Originally Posted by
Andy_K
I would go for the Cat 4 Masters. The top racers in that division will probably be much faster than you, but there will almost certainly be other racers at your level. In my experience, the main difference between C and Master C is that the younger guys tend to be more aggressive and take more risks. What that translates to is guys passing you right on your hip in tricky sections. The Masters generally wait until they have a clear opening.
I agree with Andy - go with the CAT 4 Masters - it's actually a very rare thing to find one of these categories in a Cross race around here so take advantage of it. The regular CAT 4 will be full of experienced road riders who are new to cross - but are coming off a full season of racing - and they'll be a lot younger and faster. The regular masters category will have ex-pro's / Elite riders. (FYI - in the Nittany Lions race this past weekend, the 45+ year old Masters category had some of the fastest times in the race.) CAT 4 Master is the way to go. Have fun!