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larry, on 18 July 2012 - 01:13 PM, said:
I'm kinda new to Mtn bike racing, I did a very limited amount a few years ago,During and since that time I have been dealing with illness and caring for two sick parents which left me with no time for training or racing. Now things are back on track and I'm able to train and get some aerobic base and fitness back in my system again.
Before that I competed in Triathlon for many years and my wife still competes at a high level in the age group ranks.In Triathlon you are in one age group,say 50 t0 54 with a race number on your arm and one around your waist and in the higher level events your age is on your calf, so you can tell if that guy in front of you needs to be passed in order for you to place higher in your AG. No categories or levels just age groups. Not much to do, just remember your age, get in the right line and go as fast as you can from start to finish.
I have been following this Cat ing up topic for a bit and I see a lot of different ideas and thoughts on the subject. I want to make sure I do the sport justice and correctly as I move along. It looks like you have to do 5 races and finish in the top 5 of those races to move up. I completely understand it has to be done this way to keep things on a even and fair playing field.
I have only done 3 races in the Cat 2 50+ group this year.1st one I flatted several times and DNFed. Next 2 races I was blessed enough to get 1st. I not sure where to go next, I would be more than glad to move up to the Cat 1 50+ group and hone my skills as I get some more fitness and Mtn bike racing under my belt. But I want to make sure it's all good with the powers that be because I haven't competed and finished top 5 in 5 races.
My plan is to race next weekend at Columbia so I want to make sure where ever I line up I'm in the right group.
Before that I competed in Triathlon for many years and my wife still competes at a high level in the age group ranks.In Triathlon you are in one age group,say 50 t0 54 with a race number on your arm and one around your waist and in the higher level events your age is on your calf, so you can tell if that guy in front of you needs to be passed in order for you to place higher in your AG. No categories or levels just age groups. Not much to do, just remember your age, get in the right line and go as fast as you can from start to finish.
I have been following this Cat ing up topic for a bit and I see a lot of different ideas and thoughts on the subject. I want to make sure I do the sport justice and correctly as I move along. It looks like you have to do 5 races and finish in the top 5 of those races to move up. I completely understand it has to be done this way to keep things on a even and fair playing field.
I have only done 3 races in the Cat 2 50+ group this year.1st one I flatted several times and DNFed. Next 2 races I was blessed enough to get 1st. I not sure where to go next, I would be more than glad to move up to the Cat 1 50+ group and hone my skills as I get some more fitness and Mtn bike racing under my belt. But I want to make sure it's all good with the powers that be because I haven't competed and finished top 5 in 5 races.
My plan is to race next weekend at Columbia so I want to make sure where ever I line up I'm in the right group.
Now it is done, contacted Larry Martin @ USA Cycling and gave him the requested info. I'm now a Cat 1 50 + mountain bike racer. No more guess work.Just line up and hold on as best I can.
Edited by larry, 19 July 2012 - 06:45 PM.
