The Racing Thread..
Discussion
TheFungle said:
Currently riding as a Cat 4 with a late season burst of enthusiasm, strong enough to be active in the bunch but annoyingly lacking in acceleration when it comes to the big final push.
Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
It never changes I see?Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
I know everyone starts somewhere but the general f
kwittery in 4ths is really bad for the sport. The tracks and BC don't give a toss. Masters is better, way better as are E1/2/3 etc. Otherwise TT's are safer and allow you to push yourself in a different way. Loads of riders I know have stopped racing purely in crits due to being taken out through no fault of their own.yonex said:
TheFungle said:
Currently riding as a Cat 4 with a late season burst of enthusiasm, strong enough to be active in the bunch but annoyingly lacking in acceleration when it comes to the big final push.
Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
It never changes I see?Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
I know everyone starts somewhere but the general f
kwittery in 4ths is really bad for the sport. The tracks and BC don't give a toss. Masters is better, way better as are E1/2/3 etc. Otherwise TT's are safer and allow you to push yourself in a different way. Loads of riders I know have stopped racing purely in crits due to being taken out through no fault of their own.What can be done? In the race which prompted my original comment the standard of riding for the preceding 44 minutes was decent, lads were holding their lines and all felt good.
I like the idea of a 'filter' near the end which would reduce the final bunch to say >15, of course that would just push the sprint further down the circuit!
Perhaps an accreditation system akin to what is required for the velodrome would be appropriate.
TheFungle said:
yonex said:
TheFungle said:
Currently riding as a Cat 4 with a late season burst of enthusiasm, strong enough to be active in the bunch but annoyingly lacking in acceleration when it comes to the big final push.
Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
It never changes I see?Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
I know everyone starts somewhere but the general f
kwittery in 4ths is really bad for the sport. The tracks and BC don't give a toss. Masters is better, way better as are E1/2/3 etc. Otherwise TT's are safer and allow you to push yourself in a different way. Loads of riders I know have stopped racing purely in crits due to being taken out through no fault of their own.What can be done? In the race which prompted my original comment the standard of riding for the preceding 44 minutes was decent, lads were holding their lines and all felt good.
I like the idea of a 'filter' near the end which would reduce the final bunch to say >15, of course that would just push the sprint further down the circuit!
Perhaps an accreditation system akin to what is required for the velodrome would be appropriate.
I think BC need to introduce provisional licence only races or something to weed out the fastest guys from some cat4 races. You have to encourage new people to racing so this seems the logical solution. IMHO its only fair the newbies get a chance to race in a group of similar ability and experience. Perhaps having some non-points scoring cat 4 races is the answer? The fast guys wont enter becuase there are no points on offer but the new racers still get a race per se. The SW has a strong field at the Combe crits and its a tough blooding for new cat 4s!
okgo said:
To be honest, anyone 'strong' won't be a 4th cat for long, one/two/three races probably.
Its about bike handling and knowing how to ride with other people that needs addressing.
Best advice I can give is look out for everyone else, it's kind of easy to identify who could be a problem. Second best bit of advice is don't invite people into your space.Its about bike handling and knowing how to ride with other people that needs addressing.
Then go TT'ing
One time at Hog Hill on the the lower circuit, which is a bit meh, there was one guy that when he shifted the mech constantly clicked and baulked. Basically his groupset was shagged. 5 laps from the end his chain jammed and he took a load of people out. Luckily me and mate identified him early on and were stayed well away at all times. It is s
t like that which 4th cat racing needs to take care of. Sometimes accidents happen but poorly maintained kit in a bunch, not on.IMO if you're not out of 4th cats by 10 races and you haven't been terribly unlucky then you have to be realistic.
yonex said:
IMO if you're not out of 4th cats by 10 races and you haven't been terribly unlucky then you have to be realistic.
Are you suggesting if you don't get your 3rd cat after 10 races you shouldn't be racing?I agree with those who say that you can tell who the 'problem' riders are, for me its the riders who seem to have a very high front end which encourages 'wiggly' riding.
Of course, it's impossible to tell who will get the red mist in the finale and decide to make a stupid move off line.
okgo said:
Agree on all points there, mate.
Think the biggest catch all category is 2nd cat actually, in that you have people capable of being elite if they bothered racing enough, and those scraping the 25 points doing backwater crits with 10 people.
Agreed. I was an ok (always around top 10) 3rd cat and was a sniff away from 2nd cat the other year, but the difference I found when racing E1/2 was marked. It comes down to time and age for me. At 40 plus I got a bit fed up of 11th place after travelling all over the sodding country Think the biggest catch all category is 2nd cat actually, in that you have people capable of being elite if they bothered racing enough, and those scraping the 25 points doing backwater crits with 10 people.
