Cyclocross Categories/Classes

[grahny]

Being new to the entire concept of cyclocross, and not having raced yet, can anyone layout the whole class/categories differences for us newbies? I've heard ramblings of Class C, and I think I've figured out what the Elite class is (they're the ones in matching jersey's and tights right? :) ). Are there the same classes, but different Age groups? Do they ever break out different races depending on bike set ups (ie. single speed). What's the basic breakdown? - I'm guessing each race is a little different, but there has to be some consistency. Do riders usually move up in class by choice, or by riding history (placing, etc).

Thanks for the info,
-Steve

[gonesh9]

All races/series/locations are a little different, but most are broken down into skill level categories. Our series has:
Men's Elite/Pro/A, B, C, and Beginner.
Masters 35+ A,B,C, and Masters 50+.
Women's A,B, and Beginner.
Juniors, Singlespeed, and even Unicycles.

You can pretty much race at whatever level you feel comfortable with, although sandbagging is generally looked down upon. When you feel you are ready, just move up a category for the next race. It's a pretty lighthearted discipline of bicycle racing, so feel comfortable joining in wherever you feel you belong.