WORS Newbie program offers free first-time racing

Newbie Racing

If you’re a bike racer, you’ve had a first race. And if you remember yours, you probably remember the nerves.  Racing can feel intimidating. There’s gear. There are categories. There’s terminology. There are start procedures. There are people who look like they’ve been doing this forever. If we want mountain bike racing to grow — if we want stronger fields, better competition, and a thriving community (and that is certainly what we want here at WORS) – we have to make it easier for people to take that first step.

Lowering the barrier to entry is essential to the health of the sport. That’s what our Newbie Program is built for. And we’re continuing to improve it as part of a larger effort to welcome more riders into the world of off-road cycling.

The Newbie Program (Launched in 2023)

The “Newbie” program is an evolution of the “Try-It-Out” category that existed prior to 2023. We didn’t need to overhaul it - it was already a great option for riders looking to dip their toes in racing. But it cost $15. And while that was heavily discounted, it was still one more reason not to register. So we removed the fee. Racing for first-time riders would be free. And it worked. In 2023, Newbie participation saw a meaningful increase. Over the past three seasons, hundreds of unique riders have taken advantage of the program. And it made a difference. In 2023, Newbie numbers saw a healthy increase. In the three seasons that we’ve had it, hundreds of unique riders have taken advantage.


In 2026, Newbies will once again race in the final wave of the Citizen category:
• Women: 8:30AM (with Citizen Women)
  • Men: 9:30AM (with Citizen Men)

And everyone will be called to the podium for an award and group photo:
• 10:00AM (Women)
   • 11:00AM (Men) 

What’s Ahead

Removing the entry fee was the easy part. Free, beginner-friendly racing is a strong first step - but there’s more to do if we truly want to lower the barrier and make WORS the best place for beginners to start their racing journey.  This year, we’re expanding Newbie programming to include a non-racing event: Newbie Group Rides.

These no-drop pre-rides, led by experienced and welcoming members of the WORS community, will take place on Saturdays at 3:00PM, and be held on most race weekends (always check the individual race guides for the most up-to-date information). Riders will go around the course together, stopping along the way to talk through key features, race strategy, and what to expect on race day.

  On the ride, participants will:
• Learn basic racing etiquette
  • Get comfortable riding in a group
  • Meet other first-timers
  • Build confidence before lining up

The Group Ride will wrap as Happy Hour begins, giving riders a chance to connect off the bike and get excited about the next morning’s races.  Looking ahead, we’re actively working to expand the program further - including improving access to bikes, gear, and equipment for riders who may not yet have everything they need.

There’s room for us to grow. And a lot of opportunities. The easier we can make it to start, the more people will.