I'm sorry, I have to brag a little...

[NJBikeGal]

Good for you, Andrea! I've never looked at the National Standings for Cat 4 before...apparently, I'm 11th in RR! Now, if I can only break into the top 10! I was, for a short time (not sure now) ranked #1 in my state though! That will change soon, I'm sure (Go, Anne!!!). But it's always nice to see your name at the top, even if it is temporary! Congrats again!

[ohmyspokes]

Rock on.

It's cool how they break it down like that. More and more promoters are reporting results to USA Cycling, many more than when I started racing a few years ago.

I was #1 in my state for a bit...then I upgraded.

[NJBikeGal]

Rock on.

It's cool how they break it down like that. More and more promoters are reporting results to USA Cycling, many more than when I started racing a few years ago.

I was #1 in my state for a bit...then I upgraded.

Uh, yeah...and still currently nationally ranked in the top 30 in Cat 3...you're a beast! I can't wait to race Cat 3 against you next year!

[equus123]

congrats Andrea, Sarah, Kristy. i'm a little bummed that the promoter from one of the races I won (out of a field of 32!) didn't post the results on USA Cycling. oh well

[NJBikeGal]

The first race I ever did...EVER...the guy just stopped recording finishers after the 15th rider crossed. No need to mention that the women's field was 30+ deep! I was off the back...but not THAT far off the back. So, my first race ever and the only proof I have that I did it was the reminder of the most painful hill I've ever climbed 4 times and my word of honor!

[ohmyspokes]

i'm a little bummed that the promoter from one of the races I won (out of a field of 32!) didn't post the results on USA Cycling. oh well

The first race I ever did...EVER...the guy just stopped recording finishers after the 15th rider crossed. No need to mention that the women's field was 30+ deep! I was off the back...but not THAT far off the back. So, my first race ever and the only proof I have that I did it was the reminder of the most painful hill I've ever climbed 4 times and my word of honor!

Bummer on both of those.

[ohmyspokes]

Uh, yeah...and still currently nationally ranked in the top 30 in Cat 3...you're a beast! I can't wait to race Cat 3 against you next year!

Ha! Yeah, 120lbs of Raging Fury
Next year will be fun, for sure!

[RoadRaven]

I just need a refresher her on US cats... Cat 1 means you've made it onto the standings? and the bigger the number, the faster you race?

So a beginning racer might be cat1, and elite racer might be cat5?

So categories are based on ability?
Or are cats then age-graded as well...

So you might be a Vet1 woman (thats me - age 41) but you could be a cat2 racer?

[Eden]

I just need a refresher her on US cats... Cat 1 means you've made it onto the standings? and the bigger the number, the faster you race?

So a beginning racer might be cat1, and elite racer might be cat5?

So categories are based on ability?
Or are cats then age-graded as well...

So you might be a Vet1 woman (thats me - age 41) but you could be a cat2 racer?

Other way around Cat 4 is beginner for women (men have one more so start as Cat 5's)
To move up you need to get points. If the race meets certain criteria (enough competitors and a long enough race) points are awarded 1st -7 points, 2nd 5 points, 3rd 4points, 4th 3 points, 5th 2 points, 6th 1 point.
If you get 20 points in 12 months you qualify for an upgrade, 30 points in 12 months is often a mandatory upgrade, but because around here you go from racing cat 4 to completely combined 1,2,3 fields usually upgrades are not forced. You can also request an upgrade if you have a certain number of finishes in qualifiying races.
TT's never get upgrade points, only mass start races.
if you are over 35 sometimes you have the option of racing in the Master's category. For women there are usually only 2 master's fields A - for over 35 and a cat 1,2 or 3 and B - over 35 and a cat 4.