At Rockingham I was set for a good 6th then got ripped apart in a sprint, I'd never had that before and it made me cry I reckon its still possible but 2nd cat would be the limit for me. Can't be bothered with the crashing though. There should be a pace bike, some of the races were literally a bunch looking at each other waiting for people to hide behind. It pissed me off to get on the front with a couple of others only to shelter others. I tried a few times to break off the bunch and was getting closer when I stopped racing. I can't think of anythjng more satisfying.
TheFungle said:
Are you suggesting if you don't get your 3rd cat after 10 races you shouldn't be racing?
I agree with those who say that you can tell who the 'problem' riders are, for me its the riders who seem to have a very high front end which encourages 'wiggly' riding.
Of course, it's impossible to tell who will get the red mist in the finale and decide to make a stupid move off line.
Not at all and no disrespect. I'm saying that there should be another class for newcomers. It's daft IMO to chuck a total novice in a bunch of riders who may well have 20 races plus under their belts. It's also true that some want to race but are happy with being 4th cats. BC IME doesn't give a toss about this and are only keen on making as much money from riders as possible. But, from what I have seen anyone who is half decent will be out of 4ths in 10 or so races. I agree with those who say that you can tell who the 'problem' riders are, for me its the riders who seem to have a very high front end which encourages 'wiggly' riding.
Of course, it's impossible to tell who will get the red mist in the finale and decide to make a stupid move off line.
I had a few races in the US. Cat 5 out there was 20min races, prime lap, etc. it seemed like many more races were available, however, the numbers were lower for sure.
gazza285 said:
Steve vRS said:
Are you at the quarry on Sunday Gazza?
Steve
New crank fitted on the number one bike, spare bike is now de-three peaked. I'll be in my second claim club kit this Sunday, so I'll be there as a Belgian...Steve
yonex said:
TheFungle said:
Are you suggesting if you don't get your 3rd cat after 10 races you shouldn't be racing?
I agree with those who say that you can tell who the 'problem' riders are, for me its the riders who seem to have a very high front end which encourages 'wiggly' riding.
Of course, it's impossible to tell who will get the red mist in the finale and decide to make a stupid move off line.
Not at all and no disrespect. I'm saying that there should be another class for newcomers. It's daft IMO to chuck a total novice in a bunch of riders who may well have 20 races plus under their belts. It's also true that some want to race but are happy with being 4th cats. BC IME doesn't give a toss about this and are only keen on making as much money from riders as possible. But, from what I have seen anyone who is half decent will be out of 4ths in 10 or so races. I agree with those who say that you can tell who the 'problem' riders are, for me its the riders who seem to have a very high front end which encourages 'wiggly' riding.
Of course, it's impossible to tell who will get the red mist in the finale and decide to make a stupid move off line.
I had a few races in the US. Cat 5 out there was 20min races, prime lap, etc. it seemed like many more races were available, however, the numbers were lower for sure.
Anyway, terrible positioning meant I had to sprint from the back. Nabbed 9th so not a total write off. Hog Hill next weekend, 3 points to go. No pressure.
https://www.strava.com/activities/410241148
gazza285 said:
Knock 'em dead Applepie.
Thanks Gaz, shocking result snagged second in the veterans or as they like to call it the Old Gits, was running the fatbike, which on the nice twisty circuit it certainly gave my arms and shoulders a good workout, think more pressups and planks required for next years.Ponk said:
It's a tough one this but I think accreditation is the way forward. I've seen some stunningly terrible riding in the last couple of months. More so than the start of the year it seems. I'm generally pretty wary of anyone not in club kit as a rule. Not to say there aren't choppers in club kit (there most definitely are!) but it hints that they have at least ridden in a group before. Strong looking characters they aren't in club kit made up the majority of the choppers in the 4th only I raced yesterday. One guy tried to ride straight out of the side of the bunch despite my mate being clearly alongside him and in his eye line. I had someone try to move up my outside with both wheels on the grass. I mean wtf?!
Anyway, terrible positioning meant I had to sprint from the back. Nabbed 9th so not a total write off. Hog Hill next weekend, 3 points to go. No pressure.
https://www.strava.com/activities/410241148
I think when you can sprint from the back of the group and place you know you'll progress to the next level. Good effort and keep going...Anyway, terrible positioning meant I had to sprint from the back. Nabbed 9th so not a total write off. Hog Hill next weekend, 3 points to go. No pressure.
https://www.strava.com/activities/410241148
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