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About canicross

About Canicross

Dryland mushing and EDC series

About dryland mushing

In the early days of sleddog sports the focus was on snow-covered areas, with distances covered by sled and skis. Dryland areas were added fairly recently but have quickly gained popularity. The first dryland world championships were held in November 2003 in Ravenna, Italy, 13 years after the first snow-worlds.

In Estonia dryland mushing spread slowly but steadily. At the first dryland race in Paluküla on 29 October 2006 only running was contested; 16 athletes took part: 4 juniors, 5 women and 7 men.

At a later race in Kõrvemaa in 2008, bike, scooter and rig classes were added to canicross. 18 dog-and-handler teams competed: 10 canicross, 3 bikejoring and 5 scooter or rig.

The first stage of what is now the popular Baltic Cup was also held that year. The series that started as a single stage in 2008 now has stages in Poland, Ukraine and Russia as well as the Baltics.

In 2018 the number of dryland races more than doubled with the addition of Estonian Dryland Cup.

In 2012 the largest dryland mushing club in Estonia, Baltosport, was founded; it now brings together around 50 enthusiasts in Estonia and abroad. The club also took over organising the Estonian stage of the Baltic Cup. At that time there were 7 dryland races in the Baltics, two of them in Estonia.

The first Balto Spring Cup was held in 2014 and has been held annually since 2017 in Lääne and Rapla counties.

2017 was a record year for Estonian dryland mushing. The Spring Cup had over 70 competitors and the autumn canicross 122. Compared to the early years, participant numbers grew sixfold. Estonia also hosted three sprint races that year, previously at most two.

In 2018 Estonia's first sprint series Estonian Dryland Cup was created; a pilot stage had already been held in September 2017 in Palivere. Over fifty competitors from five countries came to the first start at Keila; the courses were completed successfully despite the heat. With EDC, the number of dryland races more than doubled from two in 2016 to five in 2018.

2019 saw strong growth. For the first time in Estonia, Estonian Dryland Cup secured a title sponsor for six years. In 2024 EDC continues with three stages.

Competition disciplines

Disciplines can be split into snow disciplines, practised more in the north, and dryland disciplines, popular in warmer regions. The first dryland world championships were in November 2003 in Ravenna, Italy.

Bikejoring

Bikejoring (DB) is the fastest dryland discipline, up to 40 km/h. One dog is attached by line to the bike or handler. Dog at least 1.5 years; line with shock absorber, 2–3 m when extended. Classes by gender (DBM, DBW) and dog class (OPEN, RNB). Course 2–8 km.

Scooter

Scooter (DS) is an increasingly popular class. DS1 or DS2: one or two dogs (DS2 may run with one). Dog at least 1.5 years; line with shock absorber (2–3 m) to scooter. Scooter 2-wheel (3-wheel allowed in DS2). Wheel diameter at least 30 cm.

Rig

Rig (DR) is closest to long-distance snow racing. Classes DR4 (3–4 dogs), DR6 (4–6), DR8 (5–8), DR4J for juniors. Dogs on gangline to rig. Rig 4-wheel (3-wheel allowed in DR4/DR4J). All wheels braked.

Canicross

Canicross (DC) is the most popular way to race with your dog. Classes by gender (DCM, DCW), age (DCMJ/DCWJ, DCMV/DCWV) and dog class (OPEN, RNB). One dog, at least 1 year. Line 1.5–2.5 m with shock absorber to runner. Mass starts allowed.

Kids canicross

IFSS rules do not define kids canicross (DCK) but youngsters can take part. Classes DCK1 (up to 7), DCK2 (8–10), DCK3 (11–13). Canicross rules apply.

General rules

Per IFSS all wheels must have working brakes; studded tyres are not allowed.

Dogs

In most classes you can also split by dog class – except in canicross.

Nordic sled dogs

Nordic breeds (RNB) are purebred FCI or EKL registered Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Canadian Eskimo Dogs, Yakutian Laikas and Greenland Dogs. In larger classes RNB may be split into RNB1 (Siberian Huskies) and RNB2 (other nordic).

Open class dogs

Open class (OPEN) includes all dogs not in RNB, including nordic breeds without papers. Open dogs are generally faster.

Requirements for dogs

All dogs at the venue must be healthy, chipped, properly vaccinated and old enough for their class (at least 1.5 years). Bring vaccination records; nordic breeds need breed papers.

Required equipment

Before the race check that your equipment meets the rules and is safe and comfortable for both you and your dog.

