Do I have to attend the rider briefing, and when can I practise on the course?

From the 2026 AusCycling Mountain Bike Technical Regulations, 1.00, 1.01 and 3.09:

• Technical guide: it should be available from the date entries open and outlines the basic format, provisional timetable and protection rules for each event.
• Briefing: a rider briefing must take place before the race and attendance is compulsory. It covers changes to the rules, course, timetable, course marking, feed stations and assistance locations.
• Excuses: non-attendance is not accepted as an excuse for any rule violation, and failing to attend may mean you are not permitted to start.
• Registered riders only: everyone on course during an event must be a registered participant and must have the event number plate attached at all times.
• No practice during races: no practice is permitted on the course while a race is being conducted.
• Practice on the race course is only permitted (where possible) as follows: XCO at least 24 hours prior to the event; XCM at least 12 hours prior (offering no practice is appropriate); XCC and XCE at least one hour prior; XCEN and Super D at least 4 hours prior. For XCP and XCS a practice session should be provided, though offering none is appropriate.
• Enduro: training outside official times is disqualification, and illegal shuttling is also disqualification.