What protective gear and clothing is required, especially for juniors and downhill?

Question

Accepted Answer

From the 2026 AusCycling Mountain Bike Technical Regulations, 4.00, 5.13 and the General Technical Regulations, 1.02:

Downhill (all AusCycling sanctioned events)

A full-face helmet with a fixed, non-detachable mouthpiece is mandatory.
A long-sleeved jersey with sleeves to the wrists, of a type designed and sold for BMX racing or mountain bike downhill. Road jerseys, skinsuits and one-piece suits are not permitted. The jersey must be close fitting at the waist or tucked into the pants before the start.
Knees must be covered by full-length trousers or by self-fastening knee or knee/shin guards designed for off-road competition. Long pants must be one-piece, tear-resistant and cover the legs to just above the shoe or ankle. Short pants must be one-piece, tear-resistant and worn with leg protection covering the entire knee and shin until just above the ankle.
Strongly recommended: a neck brace, back and shoulder protection, full-finger gloves, elbow protectors or a long-sleeve jersey to the wrist, and goggles.

Juniors (Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17)

In downhill, at all times on track regardless of the category entered: full-finger gloves, a full-length jersey covering the elbows, and knee pads and elbow pads.
In enduro, the same items are mandatory during special stages. AusCycling strongly recommends all riders wear the downhill protection in enduro.

All disciplines

Jerseys must cover the shoulders while riding (this does not apply to MTB Freestyle).
Non-essential items of clothing, or items designed to influence performance such as compression garments, are forbidden.
Enduro riders are strongly recommended to carry a backpack, waterproof jacket, emergency blanket, tubes or puncture repair kit, multi tool, first aid kit, map, food and fluids, eye protection and emergency contacts.