listing

Overview

The general idea is very simple, have riders complete timed laps (with one rider on track at a time), sort through the fastest times, then you have a winner. Of course, you can layer in competition, giveaways and prizes if you would like.

Optional Extras

Once you’ve run a few races and you start getting more interest and faster riders, you might look to scale up your event. Consider creating revenue from catering, selling opportunity for business to advertise at the event, adding in electronic timing and live results would give your event a pro edge. Adding live music with a PA system/loudspeaker. These are not requirements for events, but as events get bigger and bring in more money, these can help to create a bigger atmosphere and add to the event experience. Interest for the above options can be shared with a social media page for the event.

Consider adding in an MC, they can help to keep the event together and provide a structure.

Insurance & Event Listing

All British Cycling registered events are insured under British Cycling’s £20 million public liability insurance. Registering events on the event management system is simple.

  1. The first step is to register as an event organiser. Contact [email protected] and the team will take you through some basic questions to get set up.
  2. The next step is to use the date checker to make sure the event doesn’t clash with similar events in the same area/time frame. If you are concerned about an event clash, speak to the Scottish Cycling events team to understand the potential impacts.
  3. Next, you will fill in the details about the event, such as start time and add race categories. You can also set up online entries to be taken via the Event Management System if you wish.
  4. Once these are complete, you’ll need to submit the event and pay the registration fee (£10-£20 for competitive events).
  5. Event listings are then signed off by the Scottish Cycling events officer, and British Cycling’s events team – then it’s live and ready for entries.
  6. For events to be insured, an event risk assessment must be submitted at least seven days in advance. All appropriate control measures and first aiders must be in place on the day, as per the risk assessment.

 

Budgeting

There can be several costs associated with an event that change each time, but some costs are the same. Examples are registration fees (mentioned above) and levies. Levies are dependent on the category and age group. For non-ranking events, youth levies cost £1.50 per rider, so you should factor this in when budgeting for the event.

Entry fees should be set in such a way that it covers the event costs. For example, if venue costs are £250, £20 registration fee and £30 for other equipment then entry fees will need to cover £300. If you’re expecting 30 riders, then your entry fees should be at least £11.50. This will cover the event costs, and levies for each rider.

Format Specifics

Pumptrack racing falls under MTB 4X regulations which allows a wide range of bikes to take part. Bikes must have at least a working back brake and bar end plugs.

An easy method of racing is having 2 timed laps, recorded separately such as rider no. 1, then 2, then 3… and so on until the category has completed their lap. Then run the category again in the same order for their second lap.

Only one rider should be on track at a time, with the next rider being held at the start line by the starter. It’s good practice for riders to start their lap on a roll into the track. This allows them to gain some initial momentum. To ensure safety and fairness, all riders should have a standing start with one foot on the ground until the starter tells them to go.

The picture at the left is an example of how to start riders. All information above should be included in an event guide sent to participants, so they know what to expect on the day. Consider that a page on social media with an event listing would be a simple way to get this across. Have printed copies of the rules available on the day too.

As with all bike racing, all riders must wear a helmet when riding at any point. For pumptrack racing, open face helmets are allowed, though full-face helmets are recommended. You can choose to make full face helmets mandatory. This should be included in a rider communication and participants will then not be allowed to ride without the appropriate equipment. Body armour like knee/elbow pads, gloves, long sleeve jerseys and trousers are strongly recommended, though cannot be made mandatory.