That's it. I'm new to racing and don't know how you split up age groups usually. I know I'll find out if I sign up for a race, but if someone is kind enough to let me know that would be nice.

Thanks

Wrong forum - try racing.

But usually, in the US, Master's races are 35+. There are other masters races sometimes, generally at 45 and 55. Juniors are 18 and under.

FYI, Cycling has far less age-group separation than running.

on top of the age thing not being as big of a separator, sometimes the Masters races are even harder than the Cat races. pick your poison, if you're new, stick to the Cat5s

If you're under 18 - Juniors.
18-30 - Elite
30+ Masters

Within all of this you have Categories that supposedly roughly describe your fitness and ability. In men's there is - from low to high - Cat V-I (5 through 1). You must progress through the ranks of these categories by meeting criteria.

From 5 to 4 for example you need to participate in 10 mass start events.

You can race within Cat in both Elite and Masters if you meet the age criteria.

Example. 38 yr old Cat 4 racer can usually participate in the Elite 4 race as well as the masters race of their age group or category. (Maters 35+ or Masters 4-5)

Juniors can do the same (Juniors 16-17, Cat 4 "Elite")

This only begins to describe it. It does seem complicated, but it really isn't. If you're over 18 and under 30 then you're stuck in Elite. Just starting out you would only be able to race Cat 5. So the only races you could ener would be ones that sound like one of the following:

Cat V (5)
Cat IV-V (4-5)
Elite 5
Elite 4-5

Citizens is the same except without licenses. You need a license for anything.

Wait I am in an Elite category woo hooo...

It's regional. In Chicago I could race masters (30+) but out east masters categories start at 35+.

Absolutely. Cat 2 Master's are faster than Cat 5 races.

Well dammit man, I just started this sport and already I'm aged out of the young group. I don't get why they lump half the age population into the Master's category. Shouldn't a 35 year old guy be able to whup a 25 year old if he's still in shape? I mean, I'd still take 32-year-old Roy Jones, Jr. over just about any 25-year-old boxer. I'm a former runner, and so I'm used to a lot of age categories in races, and those categories seem to make sense.

And ElJamoquio, where is the racing forum?

In order:
Junior
Elite
Masters
Pcad

You can race a 'more difficult' age group, if you like. Juniors can race Elite, Masters can race elite. You actually have races to choose from, and can sometimes race two times at the same race.

Forum:
https://www.bikeforums.net/33-road-bike-racing/

Suggested reading:
https://www.bikeforums.net/33-road-bike-racing/380788-new-racing-here-s-tip-two.html

Except when you actually are elite (that term really doesn't seem fitting to me). I can only race Cat 4.

I'm Elitist, does that count?

See post #10. There's a group just for you

I don't feel very elite myself... perhaps it's a total lack of racing experience.

A masters racer can always compete in elite cat races as long as they hold the proper category license. No need to avoid the young guns.

FWIW - Masters races seem to be faster than the lower level "Elite" races. That is mainly because as mentioned in this thread, there are a lot of Cat 1/2/3 masters participating and whipping the 4/5's

No one in cat 5 ever feels "Elite" - trust me. It's the personification of the term oxymoron - "Elite cat 5".

Apologies for all the basic questions, but just out of curiosity, what is the average pace for a Cat5 race? This is just so I can gauge what the low-level goal is to start racing.

Nevermind, this covers it all I think. Thanks El-J

Do the group-ride thing, bryroth. That'll tell you more than an 'average pace' ever could.