FAQ: "So, which category should I race in anyways?"
Answer by Mark Abramson, 3/2004

I've been getting a lot of questions about which category is suitable for a particular racer, and thought I would share some experiences about category selection.

We all know that you need to race in the same category for the entire weekend (except TTT's) and that you can only do one category per race (e.g. you can't do the "D" AND "A" race in this weekend's circuit race). And once you score points in a particular category, you may not move down to a lower category without prior approval of the conference director.

However, as this is the first race of the season, picking the 'right' category to start off in is a bit of a question for even experienced riders. A few talking points:

• Are you new to the sport and want to learn how to race your bike? Well, my friend, you have come to the right place. Collegiate Cycling has categories for those in their first-ever bicycle races (Men's "D" category and Women's "B" category). A great place to start, get some experience, and move up from there as your skill level and fitness reach new heights.
• If you were a C last year and have been training like a monster this winter, by all means bump it up to B's. But be prepared to learn some new things and be reasonable in your expectations.
• Be honest with yourself and your team leader. Look at the team's overall objectives for the particular race and the season and select your categories accordingly. Careful selection of categories can make the difference in your team's bottom line of points and in achieving your team's goals over eight weekends of racing!!
• Racers who start in a category that is too difficult may become discouraged. Conversely, trying out a lower category and placing well can be a huge morale boost for the rider and the team.
• Racers who are overly challenged by the effort required to 'hang on for dear life' in a high category are sometimes not able to safely negotiate the rapidly-changing race. Please use your head - it's not just you that's affected.
• Some team leaders will only allow their riders to move up after winning or placing in the top three.
• Riders who win week after week after week will likely be shamed into upgrading, but there is no rule here. If a rider is winning races, they will likely be competitive in the next higher category.
• If you are a male USCF Cat 1/2, you need to race A's. 3's must race at least B's. 4's must race at least C's. Women 1/2's must race A's, 3/4's can race A or B.
• The "A" events are meant for experienced racers with a certain level of fitness. If you're a seasoned USCF racer or have moved up the collegiate ranks, dive in. If you're new to the bicycle racing scene or aren't sure you're ready for the A races, try a more reasonable category. Best to succeed in the lower cats before making the big jump.
• The leader of the "A" points (women and men) get an ECCC series leader jersey to wear in the following weekend's races.