Josie McFall
My name is Josie McFall, and I am a multiple World Series 4X Pro Tour winner and previous UK elite female National Champion, now racing in the senior men’s category in the British 4X Series. I am also the newest member of Hope Technology’s sales team.
Four-cross is a mix of BMX and MTB racing, with four of you at a time racing a BMX-style format on a four-person-wide MTB track. It’s as simple as the first person to cross the line wins and they move to the next round of qualifying. Racing lasts 40–60 seconds, and most tracks are totally visible to the spectators, from the top to bottom, which makes it incredible to watch, even the racers don’t miss out on the action!
Tracks consist of a BMX start gate and rollable features, with the option of advanced pro lines (gap jumps). The types of features you will come across are tabletops, rollers, log steps, rock gardens, stall walls, corners and switchbacks with inside and outside line choice.
A traditional 4X bike is a hardtail dirt jump bike, but the more common option is a short-travel, full suspension trail bike. Using a long-travel 180mm bike is not out the question and this bike has taken the top step in an elite category.
Age categories start with the 7–9-year-old Rippers going up to up to our Grand Vets category for those aged over 50.
To practise 4X you can take your bike to the local BMX track to work on your start gate technique, but the race isn’t won at the start line. So, if you can’t get some gates in beforehand, don’t worry! Just get out and ride your mountain bike like normal.
To be able to race you need two working brakes and a full-face helmet, and if you would like to compete for points in the series standings you will need a full race licence. If, for your first try, you just want to give it a whirl a race licence is not required.
The skills you’ll need to race include being able to get down the rollable track and being comfortable riding in a group, as four of you will be racing side by side. It is a non-contact sport and passing moves are allowed. Any unnecessary force used to make a pass will result in disqualification.
A race weekend consists of open practice on a Friday evening, if you can make it. On Saturday morning you sign on to race, which is followed by some track and gate practice in the morning, with racing starting at midday. Everyone is guaranteed three races (motos), starting with the youngest categories working up to the elites. There’s plenty of rest between races and you will race different people in your category. Then it’s on to the qualifying. The number of rounds needed to narrow it down to the top four finalists will depend on your age. This can consist of eighths, quarters and semis. The top four go to the A final, and those placing fifth to eighth go into the B final, with the final top five on the podium. All this will be announced and posted on our live timing app Sqorz and on the noticeboard, and it will be very clear where you have finished and how many races are left for you to participate in.
See you on the start gate!
Any questions fire them over to ukfourcross@hotmail.com or @British4X on Facebook and Instagram.
Photo credit: CharlesTheTog
