Date
September 28–29, 2024
Mount Kato Ski Area is just south of Mankato, MN, off Hwy 1.
Parking
There is plenty of parking in the facility parking lot. Do not park on the road leading up to the ski area. Volunteers will be onsite during the morning hours to assist with parking, please follow directions. Teams may leave their trailers overnight.
Infield Map
Helpful Links
Mankato Accommodations page: https://www.visitgreatermankato.com/mankato/visit/stay/
Where To Eat: https://www.visitgreatermankato.com/mankato/visit/eat/
Race Schedule
Middle school (6th–8th grade) boys and girls race on Saturday. High school (Freshman, JV2, JV3, and Varsity) boys and girls race on Sunday.
Call-Ups
Call-ups for riders having their first race are based on previous year race results. Category adjustments were included, where appropriate (Example: JV3 racer advanced to Varsity, adjustment made to first race value). New racers are placed behind racers with race history. New racers were randomized among new racers.
Race Weekend FAQs
Visit our Race Weekend FAQs page for information about registration, race plates, spectating, volunteering and more.
Race Course Description
There are many spectator-friendly spots at Mount Kato to watch the races, and cheer the riders on. The course starts with a nice warm-up climb to the top of the ski area. Once on top, all racers make a large traverse along the back of the ski area. The course has a good balance of climbs, descents and technical sections with switchbacks. The approximate vertical gain per lap is 400 feet; each lap is 4-miles. All other bike trails are closed to riders for the weekend.
GPX File
Download a GPX file of the course here. Use the file to view the course on your navigation device (ie. Garmin, Wahoo, Strava).
Pre-ride
The course is open to the public up to Thursday evening of race week and available to pre-ride subject to venue rules, which require a pass. Learn more or pay in advance here: Mountain Biking – Mount Kato.
Race Weekend Pre-ride Times
Student-athletes with their coaches can pre-ride on race weekend once the course is set and marked. Hours for pre-ride are:
- Friday: ~4:30 pm* – 6:30 pm (sunset); start time may vary depending on course set, do not enter the course until it is announced as open;
- Saturday morning: Sunrise – 7:40 am; last rider may enter course, all riders must be off the course by 8:10 am;
- Saturday afternoon: ~4:30 pm* – 6:30 pm (sunset), pre-ride begins after racing ends and all riders and personnel are off course, do not enter the course until it is announced as open for pre-ride;
- Sunday: Sunrise – 7:40 am; last rider may enter course, all riders must be off the course by 8:10 am.
Pre-ride hours may be adjusted based on weather, race delays, etc. Any changes will be communicated at the venue and through the Rained Out app.
Pre-ride rules:
Individual student-athletes cannot pre-ride without an MCA coach.
All individuals must have their valid 2023 number plate (student-athlete or coach) attached to their bike.
Pre-riding by non-MCA registered individuals is not allowed.
Teams are responsible for leading and managing the pre-ride of their team.
The registration trailer is not open the entire time that pre-ride is scheduled. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete or coach to remember their number plates for pre-ride.
As a courtesy to other races, do not pre-ride the race course if you are not scheduled to race that weekend, or pre-ride after your race (example: middle school pre-riding on Saturday evening).
Pre-ride is an opportunity to preview and understand the course, it should not be used to set a fast time or as an opportunity to race the course.
All pre-ride rules can be found in Chapter 7 of the MCA Sporting Regulations.
Be Race Ready
Be prepared with a bike that is race-ready and have the appropriate tools on hand for tires (CO2 canister and/or hand pump, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube), chain (spare links, chain lube), and adjustments (multi-tool).
Special Notes
- Drones are prohibited at all MCA Events
- Be considerate of our venue and use the trash receptacles.
- Dogs on a leash are permitted in the infield. Owners are expected to maintain control of the dog at all times (including barking control) and to clean up after their pet. Primary concerns are the safety of the racers, team support, and spectators.
Concessions
Concessions will be available on site.
Results
You can view unofficial race results here during the race weekend: http://www.precisionrace.com/mca . Official results will be posted on our website once they have been validated.
Be Social
Be sure to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram for race day and season updates.
Photos
Photos from the race will be available to purchase and download, typically 2-3 days following the race. The link to view photos will be posted on our Race Results, Photos & Videos page.