Which are typical the more competitive fields within a Category. Cat 4 45+ vs. Cat 4 35+ vs. Cat 4
I know in crit racing, masters races are faster, smoother/safer than general cats. Same hold true for cross?
I’ve ridden for years, but just started the whole cross thing. I am an experienced tri, road, track rider getting ready to register for my first cross race.
I’m just guessing here. Since they are all "c " races I don’t think there will be much difference. You may get some sandbagging bastards in the master races but they would normally race 3/4.
And the regular cat 4 race is probably going to have one or two decent to fantastic roadies or mtb ers looking for some variety. But overall I’d guess the entire field of the 4 race will be the slowest.
From a total observers standpoint (I race cross but in a different category), I think fastest races are generally in this order: Cat. 4, Cat. 4 Master 35+, and Cat. 4 Master 45+. The safer fields would probably be the masters races due to generally fewer racers, probably better bike handling (though not always) and also more people having a mortgage to go home to (less likely to take unnecessary risks). The racing can be pretty aggressive in the Cat. 4 fields with younger guys and guys looking to move up categories. In my view, the master’s cat. 4 crowd isn’t looking to necessarily move up, just have fun and race people of similar age and ability.
Having raced all three last year in an attempt to find a ‘Home’ I would say that the fastest/‘most competative’ is :
1.) Cat 4 35+
2.) Cat 4 45+
3.) Cat 4
Now I get to race in the ‘old guys’ division !
I think that some of the above divisions forget to have fun !
Db