OFFICIAL
HOT LAPS
RULEBOOK
1. Format
1.1 Registration & Timing
Riders must complete the assigned course in order at least once.
After completing the course, riders will “dip their chip” at the start/finish gate to record their time.
1.2 Hot Laps
After the first run, riders may complete up to two additional timed runs per stage (three total).
Only the rider’s fastest lap per stage counts toward overall time; slower laps are dropped.
Riders are not required to follow the original course order on second or third runs.
1.3 Timing Cutoff
Timing ends promptly at 3:00 PM. No exceptions.
2. Stage Wins & Awards
2.1 Stage Sponsorship
Each stage is sponsored by a brand.
2.2 Prize Raffle
Amateur stage winners receive one entry into a sponsor prize raffle for that stage’s grand prize.
Professional riders are not eligible for the raffle; cash payouts are separate. $100 per stage win.
2.3 Cash Payout (Pros)
The top three riders in each Pro category receive a cash payout for the overall results + any stage win money.
2.4 Awards
Awards are presented to the top three riders in amateur categories.
Pro Slalom Podium will be TOP 3, Enduro Podium will be- TOP 5.
3. Categories
3.1 Racing Age
Determined by the rider’s age on December 31, 2025.
3.2 Age Divisions
U15
16–18
19–29
30–39
40–49
50+
Open
3.3 Race Categories
Pro: Top-level professional athletes, including licensed pros or riders competing at the highest level.
Expert: Advanced riders, typically Cat 1 or highly experienced Cat 2, with strong technical skills.
Sport: Intermediate riders, typically Cat 2–3, with some racing experience.
Sport E-Bike: Pedal-assisted electric bikes at a Sport skill level; race the same course as Sport unless specified.
Beginner: Entry-level riders, typically Cat 3, minimal experience.
Amateur Slalom: Riders capable of high-speed turns, drops, and jumps- Experts
Open: Open to all riders, including transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse athletes.
E-Bike: Pedal-assisted electric bikes for any skill level.
3.4 Professional Category Eligibility
Eligibility follows USA Cycling Competition Category Policy:
Women’s professional category: restricted to athletes assigned female at birth.
All other riders, including transgender athletes not eligible for Women’s, may compete in Men’s/Open or other eligible divisions.
3.5 Category Changes
Riders may request category changes up until packet pickup.
All changes are subject to race director approval.
4. Course Information
4.1 Course Release
Courses are posted Monday or Tuesday before race weekend on the event website and social media.
4.2 Course Changes
Race director may modify or cancel stages due to weather, safety, or unforeseen circumstances.
5. E-Bike Rules
5.1 Race Format
E-Bike classes follow the Hot Laps format like other categories.
5.2 Requirements
Pedal-assisted motors only.
Maximum motor output: 750 W.
Maximum assisted speed: 25 km/h before cutoff.
No mid-race battery swapping, but you can recharge for a bit, if you have time.
5.3 Dual Category Timing Rule — E-Bike / Analog
Riders may only hold one active timing chip at a time and may not compete in both categories simultaneously.
E-Bike racing is completed first. After finishing, riders must return their E-Bike timing chip, E bike (to be held at RC Tent), and complete E-Bike check-in at the Race Cascadia tent before receiving an Analog timing chip.
All chip exchanges must be completed in person with Race Cascadia staff. A timing chip is active once issued.
Both bikes must be physically present and verified at the Race Cascadia tent during the transition. Your e bike will be held at the tent for the remainder of the race to prevent any overlap.
Any violation of chip rules, possession of multiple active chips, failure to follow transition procedure, or attempt to manipulate results may result in penalties, disqualification from one or both categories, or further action at race officials’ discretion.
5.4 Slalom- Motors off
Riders may not practice or race with their e bike on. Motors off on course and up the push trail during designated Pro times.
6. Communication & Rider Briefing
Attendance at the morning briefing is mandatory for race updates, safety instructions, and start times.
7. Safety
7.1 Rider Down Protocol
Stop and assess any rider down on course.
Call 911 or notify a marshal if medical support is required.
Failure to assist may result in disqualification.
7.2 Head Injury / Concussion
Riders assessed as unfit must provide written clearance from a licensed medical professional before returning.
7.3 Helmet Requirement
Helmets must be worn at all times while riding, including transitions.
7.4 Recommended Gear
Hydration, jacket, spare tube, co2 inflater, multi-tool, first aid kit, food, and emergency contacts.
8. Course Markings
8.1 Course Tape
Riders must pass between all tape gates.
Improperly crossing tape, cutting, or riding outside course boundaries may result in penalties or disqualification.
8.2 Directional Arrows
Indicate course transitions.
9. Rider Equipment
9.1 Self-Sufficiency
Riders must carry all necessary equipment and be self-sufficient. It will be ok to make stops at Top Gun Zone for water and snacks.
9.2 Equipment Replacement
Broken gear may only be replaced with race director approval.
Unauthorized replacement = disqualification.
10. Food & Water
Riders should carry at least 50 oz of water and adequate food.
Aid stations supplement, not replace, personal supplies.
Riders may keep snacks and water in the designated Top Gun Zone, but food or bottles may not be left on the course or elsewhere in the park.
11. Call-Ups & Seeding
11.1 Call-Ups
Riders leave in waves by category. Call-up times posted before the event.
11.2 Seeding
No fixed start times per stage; riders self-seed at each stage start.
12. Results
Each rider’s fastest lap per stage counts toward overall results.
Ties are broken by placement on the final stage.
13. Environmental Rules
No disposable tear-offs for goggles.
No trash or food stashes on course.
Protect wildlife — avoid attracting animals.
14. Rule Violations & Penalties
Course Cutting: Disqualification or time penalty ( 30 seconds).
Illegal Outside Assistance: Disqualification.
Environmental Disrespect: Penalty from 1 minute to disqualification.
Other Violations:
Missing number plate: 30-second penalty.
Unauthorized equipment change: Disqualification.
15. Refunds & Cancellations
$50 refund fee for cancellations 30+ days prior.
No refunds within 30 days of the event.
Organizers are not responsible for travel, lodging, or other expenses.
16. Waiver & Release of Liability
By participating, riders acknowledge mountain biking is inherently risky. Participants assume all risks, including injury, illness, property damage, or death.
Riders release and hold harmless organizers, sponsors, volunteers, landowners, and affiliated parties from any claims arising from participation. Participation also indicates agreement to abide by all rules, safety guidelines, and USA Cycling policies where applicable.