Ron,

I noticed quite a few 45 and older racers in the 35+ 4/5 early bird today.
Any open masters category, no matter what age group, seems be a vicious
hammer fest. I wouldn't recommend any new racer jumping into those categories unless they are seeking lessons in humility.

Check out the 35+ 4/5 groups. I think you will find lots of other older racers there.

Gene

Hopefully this year we will have more events which will feature a masters 45+ Cat 4/5 race like the Alameda Grand Prix http://alamedabicycle.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=267 Any race with a Masters 45+ 4/5 category is a great chance for older masters to race with other riders of the same skill level.

The Monterey Circuit Race will also have a masters 45+ 4/5 race see http://www.sccc-cycling.org/2005_fort_ord_race_flyer.pdf

Elite races are really an open age group. Anyone of any age can race in an elite race as long as you are of the proper category. An Elite Cat 4 race is open to any Cat 4 rider no mater what his/her age is.

Technically elite riders are 23-29 years old but again anyone younger than 23 can ride up in age group in an elite race and anyone older than 29 can ride down in age in an Elite race.

Hi Ron,

My impression is that Elite means "men of category X". Before Elite, it used to be Senior, as in Senior 5. I'm more interested in addressing your last question. I too am 45+, altho I'm cat 4. I do a variety of races: Elite 4, Masters 35+ 4/5 or Masters 45+. I only do Elite 4 when I'm helping teammates. The Elite 4's seem to have really amped up their pace the last few years. I race Masters 45+ infrequently, but I'll probably be there more this year. I mainly hang out with the 35+ 4/5 group since it's a good mix of racers (somewhat close to) my age and skill level. So, you have options.

FYI, here's a new rider FAQ to check out, http://www.ncncaracing.com/newracer.php

Erik

Anonymous wrote:Hi all

I’m new to racing this year and I have a couple of questions. First of all, what’s the difference between Elite 5 and Category 5? Second, would I be better off racing in Masters 45+ (where, I understand all Categories race) or Cat 5?

Thanks for your help,
Ron

The average 45+ criterium in NorCal is harder than the average Elite 3 criterium. Look for races with 35+ cat 4/5, or Elite 5.

-Warren