Mass start racing requires the ability to get bumped and be very agile on the bicycle. If your disability limits that, then mass start racing is out no matter how powerful the rider. Time trials and hill climbs are different and may offer an opportunity for racing.

Generally, people try a sport and see how they do and younger people seem to worry less about being embarrassed. I have never been embarrassed with an athletic performance. I have had poor results and many times thought I should have done better but at least I had results. Most people have no results.

I love the idea of stealing the kids candy. A few years ago, one had to qualify to attend Elite Track Nationals. Each district could send 2 racers from each event. We held qualifiers at Hellyer and routinely our local 50+ strongman denied the one of the kids a place at elite nationals. Sorry.

Lately, USAC has relaxed the prequalifying for Elite Track Nationals and I competed on year and attended a couple of races in which my wife competed. During Elite Track Nationals, they run the para track nationals. I am not sure where you get the 10% discount for the disabled but these guys were really fast. Just saying.

BF gets lots of posts from cyclists that try to figure out if they should try racing. Usually, they post an average speed and ask if they are fast enough to race. There is nothing average about racing and it takes a lot of skill and time. I could name several very successful racers who won at elite nationals and had a slow start. Many athletes take years before they are able to compete effectively and some seem to advance rapidly.

It is always about horses for courses and maximizing ones goals and genetics to events. I have no idea how you would do in the 7 decade or the first. Also, metrics such as VO2Max, FTP, LT HR and etc are not that relevant from athlete to athlete especially in cycling due to aerodynamics and body weight.

Good luck with your cycling.