Originally Posted by SteveE
Hitchy,
It's the same in the states. Anything over 35 is classified as "Masters". I've been racing in the Masters 45+ category (first year of racing) and am happy if I come in mid-pack. Sometimes these guys will race down in age if they think the 45+ course and/or distance isn't tough enough. A fair number of them were Pros and Cat 1 racers in their prime. I'm thinking I should try a Cat 5 race and see if it's any easier.
SteveE
G'day,
the obvious difference is that our 'vets' races are graded on ability rather than age.The only time we race as 'age groups' are special occaision races like 'age group championships' or something of that nature. The other problem in OZ, is that I need to have 2 seperate licences if I want to race both 'vets' & 'open', as the 'vets' aren't affilaited with the UCI. Gets kinda expensive!. As far as racing 'vet' or 'open' goes, I like both. Open is obviously harder, wheras 'vets', whilst still tightly contested, is more relaxed & a social activity. there's certainly something to be said for not having to chase 120lb 17 y.o's up hills tahts for sure!....We have 2 olympic gold medalists in our club, so I know how you feel as far as the competiveness goes,
cheers,
Hitchy