4cross

Four-cross, commonly abbreviated as 4X, is a mountain bike racing discipline in which four riders compete on the same course at the same time. Races are held on short, purpose-built dirt tracks featuring banked turns, jumps, rollers, and other technical features. From a starting gate, riders race side-by-side down the course; depending on the format, passing is allowed, with heat formats typically consisting of four-rider heats in which the two fastest finishers advance to the next round, culminating in a final for the overall winner.

Bikes used for four-cross are lightweight, purpose-built mountain bikes with short travel suspension and strong braking. Races emphasize quick direction changes, speed, and the ability to maneuver around opponents. Protective gear such as full-face helmets and pads are standard due to the risk of collisions on the narrow tracks.

The discipline originated in the late 1990s and gained prominence as part of international mountain biking; it was officially recognized by the UCI with World Cup and World Championship events at various times. National federations also stage 4X races, and many venues offer local or regional events.

In recent years, four-cross has seen variable prominence within the sport, and while it remains contested in some series and regions, it is less central to the sport’s international calendar than cross-country and downhill disciplines. It is distinct from BMX four-cross racing, though sharing the same four-rider concept on a dirt course.