Road Bike Racing - Cat 4 vs master 45+

I am a 45 year old cat 4, and am thinking of entering some road races in the Connecticut area. Any thoughts on the differences between Cat 4 and Master 45+ as far as pace & field size goes ?? What else should I think about when deciding which one to race in ? I did a bunch of racing many years ago, so I'm experienced, just not in the same shape anymore.

Atleast where I'm at, the Masters 45+ runs about cat3 pace.

Master = faster

Master = smoother

Some argue Master = safer, although based on my observations from the past few years (30+), I'm not convinced.

Atleast where I'm at, the Masters 45+ runs about cat3 pace.

Around here the 45+ open is much faster. Crit data for the 3/4 was 25.8 MPH, the 45+ was 28.5. It's fast and smooth at the front but if it's an "open" 45+ it can get sketchy at the rear on occasion. For a roadrace I'd try the 45+ first and see how it goes.

Having done Masters 45 and Cat 4/5 races I can say that the Masters 45 are definitely faster at least here in Florida.

I live and race in CT (and NJ, NY, RI).

Masters 45+ simply means Cat 1-2-3 45+

The last race I place high in was a Cat 3 race was last summer in CT. It was a field sprint. The two guys that beat me were over 50. And there were a lot of young guys in the race. It's not unusual to have a 50+ win his race, get top three in the 40's, and then get top three in the 3's.

If you have very good fitness and are very good in tight field conditions, M45. If you don't mind a higher chance of getting dropped, the M45's. Otherwise 4's.

A 3 who has a 4's fitness,
cdr

I won't be keeping you company OTB in the masters races

Thanks for the replies. I'll try a few Cat 4 races first as I try to get back into fitness.

That's what I've been telling you guys. The local peloton has gotten faster since my return to competitive cycling after a 5 year hiatus, and the biggest ramp-up in speed has been with guys 45+. There are 50 year olds around here that are astonishingly fast/fit.

I am not one of them. Besides, I won't be 50 until November : ). But the fast guys may kill me before that. They are trying.

The 45+ fields around here are A) faster and B) involve two very well drilled teams that really put the hurt on. Masters classes here are much faster and harder to get a good result in than the 4's.

here in socal if you can win a 45+ race you can podium in the pro1/2s. and many of them do, on the same day. a few of the really good guys will race three times at a crit: 45+, 35+ (or 40+) and pro 1/2.

just remember to take advantage of your experience over the other racers