Originally Posted by galen_52657
Prior to the Olympics admitting professionals, the US National Team was comprised of Cat-1's (the highest level amateur). There are not enough pro's riding in the US to have pro-only races, so most races have a pro/Cat-1/Cat-2 race category.
One would begin racing by purchasing a USCF license, and having never raced before, be a Cat-5 (formerly know as ‘citizens’ or ‘unlicensed’ racers). If one places in enough races as a Cat-5, you would move up to Cat-4 and on to Cat-3 and so on. In each category, the races get longer and the competition tougher.
At any given race, there is usually a Pro/1/2 field, a 3-4 field (sometimes combined, sometimes not) and a 5 field. Also, there are age-graded and separate female fields. Usually, the lower categories go first and the Pro/1/2’s last. The 5’s might ride 20 miles and the Pro/1/2’s 70 miles or more.
Good info. cat 5 races only 20 miles? Wow. I though these races were all Centuries at least. That's good to know becasue I'd rather not have to compete in marathons. 70 miles is long for ceratin, but it isn't exactly a marathon type race. (unless it is is really hilly)