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So, I'm trying to figure out how the category/ability system works in this country. The whole Cat 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and so on doesn't apply here. Instead, they use a system that is based on age grouping and then subdivided by ability. It seems a fairly cumbersome system and not clearly explained on any of the official websites.

Also, when it comes to licensing, there are options for Citizen Permit if you don't plan to race outside the province, or UCI license which is obviously far-reaching. Being a new racer I'd like to not have to fork over for a UCI license but also would still like to get points towards upgrading ability levels. It doesn't say if this is possible with the Citizen paper.

Basically, if there are any racers (in Ontario specifically) that could help demystify this stuff it would be greatly appreciated! And I know this should probably go in the regional board but hardly anyone checks there and this is the racing forum so I figure there's a better chance of getting some attention.

Thanks!

Grumpy McTrumpy

the only thing I know about ON and QC is that their riders always seem to race below their category when they come down to NY.

fuzzthebee

If you are 19-35 you have to start as a Senior 4, or Elite 4. The system is similar, except there are 4 cats instead of 5 for elite men, and 3 cats for masters men. If you are 35 or older, you can race Master 3 or Senior 4.

rbart4506

If you want to race the O-Cups and Regional events you require the full UCI license, the Citizen license is only for Citizen events. You can get a one day license for some of the O-Cups and regional events, but I believe you can only do that twice, after which you must purchase a full license...And yes the OCA website is very cumbersome and difficult to navigate. I seem to find info there and then when I want to look at it again it takes way to long to find the page again.

graphs

thanks for the info dudes

rkwaki

Just stumbled upon this thread. I just found out that I am not eligible for the Elite Nationals here in the US so I may come home to the mother country and do the Nationals there as I am a citizen.
Does anyone know where they are in 2011?

rbart4506

They are in Burlington, Ontario for 2011 and possibly 2012...

rkwaki

Nice - that means they are going up the escarpment. Do you have dates?

rbart4506

Not sure of the days, but I believe it's late June...

The rumour I have heard is the route will go up Rattlesnake....That will be interesting...

rkwaki

Nice.
Collingwood is another great spotfor a road race.

rbart4506

Yes, so I have heard....Only been MTB'n up that way...

There was a Centurion Gran Fondo type ride up there this year, but my wife was racing the Queens Park Crit in Toronto so I had to play the part of mechanic/soigneur...Might look into it for next year if it fits into the schedule...

rkwaki

There used to be a Canada Cup that went up beside the ski hill and the Ravenna Road Race which was always fun. Those would be two great spots for a tough road race. I remember Nationals in the early '90s in Lac Megantic, PQ that was brutal - I want to say more than half the field dropped out.

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They will be the last two weekends in June for both 2011 and 2012 according to Craig (the organizer).

rbart4506

Cool...

My wife will be trying to podium in Master 'A'...

I will see how my race season is going before I commit...

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There's no way I'd be able to compete in my age group so I probably won't bother racing this year. Maybe 2012.

What team do you ride with, rbart?

rbart4506

I'm riding for Mazurcoaching right now...I was on PK Express to start the season, but switched part way through...

My wife rides for the same team...

BTW competing in my age group is a problem as well. I raced the Provincials, at Elliot Lake, and was totally abover my head...Surrounded by Master1's and 2's in the B age category...UGH! That was a painful road race!

Grumpy McTrumpy

you probably know the guy behind me then. He's come quite a long way in the past few years.

graphs

There are some insanely strong M1's in the B age group, no doubt that was a tough one.

Mazur seems like a good group. I met one of your elite 1 racers this summer and she spoke highly of the team. I rode with Midweek this season but won't be next year. Haven't totally decided but I'm leaning heavily towards DarkHorse Flyers. I know a couple people there and have gone on a few of their club rides and it seems like a good fit. Plus they always have lots of people at races which is nice.

rbart4506

Yea from the short time I've been with them I like what I see...

I'm only on the club at this point, since I'm not coached by Mirek and nowhere near Elite level