The Iconic Championship Throughout the Rockies
USAC License

What Does Sanctioning Mean?

Every MSC race is USAC-sanctioned. Here's what that means, how licensing works, what category you'll race in, and how to get your race license covered through the MSC.

What Does Sanctioning Mean?

What Is USA Cycling?

USA Cycling (USAC) is the national governing body for competitive cycling in the United States.They oversee everything from road and track to BMX and mountain bike — including downhill.

When a race is "sanctioned" by USAC, it means:

  • Your results are official. They're recorded nationally and count toward category upgrades.

  • You're covered by insurance. USAC provides accident medical coverage for every licensed rider during the event.

  • The event meets safety standards. USAC officials are on-site, and the race follows national competition rules.

  • You earn upgrade points. Your finishes count toward moving up in category.

Short version: sanctioning means the race is legitimate, your results matter, and you're protected while you're on course.

What Are the Downhill Categories?

The MSC runs 31 categories across Pro, Cat 1, Cat 2, and Cat 3 — plus Junior and Masters age groups. Each tier has Men's and Women's fields.

  • Pro — The top tier. These are the fastest riders in the region, competing for prize money and national-level results.

  • Cat 1 — Advanced racers. Strong, experienced riders who are competitive but not yet at the Pro level.

  • Cat 2 — Intermediate. You know how to race, you're consistent, and you're building toward Cat 1.

  • Cat 3 — Entry level. This is where every new racer starts. If you just got your license, this is your category.

You'll select your category when you register on BikeReg. If you're not sure where you fit, keep reading.

Licenses: What You Need to Race

Every rider at the MSC needs a valid USAC racing license. No exceptions. Here's how it works.

Your first annual license

When you purchase an annual USAC license for the first time, you'll be placed in Category 3. That's the entry-level racing category — your default starting point. You don't need to apply or qualify. You get a license, you're Cat 3.

An annual license is valid January 1 through December 31 and covers you at every USAC-sanctioned event for the year, not just the MSC.

The MSC-26 code: your race license is covered

USA Cycling has partnered with us to offer a complimentary annual race license to new and returning riders. If you've never had a USAC license — or yours has lapsed — the license itself is free.

Here's how to get it:

  1. Go to usacycling.sport80.com
  2. Create an account or log in
  3. Add an Individual Membership and Race License to your cart
  4. Enter code MSC-26 at checkout
  5. Complete checkout

The code covers the race license. You'll still pay the USAC membership fee — that's $20 with auto-renewal or $40 for a one-time payment. That's not an MSC charge; it's USAC's standard membership cost, separate from the license.

What you get: a full annual race license. Official results, upgrade points, insurance coverage, eligibility for national championships. Valid all year. Not a trial, not a one-day — the same license every other MSC racer holds.

One-day licenses

They exist, but the math doesn't make sense. A one-day license is $15 per event, doesn't earn you upgrade points, and you'd have to buy one at every race. With the MSC-26 code, an annual license costs you $20 total (membership with auto-renewal) and covers you at every USAC-sanctioned event all year — with full points and benefits. Get the annual.

Category Criteria: How You Move Up

USAC uses a points-based upgrade system. You earn points based on where you finish and how many riders are in your field. Points accumulate across all USAC-sanctioned events — not just the MSC — and are recognized from races within the past 36 months.

Here's the path:

  • Cat 3 -> Cat 2: Accumulate the required upgrade points through your race results. Once you hit the threshold, request an upgrade through your USAC account.

  • Cat 2 -> Cat 1: Two top-five finishes in Cat 2 allows you to request an upgrade. Five top-five finishes makes it mandatory — you must move up.

  • Cat 1 -> Pro: Requires top-three or top-five finishes at USAC National Calendar events. Reviewed case-by-case with overall finish times factored in.

A few things to know:

  • When you upgrade, your points reset to zero in the new category. That includes your MSC overall series standings — you start fresh in the new category.

  • If a mandatory upgrade hits mid-series, you can request a one-time waiver with approval from the series director and USAC.

  • If you've been upgraded too quickly, you can request a downgrade.

Think You're in the Wrong Category?

If you're new to USAC but have results from unsanctioned races, other disciplines, or racing outside the U.S., Cat 3 might not be the right fit. You can petition USAC to be placed in a higher category before your first race.

If you believe you belong in Cat 1 or Pro, we have a petition form ready to go on the MSC website under the USAC Sanctioning tab. Fill it out and we'll help get you into the right category.

We'll publish a full walkthrough on the petition process soon. For now, know that the option exists, and it's worth pursuing if you have the results to back it up.

Get Your License

Head to usacycling.sport80.com, use code MSC-26, and you're set for the season.