With the start of the new season fast approaching, British Cycling has introduced changes to its regulations regarding points and rankings for cyclo-cross events, in a bid to support youth riders and encourage local racing. 

Previously, the number of licence points awarded were reduced when the numbers of entrants at events fell below certain levels, however under the new regulations, the points on offer will be the same no matter how many riders enter the race. The change has been designed to encourage riders to race locally, with full knowledge of the points available in advance of the race.

For youth riders, rankings will now be calculated on a rider’s best 12 performances, while for juniors and above, it will be based on their best 16 performances. This has been introduced due to concerns that the previous rules encouraged youth riders to ‘over-race’, often travelling long distances in the process. 

The changes have been made following a request by the Cyclo-cross Commission and will be effective for the full 2023/24 season. They will be formally published in the 2024 Handbook, and you can read the regulation changes in full here.