Dog equipment

Required: harness and line attached to harness and waist belt. With multiple dogs, necklines are required. Recommendations: baltosport.ee/kontakt

Competitor equipment

In canicross a waist belt with panic clip is mandatory (recommended in bike class). Recommendations: baltosport.ee/kontakt

Bikes

Working brakes, no studded tyres. Rear rack and mudguards may be prohibited. Line may be attached to the stem.

Scooters

Working brakes, no studded tyres. Line on stem, holder recommended. Example: veloplus.ee

Rigs

4-wheel (3-wheel allowed in DR4 and DS2). Wheel diameter at least 30 cm, all wheels braked.

Abbreviations

Competition classes (dryland)

  • DCM – canicross men
  • DCW – canicross women
  • DCMJ / DCWJ – junior class
  • DBM – bikejoring men
  • DBW – bikejoring women
  • DS1 – 1-dog scooter
  • DS2 – 2-dog scooter
  • DR4 / DR6 / DR8 – rig

Dog classes

  • OPEN – open class (all non-RNB)
  • RNB (NB) – nordic breed class
  • RNB1 – Siberian Huskies
  • RNB2 – other nordic (Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Dog, Yakutian Laika, Canadian Eskimo Dog)

Organisations

  • IFSS – International Federation of Sleddog Sports
  • WSA – World Sleddog Association
  • EKL – Estonian Kennel Union
  • FCI – Fédération Cynologique Internationale

Preparation for competition

Registration

You must register in advance. EDC races have several registration windows; the lowest fee is at least one month before the race. By registering you confirm you have read the current rules (IFSS and local). Data is used for start lists and results.

Insurance

Insurance for the event is recommended. Under IFSS rules, by registering you waive the right to claim against judges, organiser and sponsors; the organiser does not cover damages.

Dogs

Dogs must be at least 18 months old on race day, vaccinated (complex and rabies, at least 21 days before the race) and chipped.

Race equipment

Equipment must comply with IFSS rules. The judge may check and disqualify non-compliant gear. No muzzle on the dog; full-length collar and whip are forbidden. Studs and studded tyres on the bike are forbidden. In bike classes all brakes must work and helmet must have EU safety certification. BGB hooks may not be used.

Doping ban

Doping is forbidden for competitors and dogs. WADA (humans) and IFSS anti-doping rules apply. Inform the event vet about any medications. Dogs must not be left unattended at a stake-out.

At the competition

Dog welfare

Dog welfare comes first. The judge may remove (disqualify) a dog if it is unfit or ill. Any mistreatment is forbidden. You must clean up after your dog. Dogs must not run loose.

Start

In multi-start races the first start order is drawn with fixed intervals. In interval start, one at a time; in pair start, two lanes (30 m apart); in mass start, each has a lane, 2 m wide. With 1–4 dogs you may have up to 1 handler, with more up to 2. False start: 30 s penalty (except if dogs started). Not reaching the start corridor within half the interval: disqualification. Flying starts forbidden. Late by more than half the interval: start later at end of class, 3× interval time penalty. At the line the competitor must be behind the line; in canicross both competitor and dog behind the line.

On the trail

The trail is marked with direction markers and tape. Red circle – turn (direction depends on position); blue square – straight ahead; yellow triangle – hazard. Finish markers at 800 m and 150 m. Race considerately; do not interfere with others. When passing, call out (e.g. trail, left/right). If you leave the trail, re-enter at the same point. In the finish zone under 800 m (150 m in running) there is no obligation to give way but blocking is forbidden.

Problems on the trail

Loose dog or runaway rig – the owner must regain control. If you use outside help to regain control, report it to the chief judge at the finish. Riding another competitor's rig is forbidden unless the driver fell off and you are catching up to the rig.

Finish

You finish when the first dog reaches the finish line (or when the chip crosses, if chip timing). Rig without driver: time stops when the driver finishes. Spectators and handlers must not encourage dogs in the finish. With multiple starts it is recommended to walk and play with the dog between runs.

Submitting a protest

Protest must be announced verbally at the finish to the organiser or judge and submitted in writing on the EDC protest form within one hour. A protest fee may be charged (refunded only if upheld). The chief judge decides; penalties (warning, 15 s, disqualification) are published in the finish protocol.

Results

In multi-stage events all start times are combined. No time on one stage means no result. For the EDC season result you must complete at least two of the three stages.

Compliance with rules

Rules are for safety and fair competition; you must follow them. Not knowing a rule does not exempt you. EDC prefers to point out mistakes in a friendly way, but the organiser may disqualify for serious breaches. A written disqualification is issued if a competitor brings the sport into disrepute or mistreats a dog.

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors who make the EDC series possible.

Baltosport Vichy TailsPlanet Koeratoit.ee Matkafy Laternamatkad