Overview
The Grind Junior XC MTB Race invites young riders of all levels to experience the thrill of racing during the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Lake Placid weekend. Racers will start and finish under the official World Series gantry—just like the pros—on a dynamic 2-mile (3.5 km) course. Riders can choose 1–3 laps, taking on fast and wide cross-country ski trails, two sections of twisty singletrack, and one big climb.
Before the race, join us for a free guided ride on the XCC course with Ride Like a Pro! The ride starts at 1:45pm. Participants will pick up number plates in the paddock next to the NICA Rockshox booth by 12:45. You do not need to race in The Grind to participate in Ride Like a Pro. Free registration through BikeReg is required and open to ages 5+.
Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series Event Tickets – All racers, family and friends will need an event ticket to access the venue on race day. Event tickets are not included with the race entry fee. Tickets can be purchased here.
Schedule
- Oct 02, 2026
The Grind Junior XC Race | October 2, 2025
11 am | Course Opens for Training (excluding start/finish area)
12:00-1:30 pm | Plate Pick Up in the North Plaza
1:45 pm | Ride Like a Pro
2:30 pm | Expert Race Starts, Followed by Intermediate then Beginner
3:30 pm | Awards
Parking
Parking on venue requires a permit. One permit per entry will be included in the race fee. Racers will be directed to a designated parking area. The parking permit is good for Friday only. You will not be allowed into the Expo, Paddock or Spectator areas with a bike. Please keep your bike with your vehicle when spectating.
Race Day Info
Number Plate Pick Up – Pick up number plates and transponders in the paddock next to the NICA Rockshox booth. 12:00 to 1:30.
Course Access – The course, minus the start finish area, will open for riding beginning at 11:00 am. The full course will be open at 1:30 pm.
Start Procedure – Racers will load into the start at the far end of the UCI Pit zone at 2:20 Expert races will be called to the start first, then Intermediate racers, then Beginners racers. Experts will start at 2:30, after that, Intermediates will move forward and start at 2:31, after that, Beginners will move forward and start at 2:32.
Pit – There is no designated pit area, but the racecourse will pass by the parking area. You can pit in this area.
Call Up – Expert Racers can request a call up position by completing this form.
Ride Like a Pro
Ride Like a Pro – Just before The Grind, join us for a guided ride on the XCC course! The ride starts at 1:45pm, pick up number plates in the paddock next to the NICA Rockshox booth by 12:45
Awards
The top three finishers in two-year age groups will be awarded in a ceremony on the UCI stage at 3:30.
Award winners wait to be called on the stage side of the race course – family and friends will have the best photo opportunity on the opposite side of the race course.
Expert race award categories – U12, U14, U16, U18
Intermediate race award categories – U10, U12, U14, U16, U18.
Beginner race award categories – U8, U10, U12, U14, & U16.
Results
Live results will be posted to Underdog Race Timing.