jcpups608

Is it legal to wear a pro teams kit in a cat 4/5 race?

The rules would suggest that it is not, but they word it in terms of advertising and I do see people wearing them in races once in a while. Just curious.

Flatballer

Technically, no, it's not allowed.

Will an official say anything to you about it? No.

Will you look like a newb? Yes.

Grumpy McTrumpy

people do it all the time. it's not likely to get a USAC official who calls you on it.

jcpups608

That's what I thought but wasn't sure.

saratoga

If it's not an NRC race, no one will say anything.
Just don't ever, ever show up with a sleevless jersey though. I was in a 4 race a couple years ago where the group actually got the dude thrown out at the staging area.

Grumpy McTrumpy

never understood that rule.

Flatballer

They don't want us looking like hooligans.

Yeah, I don't understand the no sleeves thing either.

z415

Might be like other traditional sports that require collars.

Flatballer

Yeah. Trying to keep us looking traditional. They used to have restrictions on socks and shoes and such from what I remember.

Grumpy McTrumpy

you are allowed to roll up your sleeves though. Just cannot cut them off.

JaRow

I think the sleeve rule has something to do with preventing stuff from getting caught in the gaping holes in your jersey during a crash.

carpediemracing 

Shoulder/sleeve rule came from the old days when a layer of fabric was considered "protection". Also the conservative rule makers wanted a somewhat consistent look in the peloton - black shorts only (seriously). I think you had to wear white or not socks, but I don't feel like checking one of my old rule books to verify.

The socks and shorts rules got rescinded. I think the shoulder rule is still somewhat valid because a layer of fabric there can help a bit of road rash. At least in the rain you burn through your clothing, not your skin, as you slide across 3 lanes of road.

Regarding the OP's question, I've seen some officials force riders either off the line or turn their jerseys inside-out.

Since this is a judgment thing on both the officials and the racers, as a racer, do the safe thing - show up with a legal jersey. Then you no longer need stress on the jersey question.

And if you do insist on bringing your pro jersey, please don't show up with a Yellow Jersey replica, or Green Jersey, or Polka Dot, etc etc.

cdr

Val23708

if you show up with a pro team jersey, everyone will do their best to fling you (specifically) off the back

asgelle

Just to add a word about enforcement. A smart official will always enforce this rule when he sees a rider without shoulder cover; because by ignoring it, he opens himself to personal liability in the event anyone (not just the sleeveless rider) gets hurt. USAC might refuse to cover the official because he put his personal judgement ahead of USAC's rules. So next time you see an official giving a new Cat 5 a hard time over this, you might understand why.

spinwax

LOL, when I raced as a Jr in the late 80s and early 90s, Black shorts were the rule. A colored side panel was allowed, but that was it. Honestly, I think the black shorts with the colored side panel looked awesome.

Homebrew01

Way better than a lot of the hideous designs we see now.