February 20, 2004 – USA Cycling announced today elevated UCI status of the first two events on the 2004 NORBA National Mountain Bike Series Calendar. Upgraded from its original E-2 ranking, the pro cross-country and short track races for men and women now hold E-1 status at the events in Waco, Texas and Sonoma, Calif. Similarly, the men's and women's mountain cross events in Sonoma will also hold E-1 status.

According to UCI guidelines, the winner of each event will receive 40 UCI points with points being distributed 20 places deep. Given the unique stage-race format of the Waco event, it should be noted that UCI points are not distributed for the time trial or overall general classification results.