New to Racing

In the US, under USAC regulations, you will be a cat 5 (or a cat 4 if you are a woman). In terms of mass start races, your choices are crits and road races. If you a comfortable in a pack and can corner well, give a crit a try. They are the most common type of race (where I live anyway) and are short but sweet. Stay near (but not at) the front of the field, moving up by following wheels whenever you can. I am still not very good at setting up my sprint finish, but if you can be on the right wheels near the end, you should be in good position to sprint for a win. Good luck.
-calico

Feel free to read my entries as a beginner crit racer. I suspect that your will do better than I. I am 38 and weight 190 lbs. While I am getting in better shape, the weight is my greatest weakness. Good luck.

Since you are new to racing, you should try as many different events as possible. You should get a feel for what types of races and course profiles you enjoy, are good at, and what weaknesses or limiters you need to work on. You can only find out by entering a variety of races.

Do you enjoy climbing? Sprinting? Time trials? Etc. Also, if you don't do well in one type of event, don't assume you don't have the aptitude for it, it's possible that you just haven't adressed the particular skills and/or fitness that is relevant to that type of race.

In any case, it usually takes a few years before most athletes find their niche/specialty as well as strengths and weaknesses.
Good luck, have fun and be patient!

parkerjiff said:

Im looking to do my first race. I am about 22 and in good shape, what suggestions do you have for Categories and race styles? All input is appreciated. Thanks

If you enjoy reading, here's a good primer:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Racing-101-Kendra-Wenzel/dp/0736044744"]Bike Racing 101[/ame]