Types of cycling: road, MTB, track, BMX, cyclocross and gravel

Road: group, time trial, and stage race

Road races are held mainly on asphalt. In a group race, the participants start together; the peloton is a moving group of riders. Management in the group, position selection and tactics are important here, not just power.

In an individual time trial, which is called a time trial, participants start in turn and are compared by the time it takes to complete. A multi-day race has several stages and an overall standings. See the regulations for specific cut-off rules, groups and equipment.

The formats are described in UCI road review. Examples of FATRACING — «Tour de Selishchi» and the series TIME TRIAL CUP in the calendar. To choose, look at the card for a specific start.

MTB: cross-country, marathon, and downhill

MTB is a mountain bike and off-road competitions. Cross-country combines climbs, descents, and technical sections. The marathon usually offers a longer distance. In downhill, the participant completes a descent against the clock; in enduro, the result is determined by the provided speed sections.

The same distance does not mean the same difficulty. Narrow trails, roots, rocks, and steep descents can be more important than the number of kilometers. A detailed separation is in MTB review from UCI.

For amateur starts, check the track description and viewing options in advance. Don't choose a technical discipline just because its race is shorter than a road race.

Track and BMX: different venues and objectives

Track cycling

Competitions at the velodrome. There are sprint formats and endurance races; the start order and determination of the winner vary. Familiarity with the track bike and traffic rules requires a separate lesson on the site.

BMX Racing

A short race on a special track with obstacles, turns, and jumps. Preparation for the track and handling techniques are mandatory.

BMX Freestyle

Performing tricks with performance assessment. This is a separate discipline, not a different size of a road race.

Primary sources: UCI about the track and UCI about BMX Racing. If you're looking for activities for a child, start with guide on sections.

Cyclocross: laps and carrying a bike

Cyclocross takes place on a technical circuit with different surfaces and obstacles. In some areas, the participant dismounts and carries a bicycle. Repeated accelerations, turns and the transition between running and riding are important.

The UCI describes the discipline separately. Amateur starts may have their own categories for different bikes. For example, at TIPACYCLOCROSSA Check the regulations of the selected year, and do not assume admission by the name of the bicycle.

Gravel: mixed terrain and long routes

Gravel starts use roads and sections with mixed surfaces: gravel, dirt, and asphalt. The profile can vary greatly — from fast grader roads to heavy forest sections. MTB and other bikes are allowed depending on the event.

Gravel as a bike and gravel as a discipline are related but different concepts. We explain the bike's design in separate article, the starts are collected in gravel calendar. Example — «Tsar Grader».

The current parts of the rules by discipline are collected on the UCI Regulations page. To participate in a specific Russian race, use the regulations, provisions, and requirements of the organizer.

How to choose your first race

1. Match the track to the skills and purpose of your bicycle.
2. Check the allowed equipment, categories, start time, and limit.
3. Evaluate the duration, elevation gain, and technical sections, not just kilometers.
4. Take into account the road, the issue of the number and the ability to view the route.
5. Read how the result is calculated: absolute, category, stage and overall standings may differ.

Step-by-step selection — in the first race guide; the result after the finish — in the race results analysis. The review covers the main topics of the FATRACING calendar, not a complete list of all disciplines. Sources checked on October 9, 2026.