what speed for each cat.
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 11
Bikes: trek 5200, surly cross chex, trek 5.9 mt bike, specialized sinlgle speed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
what speed for each cat.
I will be competeing in my first road events this year. The first one will be in May. I need to gauge myself before I get out there. I will be riding in the 34 yr old cat 5 to start. My group did a pretty good ride today 40 miles @ 22 mph. I can do a 3 mile time trial on flat roads in about 9 min or a little less. Can someone tell me how that will rank up and what do I need to look forward to at Cat 5 and Cat 4. My goal is to move up to Cat 4 at years end. Am I just setting goals to high? I have been riding in the sport class mt bike and not doing well but don't like sandbagging in beginner class like those I am racing in sport who should move on up.
Beas
Beas
#2
Lance Hater
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,403
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Road race or crit?
For a crit, expect speeds around 26-28. You need to be able to accelerate out of corners to close any gap that may have formed between you and the riders in front of you. You will be dropped quickly if you can't.
Flat road races should see the same speeds though it's slightly easier since you could park yourself in the middle of the pack if you wanted to.
For a crit, expect speeds around 26-28. You need to be able to accelerate out of corners to close any gap that may have formed between you and the riders in front of you. You will be dropped quickly if you can't.
Flat road races should see the same speeds though it's slightly easier since you could park yourself in the middle of the pack if you wanted to.
#3
Veni, Vidi, Vomiti
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Bend, OR
Posts: 3,583
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti, Pivot Vault, Salsa Spearfish
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Remember, it's not always the strongest or flat-out fastest rider that wins. You have to ride smart.
#4
Just ride.
You aren't necessarily setting your sights too high. All it takes for an upgrade is to compete in 10 mass start events.
In my vast racing experience, the differentiator isn't being able to maintain a fast average (also important, but...), it's being able to go with the break. Going with an attack on a 3 minute climb, a counterattack just after a break has been reeled in. You're close to maxed out, and now you have to come up with 30% more or get dropped.
Sandbagging or not, the main reason for doing time as a Cat 5 is learning not to be a menace before moving up.
In my vast racing experience, the differentiator isn't being able to maintain a fast average (also important, but...), it's being able to go with the break. Going with an attack on a 3 minute climb, a counterattack just after a break has been reeled in. You're close to maxed out, and now you have to come up with 30% more or get dropped.
Sandbagging or not, the main reason for doing time as a Cat 5 is learning not to be a menace before moving up.