Lynne - yes, I've some experience in 'amateur' racing. What level are you talking about? I've been in local, state and national road races here in Oz, and state track races, though not representing any teams, state or national. I'm not good enough yet, though I managed to get about $600 sponsorship from one business last year. Not much, but every bit helps.

Pace differs for the different levels of racing, and whether the fields are women only, women and junior females combined, or combined men and women, and whether they are criteriums, short or long road races, scratch start or handicap start etc. As a general rule, racing at higher grades / categories eg A= best, b= next best etc, against men and in open events (state or national) are faster paced than local races. Are you talking in general, or about a specific style of race etc?


RoadRaven, what do you mean 'equal not equivalent'?