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How does a cycling road race work?
Road races generally take place on public roads and can be point-to-point races or multiple circuits of a loop anywhere from 5 to 25 miles in length. During a road race, team members work together to gain an advantage over other riders, usually designating one person as its team leader.
Is Olympic cycling a team sport?
Although it is an individual event, riders can benefit from having teammates who can provide a draft and chase down breakaways. It can take more than six hours for a men’s road race to finish while a women’s road race can last about four hours.
How many people are on a cycling team?
Top teams typically have 20 or more cyclists on their rosters, from which team managers can choose a nine-person team suited for each event. By tradition, the winner of a race like the Tour de France splits his cash prize with the members of the team and its staff.
How long does a USA Cycling Race have to be?
For the men to move up to Cat. 4, the most traveled route is to complete 10 massed-start races permitted by USA Cycling. The races must be at least 15 miles long if it’s a road race and 10 miles long if it’s a criterium.
Where do you start in a bike race?
Typically these rides are mass start (everyone takes off together), or are divided by age group. Fondos and fun rides are a bit different than racing in pacing, route, and organization. At USA Cycling races, riders typically start at the beginner level (category 5) and work their way up the ranks with upgrade points.
How are points awarded in a cycling race?
Points are awarded based on a chart. For example, finishing third place in a road race with 35 starters earns you 5 points. Finishing second in a criterium with 17 starters nets you 3 points. (Complete charts can be found in the USA Cycling Rule Book). To move up from Cat. 3 to Cat. 2 requires 25 points in any 12-month period.