NICA State Championships – Rally in the Valley, The Lone Star Finale

Race Plate Pick-up

Coaches will pick up all race plates at the first race. Riders will receive one plate to be used for all races and event weekend activities. Plates have chips on the back and require care to avoid damage. Each athlete will also receive a back number that must be adhered to their jersey during races. There is a $10 fee to replace lost, stolen, or forgotten plates. If you need a replacement, go to the registration tent.

No unregistered parents or siblings allowed on course

To be on the course or in the adventure zone at any time during event weekends, riders (Students and Coaches) must be fully practice ready in Pit Zone and have their number plates on their bike.
GRiT ride participants should sign a waiver at the GRiT tent

Race Series Rules

Texas offers a conference race series for each conference (North and South) followed by a joint conference State Championship race. Teams can only attend races offering categories for their conference. Some conference races may host both conferences, but each conference will have separate podiums for each category. The League will offer five regular season races for each conference and may have one or more predetermined rain dates in case of weather cancellations. 

Please refer to Chapter 5 in the TX NICA League Handbook for details scoring, structure and categories..

SECTION 5.2 — NICA course length

The number of laps raced in each category is determined according to riders’ ability to complete the race within a specific time. Event times will be:

• Not to exceed 45 minutes for 5th-8th Grade categories
• Not to exceed 75 minutes for JV2, JV3, and JV4 categories
• Not to exceed 90 minutes for JV1 categories
• Not to exceed 105 minutes for Varsity 

Student athletes are expected to be able to safely complete the course within the designated time limit. Athletes may be asked to withdraw and exit the course after cut-off time limits have been reached. Racers who do not make the time limit cut-off will still be scored and ranked. 

League and race officials reserve the right to determine these time limits and alter them at any time. Time limits may be imposed or altered for reasons that include, but are not limited to, safety, heat, cold, rain, and muddy conditions. 

All riders will receive a permanent number plate with a chip timing transponder on the backside. Riders use the same plate for the entire race series. Please remove this number plate before transporting bikes to prevent loss. 

Replacement number plates will be available at the registration tent for $10.00.

SECTION 5.12 — League structure and categories

Race categories will be evaluated and assigned in Pit Zone. Petitions should be submitted to the Texas League Rules Committee using the petition form by Friday at 11:59 PM, one week before the race weekend.

No race day petitions will be accepted

Weather Policy

The League’s primary considerations in assessing inclement weather plans are the safety of riders, staff and spectators, as well as the potential for damage to the venue and trails. Decisions regarding canceling, postponing or altering race start times, lap lengths, number of laps, etc. will be made jointly by league staff and the land manager. If inclement weather is predicted, we will make a decision about weather related cancellations by Thursday at 5:00 p.m. For more details about our inclement weather thresholds and cancellations, see the Weather Policy. 

Refund Policy

We realize that mountain biking is a new sport for many, and parents may be concerned that their child may not stick with it. The Texas Interscholastic Cycling League strives to put on world-class events and provide all of our student-athletes, coaches, and volunteers with the best resources possible at practices throughout the season. With this goal in mind, we make a financial investment to cover insurance, training, and planning activities. Those expenses are continuously incurred. In order to maintain the sustainability of the League, it is necessary we implement a NO REFUND policy with limited exceptions only for illness, injury, or family emergencies. 

Refunds for injured athletes

The Texas League fee may be partially refundable for season-ending illnesses, injuries, or family emergencies that prohibit athletes from participating in practices and races. A doctor’s note must be provided for illness or injuey. There is a minimum $100 non-refundable fee to cover NICA fees, insurance, and registration. Refunds cannot be made after the second race. League leadership will review refund requests and make a determination. 

All participants are required to read, understand and abide by all league policies, rules and protocols while attending any league event.

The handbook details important rules that should be followed at all races as well as any associated penalties or disciplinary actions that can be assessed against riders or teams for violations of the rules.

LEAGUE RULES COMMITTEE PETITION FORM COMING SOON (Form will be available soon – Do not use this form for category placement petitions)