Spring Training Series starts tomorrow
If you have the opportunity, head out to Donaldson Center tomorrow for the 2009 Greenville Spring Training Series. Already into cycling? Then you already know this is the kick off event for bicycle racing for the Upstate — and beyond. New to cycling? This is the time to come out and see what it is all about.
Here is a map of the location. Check out the entire schedule at HincapieSports.com. Here is the scedule for Saturday, February 21, 2009.
| Category | Start | Laps/Distance | Prizes | Place |
| Cat 5 34- | 9:00 AM | 3 laps/21 mi. | Medals | 3 |
| Cat 5 35+ | 9:04 AM | 3 laps/21 mi. | Medals | 3 |
| Women | 9:06 AM | 5 laps/35 mi. | $200 | 4 |
| Masters 35+ | 11:00 AM | 6 laps/42 mi. | $250 | 6 |
| Masters 45+ | 11:02 AM | 6 laps/42 mi. | $250 | 6 |
| Juniors | 11:05 AM | 3 laps/21 mi. | $150 | 3 |
| Pro, 1, 2 | 1:00 PM | 8 laps/56 mi. | $499 | 10 |
| Cat 3 | 1:02 PM | 7 laps/49 mi. | $300 | 8 |
| Cat 4 | 1:05 PM | 5 laps/35 mi. | $200 | 6 |
An explanation to the uninitiated readers (Hi, Mom!). In cycling all rders are divided into categories. This is determined by experience, ability, and politics. Category 5 is pretty simple. You are just starting to race. After finishing 10 races or by placing high and winning races, you can move up to Category 4. In that category you begin earning points.
To move up to Category 3 you must earn 20 points in any 12-month period. You also have the option of starting 25 races with a minimum of 10 top ten finishes with fields of 30 riders or more, or 20 pack finishes with fields over 50. Get 30 points in 12 months and the officials will automatically upgrade you.
Most riders are aiming for at least Category 2 status. At that point they may end up at times racing against pros. Making the jump from 3 to 2 is much harder than from 4 to 3. The explanation is simple: 25 points in any 12-month period, but the execution is much harder. That is where the politics come in!
Moving from 2 to 1 is very similar. You need to amass 30 points in any 12-month period. If you can do that in a 2 field, you are pretty good. Of course, there is more than one way to skin a cat. You can get fewer high placed finishes, or you can find every race possible and get lower places in more races. The emphasis is on experience and points, not only only finishing high.
What about those juniors? Here is where it gets interesting. Juniors are riders under a particular age. However, some juniors may be racing as Category 2 and 1 racers. Don’t let the baby faces fool you! You will often see a junior double in the Junior race and another category race.
The Masters are the same on the other end of the spectrum. They are racers who are past a particular age. However, don’t think that makes things any easier! The Masters fields in the Greenville area are often the toughest to ride in. Like the Juniors races, you will have multiple categories involved and it is painful to watch former national champions thumping the less experienced guys. That is why, even though I could race Masters, I will take my chances with the younger guys in Category 4!
You will notice there are prizes given out. The category 5 guys get medals. The rest get money. I guess it is kind of like your initiation. Until you prove yourself, you don’t get the cash. I think the organizers also want to discourage sandbagging – the act of staying in a lower category just so you can keep winning.
This prize money goes to the top finishers. You can see the top finishing places in the right column. As you can see, there isn’t a lot of money. You hope to get enough to pay the entry fee and your expenses for getting there. However, for guys at Spring Series, it isn’t about the money.
Plan on joining us. The morning will start out kind of cool. By the time the Pro, 1, 2, and Cat 3 and Cat 4 riders get out there the temperatures could reach the 60s. So, throw on a jacket and come join the fun!
Stay tuned to LowCadence.com as we plan to bring stories and finishes from the first day of the rest of the season. On a personal note, I’m going back to the hand specialist today to have my big bandage removed and a smaller splint put on. May be getting on the trainer tonight!
Tags: Donaldson Center, Spring Series
And about the Women?? All are grouped together at the start, but a sponsor has stepped up to divide the Cat 4 women from the Cat 1′s, 2′s, & 3′s… so even though ALL the women start together, the finish will be divided:)
PS.. Kimberly, I’m the one that yelled “whistlestop” in your ear last night!
and also Rob Crouch’s fiance’… meant to introduce myself to you and didn’t get the chance….
Jonathan, sorry that you won’t be able to race this weekend. We’ll try and put on a good show for you.
Lynn, have you started riding?
See you guys tomorrow.
Hey Kirk! a smidgeon