I'm trying to figure out if I stand a chance of getting a Cat 3 upgrade next year.

One of the problems we have here out in the cornfields is not having large turnouts for races. To get points towards Cat 3 you need to be in races with a field size greater than 30. This can be a problem.

In many of the road races here, all Catagories race together. There are some good 1,2 & 3s so getting a top 6 finish in these is not realistic for me (unless I get lucky).

Some races have a staggered start and then seperate placing for the different catagories. On these I stand a good chance for a top 6 (or at least 10) among the Cat 4 or 40+ riders. But, the field size of the individual category is often less than 30. The question is, do they consider the field size of all the racers on the course or just those within the category your racing in? Some race have a mass start of all categories but seperate placing by category, again, what is the effect?

A couple of similar questions in regards to crits. Most of the larger crits they do break up by category. But the field size of the individual category may be less than 30. Do they consider the field to be the size of the event or just the category?

Another thing that can happen in crits here is that they combine catagories. Lets say they combine 4 & 5s together and the total field is greater than 30, but there were only 20 Cat 4's in the race, would a top 6 finish be counted?

A slightly different question. Let's say they combine 3, 4, and 5 together and race at the same time. Let's say only 20 cat 4's are in the race. Then say I finished 11th overall, but 2nd within Cat 4. Would I get points towards Cat 3?

I know it's a bit complicated but if the definition of the field size is loose I stand a good chance of getting the upgrade. If they are sticklers I will look for a different overall goal.

Those are all really good questions. Your local USCF rep has quite a bit of discretion in interpreting the rules, especially with regard to upgrades. Why don't you send your questions to him/her instead of to a bunch of random anonymous internet yahoos, most of whom don't race in your district?

I will have to send him an email since the season is over and I won't be able to talk to him after a race.

I will have to send him an email since the season is over and I won't be able to talk to him after a race.
Don't bother asking. Just put all the info down on your upgrade request and let the Rep. decide. The worst that can happen is that your upgrade request is turned down. If your district has a field size/turnout issue, the regional rep is aware of it and will most likely take that into consideration. As shawndoggy wrote, the reps are given the freedom to make decisions based on the circumstances within their region.

It's my understanding that the "field" is the group you start the race with. If the race happens to be a 4/5 or a 3/4/5 then so be it.

he is very aware of the field size issue and makes allowances for it. He said when I feel ready to upgrade, send in a detailed resume. If he agrees that I'm ready, he would move me up. (he gets to watch me race several times each year and will know if I'm ready or not). His biggest concern is to keep bad handlers and riders that can't hang on or ride smoothly with the peloton out of Cat 3. There is a big races in the region that has a Pro, 1, 2, 3 field with a good Pro turnout. My guess is he does not want one of his Cat 3's taking out a Pro or a Pro hopeful.

One of the reasons I want to go Cat 3 is to be able to race with/against the Pros in at least one race before I get too old and feeble. Great bragging rights for an old fart. "Yeah, I raced against USPS last week." I'll just have to leave the part out about how bad I got my behind kicked.

It's a wonderful sport! There are not too many sports where a 48 year old would get to compete against nationally ranked pros. (well maybe golf)


Don't bother asking. Just put all the info down on your upgrade request and let the Rep. decide. The worst that can happen is that your upgrade request is turned down. If your district has a field size/turnout issue, the regional rep is aware of it and will most likely take that into consideration. As shawndoggy wrote, the reps are given the freedom to make decisions based on the circumstances within their region.

It's my understanding that the "field" is the group you start the race with. If the race happens to be a 4/5 or a 3/4/5 then so be it.

he is very aware of the field size issue and makes allowances for it. He said when I feel ready to upgrade, send in a detailed resume. If he agrees that I'm ready, he would move me up. (he gets to watch me race several times each year and will know if I'm ready or not). His biggest concern is to keep bad handlers and riders that can't hang on or ride smoothly with the peloton out of Cat 3. There is a big races in the region that has a Pro, 1, 2, 3 field with a good Pro turnout. My guess is he does not want one of his Cat 3's taking out a Pro or a Pro hopeful.

One of the reasons I want to go Cat 3 is to be able to race with/against the Pros in at least one race before I get too old and feeble. Great bragging rights for an old fart. "Yeah, I raced against USPS last week." I'll just have to leave the part out about how bad I got my behind kicked.

It's a wonderful sport! There are not too many sports where a 48 year old would get to compete against nationally ranked pros. (well maybe golf)

I race against USPS all the time. At least that's what their jersey says. :-) - TF