Photo: freerider.ro
CR DHI #3 / NH DH Azuga 2026
Send it. Race the country's steepest stages.
21–22 August 2026 · Azuga, Prahova
Three stages, one cup. Romania's downhill mountain bike racers take on the Cupa României de Downhill — the Romanian Cycling Federation's downhill cup, timed one rider at a time from the start gate to the finish.
About this stage
Timed against the clock, one rider at a time
By the regs
Series at a glance
- stages in 2026
- 3
- race groups
- 6
- minimum descent (FRC)
- ≥ 2 min
- max track length (FRC)
- 3.5 km
Who races
Categories
Categories by birth year (FRC CR DHI reg. §4.2.5). M and W race separately within each. Some host events add further categories (for example U23 or Master 4) — the stage's race list and technical guide have the final word.
Elite (M / W)
Prize moneyBorn in or before 2003. The last category down the hill. U19 and Master riders may opt up to Elite.
U19 — Junior (M / W)
Prize moneyBorn 2008–2009 (ages 17–18). May opt up to Elite; the choice made at the first stage holds for the whole season.
U17 (M / W)
Protection req.Born 2010–2011 (ages 15–16). The recommended protection list is mandatory at this age (FRC CR DHI reg. §7.7).
U15 (M / W)
Protection req.Born 2012–2013 (ages 13–14). The recommended protection list is mandatory at this age (FRC CR DHI reg. §7.7).
Master 1 / 2 / 3 (M / W)
M1: 30–39 (1987–1996), M2: 40–49 (1977–1986), M3: 50–59 (1967–1976). May opt up to Elite; the choice made at the first stage holds for the season.
Amatori Open (M / W)
OpenBorn in or before 2007. Check the stage's technical guide for whether the host runs it.
What to expect
Why race this stage
Closed track. Marshalled course. A doctor-staffed ambulance and first-aid crews on site. You bring the bike and the armour.
Cup points at every stage
Every stage scores for the Cupa României general classification — points for both the final and the seeding run.
Transport to the top
The regulation requires the organiser to provide transport to the top of the track for riders and their bikes.
Seeding run + final
Two timed runs: the seeding run sets the start order, the final decides the category.
Proper safety net
Marshals with flags along the whole track, mats or nets where needed, and an ambulance with a doctor. Bring your spine protector — it's mandatory.
The track
Course map
The track is closed in the week before the race. Use the map below to scout the area.
Distances
- Downhill
Azuga, PrahovaShow on map
Race weekend
Schedule
Typical CR DHI format by the FRC regulation — exact days and times are in each stage's technical guide (published at the latest 20 days before the race).
Day before the race
- Track walk
Track walk (mandatory session)
A track inspection session is held the day before racing.
- Practice
Free practice + official practice
Two practice sessions: one free, one official. The official one counts toward the mandatory practice runs.
Race day
- Practice
Official practice
At least one official practice run on race day; two in total before the final.
- Seeding
Seeding run
Timed run for every rider — sets the final start order, slowest to fastest.
- Final
Final runs
One timed final per rider, at least 30 s apart; the fastest time wins the category.
- Awards
Podium + awards
Within 1 h of each category closing. The top 5 in each category must attend.
Cupa României Downhill
CR DHI
Three stages across the summer. Points from every stage add up in the cup's general classification — riders must score in at least two stages to enter the final standings.
Stage 1
Done01CR DHI #1 / Momentum Sports DHI 2026
· Mărișel
Stage 2
Done02CR DHI #2 / Up to Postăvaru UCI C1 2026
· Poiana Brasov
Stage 3
This stage03CR DHI #3 / NH DH Azuga 2026
· Azuga
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need an FRC / UCI licence?
Yes — riders need a valid UCI licence issued by FRC or another UCI-affiliated federation (§4.1.1). Enter your UCI code or Federation ID when registering; without it you only appear in the host event's results, not in the Cupa României standings (§4.1.3).
What is the race format?
Practice → seeding run → final (§2.4–2.6). Riders start individually, at least 30 seconds apart within each category (§4.1.4). The seeding run sets the final's start order, from slowest to fastest; the fastest time in the FINAL wins the category (§2.6).
What protective gear is mandatory?
Per §7.5: a DH-homologated full-face helmet with visor, knee pads, long or short pants, bar-end plugs and a spine protector. Recommended per §7.6: chest protector, goggles, neck brace, elbow pads, full-finger gloves, long-sleeve top. For U15 and U17 the §7.6 list is mandatory (except the neck brace) — §7.7.
What kind of bike?
A full-suspension bike in safe condition, with bar-end plugs — without them you cannot take the start (§5.1).
When do registrations close?
At the latest 3 days before the start of the race (§4.3.3). Online registration opens at least 20 days before the race on the event's official site, with a link posted in the ‘Înscrieri' section of the FRC site (§4.3.2).
Can I race in more than one category?
No — you race in the category you were placed in at the first stage until the end of the cup (§4.2.3). U19 and Master riders may opt up to Elite; the choice made at the first stage holds for the whole season (§4.2.4).
What if the weather turns bad?
In Code-Red weather the organiser can move the date, time or venue, subject to prior approval from the Romanian Cycling Federation (§5.9). Organisers also plan a reserve day in the programme (§2.5).
What's the equipment for U15 / U17 riders?
Everything in the §7.5 mandatory list plus the §7.6 recommended list — chest protector, goggles, elbow pads, full-finger gloves, long-sleeve top — except the neck brace, which stays recommended. Minors who cannot wear goggles need a documented waiver request from their legal guardian (§7.7).
See you at the start gate.
Registration closes at the latest 3 days before the start. Check the stage's technical guide for the exact deadline and programme.