Cycling
Mountain Bike

DATE: July 11, 2026

SITE: Branched Oak State Recreation Area, Area 7, Raymond

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

Check In Opens: 6:30 a.m.

Kids 10 & under: 7:30 a.m.
Juniors 10 – 12 years: 8 a.m.
Junior 13 – 15 Years: 8 a.m.
Junior 16 – 18 Years: 8 a.m.
Cat 3 (Beginner)/Marathon Classes: 8 a.m.
Cat 2 (Sport)/Cat 1 (Expert) Classes: 10 a.m.

Marathon Race Time: Four hours, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

NOTE: Racers must check in at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled start time.

SPECIAL NOTICE: State park permits are needed to enter Branched Oak State Recreation Area. One-day permits can be purchased at the park entrance.

AWARDS: Custom Cornhusker State Games gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division.

MEDAL PICKUP: Medals not picked up on site during competition may still be claimed after the Games through the following process:

1. Medal Pickup in Lincoln: Participants who wish to pick up their medal(s) in person must email us at info@nebraskasportscouncil.com to notify our staff of their intent to pick up. After verification of eligibility, the medal(s) will be packaged and available for pickup at the Nebraska Sports Council office.

2. Medal Shipping: If participants are unable to pick up their medal(s) in Lincoln, we offer a shipping option for a $6 fee. To request shipping:

Email info@nebraskasportscouncil.com, and a staff member will follow up with verification and payment instructions OR call 402-471-2544 to verify and process your order and payment over the phone.

Event Name                                                                                                  

Male Juniors     
10-12 Years (1 lap, 4 mi.)
13-15 Years (1 lap, 4 mi.)
16-18 Years (1 lap, 4 mi.)

Female Juniors
10-12 Years (1 lap, 4 mi.)
13-15 Years (1 lap, 4 mi.)
16-18 Years (1 lap, 4 mi.)

Male Kids
10 & Under (2 laps, shorter course)

Female Kids
10 & Under (2 laps, shorter course)

Male CAT 1
19-29 Years (4 laps, 16 mi.)
30-39 Years (4 laps, 16 mi.)
40-49 Years (4 laps, 16 mi.)
50 & Over (4 laps, 16 mi.)

Women CAT 1
19 & Over (4 laps, 16 mi.)

Male CAT 2
19-29 Years (2 laps, 8 mi.)
30-39 Years (2 laps, 8 mi.)
40-49 Years (2 laps, 8 mi.)
50 & Over (2 laps, 8 mi.)

Women CAT 2
19 & Over (2 laps, 8 mi.)

Male CAT 3
19-29 Years (1 lap, 4 mi.)
30-39 Years (1 lap, 4 mi.)
40-49 Years (1 lap, 4 mi.)
50 & Over (1 lap, 4 mi.)

Women CAT 3
19 & Over (1 lap, 4 mi.)

Male Marathon
39 & Under
40 & Over

Women Marathon
All Ages

COMPETITION FORMAT: The mountain bike course includes some rolling hills with a combination of dirt and grass surfaces. Distances listed are subject to change. Mountain bike XC races are scored according to category (Expert Cat 1, Intermediate Cat 2, Beginner Cat 3, Junior) and class (age). We determine race distance for each venue estimating the number of laps that can be completed in the following time frames: 35 minutes for Junior / Cat 3 / First Timers; 70 minutes for Cat 2; 105+ minutes for Cat 1 / Pro. The number of laps, or course length, will vary between courses but will take into consideration time frames listed above. In other words expect to race about the same time at each course, with consideration to trail conditions.

CATEGORIES & AGE CLASSES

Age groups will be combined as necessary to insure reasonable field sizes.

CAT 1: Advanced riders with elite fitness and honed bike handling skills.

Men 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+

Women Open (all ages)

CAT 2: Experienced riders who can ride for over an hour and manage most obstacles.

Men 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+

Women Open (all ages)

CAT 3: Beginner riders with little or no racing experience.

Men 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+

Women Open (all ages)

JUNIORS: Race duration will vary by age and venue.

Boys 10-12, 13-15, 16-18

Girls 10-12, 13-15, 16-18

KIDS: Race distance will vary by venue where allowed.

Boys and Girls Under 10

MARATHON: Marathon races are scored by the number of completed laps within a four hour time frame.

Men 39 & Under, 40+

Women Open (all ages)

A racer cannot start a new lap after the four hour mark. Laps started before the four hour mark but finished after the four hour mark count.

All Marathon participants race together.

All USAC rules apply.

Events are subject to weather. In the case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the Cornhusker State Games home page and Facebook page.

Helmets must be worn at all times while on a bike at the Cornhusker State Games Mountain Bike Race.

No earbuds or headphones may be worn during any event for the safety of all participants. Loud radios carried on a participant’s person are not permitted. Riders should listen for other competitors, remain aware of their surroundings, and respect the natural environment.

The race is self-supported. During the event, participants may access a personal cache of water and tools (pump, tube, etc.) placed only in the designated feed zone. Assistance from others or access to materials and equipment outside the feed zone is not permitted. Feed zone locations will be determined by race officials.

The promoter reserves the right to disqualify any competitor who receives abnormal outside assistance, at the promoter’s judgment and discretion. Participants are expected to prepare and support themselves.

The promoter reserves the right to adjust start times and course mileage.

The promoter reserves the right to cancel or combine events and prize lists as necessary.

Events held in Nebraska State Parks require a valid park permit. Day passes and annual passes are available at park locations or through local Parks offices.

Helmets and shirts are required to participate in all events.

If a rider is approaching from behind and requests to pass, the rider ahead should allow the pass as soon as it is safely possible. Courtesy on the trail is expected.

When passing another rider, competitors should announce their presence as early as possible and repeat if necessary to ensure awareness. Passing should only occur when it is safe for both riders, with clear communication at all times.

Participants are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles and must not discard trash on the trail.

DNFs (Did Not Finish) must be reported to the timing and scoring staff. No refunds will be issued.

Timing chips must be returned immediately after crossing the finish line. Failure to return a timing chip will result in a $100 charge to the participant’s credit card.

Cursing or poor conduct is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. This event is intended to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.

Cutting the course is prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification. All participants must remain on the designated singletrack course.

PRICING DEADLINES:
$30 for first event until April 22
$35 for first event until June 17
$40 for first event until FINAL DEADLINE on July 1

ENTRY FEE INCLUDES:  Competition and Summer Fun Freebies (coming soon) courtesy of our sponsors.

PAPER ENTRY FORMS: Paper entry forms will be accepted with a $5 processing fee. Registering online saves time, money and trees.

Exclusive Online Apparel Store!

• Purchase official gear for the 2026 Cornhusker State Games via the online apparel shop HERE.
• All apparel will be shipped directly to you, so you can rock your official gear in style!
• No packet pickup required – competition info and items will be available onsite or online with details sent straight to your inbox.

Get ready to gear up and represent the 2026 Cornhusker State Games!

Sport Specific Questions: Contact Mountain Bike Director Kris Sonderup at 402-430-4566 or kris@cycleworksusa.com.

Online Registration/Website Questions: Contact the Cornhusker State Games office at 402-471-2544 or info@nebraskasportscouncil.com.

2025 Complete Results

2024 Complete Results

2023 Medal Winners 

2022 Medal Winners | 2022 Results

2021 Medal Winners