Hey,
Just saw this over at www.usacycling.org. Anybody care to comment?
Thanks, Ronde Chumpion
For immediate release;
Colorado Springs, CO. (Aug 14, 2003)
Attention USA Cycling Members:
Effective Jan 1, 2004, USA Cycling will begin a series of new measures recently voted in by the
board that bring parity to all classes of racing. With the unexpected surge in popularity in road
cycling, the federation voted to restrict all age graded racers from participating in senior
events. These changes are in effect for all road and track events from grass roots local to elite
national level competitions. The primary reason such a move is possible is the incredible success
of the juniors, masters, and most recently espoir age divisions. The membership has responded
positively to holding races for juniors age 10-12, 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18. The masters have been
equally surprising, having filled age brackets in 5 year increments from 30 years on up. This led
to the recent addition of the espoirs (otherwise known as U-23). The seperation of under 23 year
olds has helped in identifying future talent, and allowed USA Cycling coaches to bring them along
without undue pressure for results. The biggest impact of these rule changes schedule to begin in
2004, will be the removing of age graded cyclists from the category events. The 5 category system
of ranking riders will remain unchanged. Riders hoping to participate in category races must
present a USA Cycling license with the correct category noted. All Category events will now only
be open to riders aged 24-29. This move is expected to bring the same type of favorable response
as the earlier adjustments mentioned above did.
Board of Directors; USA Cycling. IOC member USA Cycling Resident Coaching Program
Continued Thanks, President Biscalegia USA Cycling Inc.