Injuries in Mountainbike Racing

11.10.2011 · Endurance vs. Cross Country

Compared to endurance races, there is a higher injury rate during cross country races. That was found by scientist from North Carolinia who recently published their results in the Journal “Wilderness & Enviromental Medicine” Lareau and McGinnis 2011. 7.2% of the cross-country riders and 4.7% of the endurance racers reported injuries during a race. Both events presented comparable types of injuries. Those included primarily lacerations and abrasions. However, head- and eye-injuries and blisters were only reported in the endurance group.

Even though both events show a coparable risk-profile, medical assistance was more likely to be available at endurance events. Therefore, medical support should be enhanced during cross country races.