A rare opinion piece.
Cross in Minnesota is growing, but the "A" race is not.
The "A" race at Minnesota cross races this season have been on par or smaller compared to 2007. This is mostly due to category changes. Last year, some Cat 3's were towing the line in the "A" races, where their only option is the "B" race this year.
The main reason I am noticing this is because last season, I was finishing in front of more people, where this year I am always fighting for DFL. I don't think I have lost my step, just competing against a smaller and tougher field than last year.
Inevitably, It's brought me to consider downgrading to a Cat 3. However, won't this just shrink the A race further. Someone has to be last. I'm going to keep taking my lumps, and stick with the A race. Any Cat 3's want to take the plunge into the 1/2's like Thorlson, Haugh, and Helbrecht have this season?
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Any Cat 3's want to take the plunge into the 1/2's like Thorlson, Haugh, and Helbrecht have this season?
Sure, I'll try! Oh, I guess I already have. Maybe I should try a B race and see how that goes.
Someone has to be last.
Fighting you for last place!
I've considered doing the 35+ race, just to say I tried it... if I do, you and Smithers won't have to worry about fighting for last.
I was thinking of doing the A race next weekend. Then you won't have to worry about DFL! I figure it's less embarassing to be last in the A race than the B race! :)
I figure it's less embarassing to be last in the A race than the B race! :)
Take it from me, it's (slightly) less embarrassing.
if you wanna liven up the back of the race have a prize for 2nd to last place.
I'm with ya, Jim.
In my opinion - all of the clamor in the last couple of years about cyclocross categories and enforcement of those categories has:
- Forced racers who are advanced in other disciplines (road/mtb) to begin in C's rather than going directly to the higher cats that they are better suited to, because they don't immediately meet the 5 race requirement - thus growing the C's field
- Forced racers who formerly did A's to do B's, like you mentioned (thus growing/maintaining the size of B's, certainly in races using the 3-race format as opposed to the 4-race format)
- End result is fewer racers in A's
From an officiating perspective, in the couple races I've officiated for, picking the "A" race is never a problem and the category realignment this year has not made it any easier to pick the B's (though it's no worse either). it certainly would have been worse if the 35+ category was included with the B's as proposed.
I, for one, think a return to CX categories being self-selecting (with published guidelines) would be a positive thing, because it would allow and encourage more racers to race up, rather than down.
Jimmer sorry ta say you've deffently lost a step but its OK, ;) its been a long season and those Meatball subs taste even better now that yer hang'n in back with me. Heck you were lapp'n me last year, and I'm not faster, but the same. In 09' you'll deffently bring the HURT!
Party On! H-WooD
Hwood. You give me too much credit for 2007. The only times I beat you was when you had a mechanical.
I was finishing between 20th-25th in the big races last year. This year I'm finishing around 25th, but we don't have 40-50 people in the race, just 25-30.
Plus I don't have Painman, Red Lantern, or Skibby for company anymore. I can't believe my teammates all switched to the B race and left me hanging (j/k).
I can't believe my teammates all switched to the B race and left me hanging
Maybe the awesome new "La Speciale" race category will lure them back to the A Race?
What's so special about an extra 45 minutes, come try a B race.
personally, i've alway been of the mindset of upgrading as soon as i have the points to do so. i learn a lot more getting a low finish in the A race than a high finish in the B.
i was lucky enough to have the points to upgrade to 2, otherwise i'd be forced to do the B race as well... and that is not going to make me a better racer.
3's should have the option imo.
the new cx system makes it really easy to become a 3, and really hard to become a 2.
result= big B field, small A field.
If i can find a cross bike, I will come out and do the A race this weekend!! We will line up rigt next to each other.
The B racers who have paid for their racem, should be allowed in the A race for free. Kind of like start money. It would fill the field a little and give the fast A racers an even bigger ego boost. It's good traffic management practice for even bigger events.
I'd love to race A's. I'll get there someday. You gotta earn it! What with Jake being gone and all I might get a shot. That is if Macy and Bergstrom stop smoking me.
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