The course for a cross-country race should include, where possible, forest roads and tracks, fields, earth or gravel paths and include significant amounts of climbing and descending. Paved or tarred/asphalt roads should not exceed 15% of the total course.

The course must be wholly ridable regardless of the terrain and weather conditions. The course must be free of all significant obstacles except those which have been expressly included or about which the riders have been warned. There must not be any obstacles which might cause a crash or a collision in the start and finish zones.

Extended single track sections must have periodic passing sections.

The course of cross-country events must be totally separate from that of all other event organised on the same site. Should this not be the case, the organizers must make certain that the two courses are not used simultaneously, even for training.

On circuits for world championships, continental championships and World Cup and Class 1 events, provision must be made for at least 6 crossing points for spectators. The crossings must be marshalled on each side.

(Credit: UCI. Click here for further information.)