Originally Posted by
CanadianBiker32
Nice, so in other words, even if i raced the Cat 5 . there could be some really fast guys there as well? well trained. more less. so cat 5 isn't just some guy on a tricycle then lol
IIRC, I had run a 1500m time trial in 4:05-6ish a couple of weeks prior to my first CAT 5 race. I had been riding with two masters nationals RR and TT medallists, as well as several CAT1s, regularly. Not at their level, but capable of rotating through for a while.
There were two pro triathletes in my first CAT 5 race, as well.
As someone who mainly races MTBs these days, I'd say that the fitness level of CAT4/5 racers is considerably higher than that of CAT3 MTB racers, both of which are beginner categories for their respective fields. So, while you might have had success in the Chequamegon 40, etc., you should keep the disparities in mind.