Racing

So you’d like to try collegiate racing? The collegiate system is setup so that riders of all abilities and skill levels can participate in road racing. SLU Cycling has fielded riders in all categories at one time or another throughout the years, so we can help guide prospective riders to the appropriate category for them. It’s also worth noting that nearly all of our riders had no previous racing experience before coming to college.

Here are the basics for collegiate road racing:

Starting in late February, the collegiate racing season presents an opportunity to race almost every weekend through Collegiate Nationals in early May. Each weekend is broken down into two separate races, generally a road race on Saturday and a criterium on Sunday. The road race is an endurance event which usually takes place on quiet country roads or in state parks with terrain that can vary from flat and windy, to very hilly and technical. In a criterium, the course is generally flat, fast, and short in length. Unlike a road race which has a set distance, a criterium is a timed event with a preset number of laps added to the race after the timed portion.

In collegiate cycling, each race is broken down into specific categories for men and women based on riding experience and skill. Here are the categories:

  • Men’s D: 15-30mi RR, 20-45min Crit: For beginners and those with minimal cycling experience or time to train.
  • Men’s C: 20-30mi RR, 30-45min Crit: A more competitive beginner’s category; the majority of riders start here.
  • Men’s B: 30-50mi RR, 45-60min Crit: For riders with significant road racing experience and higher fitness level.
  • Men’s A: 50-80mi RR, 60-80min Crit: The best of men’s collegiate cycling; you’d better be in top form to compete.
  • Women’s B: 15-30mi RR, 30-45min Crit: An ideal category for any women interested in racing to try the sport.
  • Women’s A: 30-50mi RR, 45-60min Crit: A competitive category for experienced female riders.

If you’d like more information about collegiate road racing, contact us contact@slucycling.com or come out and ride with us.
Race Face