What Does Sanctioning Mean?

What Is USA Cycling?

USA Cycling (USAC) is the national governing body for competitive cycling in the United States. They oversee everything from road and track to BMX and mountain bike racing, including downhill.

When a race is sanctioned by USA Cycling, it means:

  • Your results are official.
  • Results are recorded nationally and count toward category upgrades.
  • You are covered by USA Cycling’s event insurance.
  • The event follows national competition and safety standards.
  • You can earn upgrade points to move through racing categories.

In short, sanctioning means the race is professionally managed, insured, and recognized by the national governing body.

Racing Categories

Pro

  • Highest level of competition.
  • Eligible for prize money.
  • Typically the fastest regional and national riders.

Category 1

  • Advanced racers.
  • Experienced competitors.
  • Riders working toward Pro status.

Category 2

  • Intermediate racers.
  • Consistent racers building skills and experience.

Category 3

  • Entry-level racers.
  • Recommended starting point for new racers.

Why Race a Sanctioned Event?

Official Results

Race results are recorded by USA Cycling and can be used toward category upgrades.

Insurance Coverage

Participants, officials, and organizers benefit from USA Cycling event insurance coverage.

Standardized Rules

Events follow national competition and safety standards.

Pathway for Progression

Riders can move from Category 3 through Category 1 and ultimately to Pro status based on experience and performance.

Licenses: What You Need to Race

Every rider competing at Sunrise Park Resort must have a valid USAC racing license. No exceptions.

Your First Annual License

When you purchase an annual USAC license for the first time, you’ll be placed in Category 3. That’s the entry-level racing category and your default starting point. You don’t need to apply or qualify.

An annual license is valid January 1 through December 31 and covers you at every USAC-sanctioned event for the year, not just races at Sunrise Park Resort.

The Sunrise Park Resort Code: Your Race License Is Covered

USA Cycling has partnered with Sunrise Park Resort to offer a complimentary annual race license to new and returning riders. If you’ve never had a USAC license, or yours has lapsed, the license itself is free.

How to Get It

  1. Go to usacycling.sport80.com
  2. Create an account or log in
  3. Add an Individual Membership and Race License to your cart
  4. Enter the Sunrise Park Resort promotional code at checkout
  5. Complete checkout

The code covers the race license. You’ll still pay the USAC membership fee:

  • $20 with auto-renewal
  • $40 for a one-time payment

This is a USA Cycling fee, not a Sunrise Park Resort fee.

What You Get

  • Full annual race license
  • Official results
  • Upgrade points
  • Insurance coverage
  • Eligibility for national championships
  • Valid all year

This is the same license held by racers at USAC-sanctioned events across the country.

One-Day Licenses

One-day licenses are available but generally don’t make financial sense.

  • Cost: $15 per event
  • No upgrade points
  • Must be purchased for every race

With the Sunrise Park Resort promotional code, an annual license costs only $20 (with auto-renewal), covers all USAC-sanctioned events for the year, and includes full benefits.

Category Criteria: How You Move Up

USAC uses a points-based upgrade system. Points are earned based on race results and field size. Points from all USAC-sanctioned events count and remain valid for 36 months.

Upgrade Path

Cat 3 → Cat 2

Accumulate the required upgrade points through race results and request an upgrade through your USAC account.

Cat 2 → Cat 1

  • Two top-five finishes allow you to request an upgrade.
  • Five top-five finishes require you to move up.

Cat 1 → Pro

Requires top-three or top-five finishes at USAC National Calendar events and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Important Notes

  • When you upgrade, your points reset to zero in the new category.
  • Overall series standings reset when you move categories.
  • If a mandatory upgrade occurs mid-season, you may request a one-time waiver from the race director and USAC.
  • If you were upgraded too quickly, you may request a downgrade.

Think You’re in the Wrong Category?

If you’re new to USAC but have results from:

  • Unsanctioned races
  • Other cycling disciplines
  • International competition

Cat 3 may not be the right fit.

You can petition USAC to be placed in a higher category before your first race.

If you believe you belong in Cat 1 or Pro, Sunrise Park Resort can help guide you through the category petition process and direct you to the appropriate USAC forms and requirements.

Get Your License

Visit usacycling.sport80.com, enter the Sunrise Park Resort promotional code during checkout, and you’ll be ready to race all season long.