CCCC operates a comprehensive Handicapping system, based on records of previous results to determine which grade a rider will race. The intention of handicapping is to allow all riders the opportunity to compete in a race which suits their experience, ability and normal fitness level, while maintaining the safety of all competitors.
On race day, no changes can be considered to a rider’s allocated grade due to the number of riders we need to process in the short period of time before each race. Riders who believe they are no longer competitive in their current grade, or should be considered for promotion, should write to or email the Chief Handicapper, handicapper@carnegiecycling.com.au, outlining their case a couple of days ahead of time.
In general, riders are not permitted to temporarily drop a grade because of brief interruptions to training levels, colds, because ‘my coach said I should have an easy week’ etc. In the words of Lorraine Collings “your fitness is your problem; your ability is my concern!” Promotions are earned based on results at CCCC events. While consideration may be given to places at other club’s events, it is your ability to handle the racing at CCCC that is of primary importance.
Where do I belong?
A Grade – average speeds generally above 43kmh .
Suits – strong and very experienced riders. Excellent cornering and bunch riding skills are required. At least one win and some other placings at B Grade level is a prerequisite for acceptance into a CCCC A Grade crit field.
B Grade – average speeds are generally around 40kmh.
Suits – strong and experienced riders. B Grade riders have generally accumulated a number of top four places in C grade competition and should have very good bunch riding skills and understanding of race tactics and etiquette.
C Grade – average speed 37 – 38kmh
Suits – riders with some bunch riding experience. C Grade fields often comprise a mix of experienced racers, newer riders from a triathlon or MTB background, and riders who have moved up from D Grade after achieving a number of places over a season, as well as riders who have too much strength for the D Grade race to provide them with meaningful competition. Strong riders will often move very quickly into B Grade.
D Grade – average speed 34 – 36kmh
Suits – experienced riders who do not have the strength or fitness to compete in a higher grade, and new or younger competitors aiming to build experience and strength.
Novice Racing Clinic (also known as E Grade) – average speed 22 – 30kmh
Suits – new senior riders with no bunch riding experience, and junior riders without the strength or fitness to race at a higher level. At least half of each session is run at a moderate speed that allows Tokyo Olympian Mick Hollingworth and his team of mentors to teach the basics of crit racing: bunch riding, cornering and working turns. In the closing stages of each session, Mick will increase the speed to allow the more confident riders to tackle attacking and sprinting. Senior riders will generally not be allowed to sprint against juniors, and once senior riders have shown they have gained the necessary skills and confidence the will be invited to join the D Grade bunch.
Mick Hollingworth and some of his star pupils © Mal Sawford
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