Vero che in America partono tutti dalla categoria base, ma anche lì ci sono delle categorie in base all'età...
USA Cycling Racing Age Explained (including the outlier that is cyclocross)
USA Cycling has specific rules regarding racing age categories, which determine the grouping of athletes based on their age and enable fair competition within various age brackets.
Una volta definita la categoria in base all'età, si parla di livelli ed avanzamenti:
Ci sono quelli che da noi sono considerati sportman e master 1, insomma sotto i 40 anni, e poi ci sono i master, 40-50 e 50 ed oltre.
L'unica categoria "senza età" la si può trovare nel livello 4 e 5, dove l'avanzamento di livello viene fatto non in base al risultato ma in base al portare a termine la gara.
Below you will find a common key to explain how categories will appear in real world examples. Please note USA Cycling race age is determined by their age on December 31st of the calendar year.
| JM 15-18 | Junior men ages 15 – 18 |
| JW 15-18 | Junior men ages 15 – 18 |
| SW 3 | Senior women cat-3 |
| MW 40+ | Master women ages 40 or older |
| SW 4 | Senior women cat-4 |
| MW 50+ | Master women ages 50 or older |
| MM 40+ 4 | Master men 40 or older & cat-4 |
| MM40+ 3 | Master men 40 or older & cat-3 |
| SM4 | Senior men cat-4 |
| SM5 | Senior men cat-5 |
| MM40+ 5 | Master men 40 or older & cat-5 |
| MM50 +(1-2-3) | Master men 50 or older & cat-1, 2, or 3 |
| SM 3 | Senior men cat-3 |
| SW P-1-2 | Senior women pros, cat-1 & cat-2 |
| SM P-1-2 | Senior men pros, cat-1 & cat-2 |
| Men’s Cat 4-5 | Men of any age, cat-4 & cat-5 |
Organizzata così, non sembra male, ti troveresti a gareggiare con gente più o meno della tua età, con una suddivisione per livello.
Tra l'altro, se avete voglia, guardatevi le modalità di "avanzamento", che non sono male. All'inizio ti basta finire delle gare, poi serve anche fare risultati: non sarebbe male fare almeno le griglie con questo criterio, in modo da non trovare gente completamente inesperta dello stare in gruppo, che magari parte in prima fila solo perchè ha fatto la cumulativa (certo, poi come fanno a venderti l'abbonamento non lo so...ma qui partono altri discorsi....)
Category 5 (Cat 5): This is the entry-level category for beginners who are new to racing. Cat 5 races are typically shorter and less challenging compared to higher categories, to ensure athletes are having fun and enjoying racing. Riders in this category often are learning the basics of racing and bike handling skills.
Category 4 (Cat 4): Once a rider gains some experience and results in Cat 5, they can upgrade to Cat 4. Cat 4 races are longer and more competitive than beginner races. Riders in this category are continuing to develop their skills and race tactics. To start preparing riders for the next categories to come Cat 4 athletes will race slightly further or longer in total
time.
Category 3 (Cat 3): Cat 3 is the intermediate category where riders have gained more experience and race results. Cat 3 races are longer, more challenging, and faster-paced than Cat 4 races. Riders in this category often have a good understanding of racing tactics and strategies. This is where a lot of athletes will either continue to progress or settle in for the long haul, expect for good mix of abilities from those that are just relatively getting started (< 3 years racing to > 5 years racing experience).
Category 2 (Cat 2): Cat 2 is the advanced category for experienced and highly skilled riders. Cat 2 races are even more competitive, demanding, and faster than Cat 3 races. Riders in this category often have the ambition to compete at the professional level.
Category 1 (Cat 1): Cat 1 is the highest racing category in USA Cycling. Riders in this category are considered
elite and have extensive racing experience. Cat 1 races feature top-level competition, including professional riders. These races are the most demanding, challenging, and require a high level of fitness, skills, and tactical knowledge.
