Which Race Should You Do, the Age Group or Category?
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A common question that comes up every year that we do the Otterville Road Race and the Sedalia Historic District Criterium comes from the guys that are just getting into bicycle road racing and are a bit older. They can race in the 40+ or 50+ race but according to their category they can also do the Cat 5 races.
This proves to be quite the dilemma for some. Peter e-mailed me this week and asked this very same question. He is just getting into bicycle road racing and he is 49 years old. That puts him at the older end of the 40+ but he can also race in the Category 5 race as well. Here is what I told him:
Peter,
That’s great that your getting into racing…there are a couple of things to consider when you can race in the 40+ or the Cat5.
The 40+ guys are fast, smart, and experienced. Some of these guys can also race in the Cat 1-2 or 3-4. Most of these guys have been riding and racing for a long time. With that said it is a far safer and less chaotic race than the Cat5. You should be able to sit in longer and the riders are calmer and more predictable.
The Cat5 race will have a lot of younger guys that are really just starting. The racing can be way too fast for the length of race at times but then everybody blows up and the pace slows. The experience level of the riders also makes it a bit crazy at times as the riders sometimes make mistakes that you just wont see in the 40+.
If you are putting in 200+ mile weeks (he said he was putting in 200 mile weeks, that is not a requirement), and you continue to do that until August … you should have no trouble competing in the Cat5. You could even win it. Just stay at the front but out of the wind as much as you can, maybe try and get a pace line going. If you decide to do the 40+ some of the guys will probably be faster but if you don’t take long pulls on the front and work with the other guys you should be able stay with the group most of the time. If you ride the 40+ you may be able to learn a thing or two and either way you’ll gain valuable experience.
I hope this is useful for anyone else struggling with this question. Anytime is a good time to start bicycling whether you want to race or not. 40+, 50+, or 60+, just get out there and ride.
Happy Cycling
My name is Bradly Fletchall. I am the guy behind most of what you see here. I am a bicycle enthusiest and advocate. I'm a founding member of a local bicycle club. I also compete in road and moutain bike races. You can learn more about this blog and me on the 
March 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
Race category. If you need to race masters, go mentor, or if your new chare your learning experience with a junior.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
The largest race in the country that caters to all catagories is the International Cycling Classic / Superweek Pro Tour. It is seventeen days in July. Starts in Chicago and finishes in Milwaukee.
The race is a great opportunity to move up!
Be there or be square.
for further info;
http://www.internationalcycling.com
March 31st, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I race masters and there are tons of 1 and 2 cat racers racing masters. It is a tough category but tons of fun and very competitive!
April 21st, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Excellent perspective! …and “Do not sandbag.” No one wants to see someone staying in Cat 5 for years of podium finishes.
My husband just started racing again after a 22-year break. He just turned 51 and got a Cat 5 license. It’s funny, because he used to race with Bob Roll and company and was a Cat 1. No way will he do a Cat 5 crit for the reasons you stated, safety. He’s racing 45+. He’d rather ride with guys who “know what they are doing and ride smart.”
So, if you have the legs and the miles in you, ride with the better guys!