OBRA Mountain Bike Racing
Categories and Classes for 2004
INTRO
There has been significant discussion lately as to how to change the category/class system for 2004. First off, “category” refers to ability while “class” refers to age. Just want to make sure we’re all on the same page. Also, it is important to realize why we would change.
First of all, the current structure calls out five age classes, five ability levels, two sexes, and throws in a few oddball categories such as single speed and Clydesdale (guys over 200 lbs.). This seems a bit excessive for races seeing fewer than 200 riders. All in all, we end up with 35 or so tracked categories, many with only one or two riders. The minimum for a category is generally considered 5.
Also, with BAR (Best All-around Rider) fields not matching at all with the mountain bike side of things, there is quite a bit of difficulty in assigning points at the end of the year. Sort of a head-scratcher for Candi Murray, but she never complains.
Finally, many of you may know that USAC is once again attempting to woo OBRA back into the National Governing Body (NGB) fold with promises of allowing OBRA riders to race for NORBA points. If this is to work, OBRA categories should match NORBA categories, at least in the competitive fields.
PROPOSAL #1
USAC has adopted a system for classes as follows:
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Category |
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Class |
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Junior |
Senior |
Vet. |
Master |
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0-14 |
15-18 |
19-29 |
30-39 |
40+ |
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Beginner |
M |
Juniors race according to age only. |
Note-5 |
Open combined masters fields for M and F. Note-6 |
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F |
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Sport |
M |
Note-4 |
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F |
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Expert |
M |
One open Junior X field for M and F. Open to any racer 18 or under. |
Note-3 |
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F |
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Semi-pro/Elite |
M |
Note-2 |
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F |
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Pro |
M |
Note-1 |
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F |
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Note 1: Equivalent to Pro/Cat 1 BAR |
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Note 2: Equivalent to cat. 2 BAR |
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Note 3: Equivalent to cat. 3 BAR |
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Note 4: Equivalent to cat. 4 BAR |
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Note 5: Equivalent to cat. 5 BAR |
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Note 6: Equivalent to masters BAR |
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The category system is still the same with Beginner, Sport, Expert, Semi-Pro and Pro fields where the Pro and Semi-pro would be Open Class (no age limitations). Junior X is also an open class (for juniors) and is the most competitive. Under this system, Juniors are a class and a category at the same time. There are no Junior Beginner, Junior Sport, Junior Expert…etc. Therefore, we would have two ages for Beginner. Sport and Expert (Senior and Master), Open Pro and Open Semi-Pro would remain. Feels a lot like the road side to me. The fast junior Pro/Semi-pro crowd can either race Junior X or as Pro/Semi-pro. Not sure what to do with them on the road side. Total = 17 cat/class fields (not including oddballs).
PROPOSAL #2
Break up the ages by adding in a few more age classes per the following table:
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Category |
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Class |
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Junior |
Senior |
Vet. |
Master |
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0-14 |
15-18 |
19-29 |
30-39 |
40+ |
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Beginner |
M |
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Note-5 |
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F |
Combine |
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Sport |
M |
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Note-4 |
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F |
Combine |
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Expert |
M |
Combine |
Note-3 |
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F |
Drop |
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Drop |
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Semi-pro/Elite |
M |
Combine/Open-Note 2 |
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F |
Combine/Open-Note 2 |
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Pro |
M |
Combine/Open-Note 1 |
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F |
Combine/Open-Note 1 |
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Note 1: Equivalent to Pro/Cat 1 BAR |
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Note 2: Equivalent to cat. 2 BAR |
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Note 3: Equivalent to cat. 3 BAR |
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Note 4: Equivalent to cat. 4 BAR |
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Note 5: Equivalent to cat. 5 BAR |
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Empty boxes indicate categories that are offered as indicated. If a field is dropped (not offered), “drop” is in the box. This seems like it might be more like what we had for the 2003 season, but would explicitly define the categories to be dropped, those to be combined and indicates the BAR equivalency with the road/track side. The primary difference is that the 2003 vet (35-44) and master (45+) moved down five years. This may add in some unexpected competition for those racers who will be either, say, 35 or 45 next season and were expecting to be the youngest in their field.
I’m not sure how the comparison goes with the road Masters field. The age is ok, but are the road Masters equivalent to Sports or Beginners…or does it matter?
Total = 25 cat/class fields (not including the oddballs)
CONCLUSION
Please think about which of the two systems you prefer, but more importantly, think about why you like a particular scheme. If you want to be able to “race-up” against tougher categories regardless of age, bear this in mind. If you wish for shorter courses in a smaller field to have a more personalized racing experience, then think about that.
If you have another suggestion, please be as detailed as possible and provide it to soon! If you liked the 2003 system as it was, then tell us!
Thanks for your attention,
Regards, Jim Fischer, OBRA
james-fischer@comcast.net