Possible to move up to a cat 1 racer from Cat 4 in one season?

Question

Does it sound like a real possibility? I am now a cat 4 and i want to move up to cat 1 before this season is over. i have 4-6 hrs free that i can use to train each day. im only 25 and im pretty lean at 5'11 145 lbs. last year i wasn't serious, this year i want to make it to cat 1 if possible.

Answer 1

Like Scott said - the rules in Alberta/Canada are as follows (and are UCI adopted) - likely will be close to your jurisdiction rules. Generally, Cat 1 is for potential national team riders, but Cat 2 is a very good possibility for a one year goal - you could be eligible for an upgrade with three wins in Cat 4/3! With the upgrade to Cat 2, you should certainly be noticed by a trade team (and Cat 1) for next year.

Cat 2 upgrade - "Riders in Category 3 are upgraded upon accumulating 60 Road Cup points. In each case, no more than 20 of the points required for upgrades may be gained in time trials."

Cat 1 upgrade - Riders in Category 2 may be upgraded to Category 1 based upon their current age class as follows:

Junior Riders: Either selection to a UCI Continental (or higher) Trade Team or achievement of at least a 25th placing at World Road Championships

Espoir Riders: Either selection to a UCI Continental (or higher) Trade Team, or finishing among the top 5 Espoir riders in the National Championship Road Race, or finishing among the top 3 Espoir riders at the National Championship Time Trial, or selection to the National Road Team

Elite Riders: Either selection to a UCI Continental (or higher) Trade Team, or selection to the Alberta Provincial Road Team for National Championships, or selection to the National Road Team

Answer 2

It's possible however very unlikely. Cat 2 is more reasonable.
I would set a goal of Cat 2 in a year with Cat 1 being a "fantasy" stretch goal.
I've seen several achieve the 4 to 2 in a year.

In reality
1 you need to be a good sprinter, face it sprinters win more races.
2 find races that have enough riders to qualify for points, some times this can actually be difficult, especially from 3 to a 2 as the field size requirement gets larger. then you have to place well on top of that.
3. be prepared to drive and spend a lot of cash.
4. I'm a 2, I'm in the same field with the 1's and Pros. So unless you are looking to go pro or there is that "rare" race that only lets in pros and cat 1's it doesn't really matter if you are a 1 or a 2.

Answer 3

It's possible, but to say it's a monumental task may be an understatement. I know a couple of riders that made that big of a jump, years ago (guys like Mike Engleman and Scott Fortner come to mind, also Chann McRae and Armstrong were both invited to a National Camp before they had ever done any racing based on their triathlon bike split times and were added to a new start up team called Team USA that was run by USA Cycling.). However, to be able to answer the question if YOU will be able to be rare and make such a HUGE jump, you need to provide far more information. How much time can you commit to cycling per week. How many hours a week are you committed to other things (such as work or a girlfriend). Do you have a budget in order to pay for your race expenses? How big is that budget and what races are you planning on attending? I've coach guys that had never entered a race to cat. 1, but never in one year (never had anyone with the resources, mainly time and drive). By the way the answer you received from the former pro about cycling salaries was dead on, so take that into consideration; as top domestic riders often quit because of financial shortfalls. If you are serious and answer the questions correctly (as well as many others) I will consider coaching you (I never charge, I will only coach people with the right motivation). My resume includes riding for a former Euro Pro team (smaller one during my brief stay), riding for a couple of top level domestic teams, and a senior national championship medal. Don't get your hopes up, as I'm guessing that I won't be coaching you. However, if I do, making it to cat 1 in a year (or darn close) would be the goal.

Answer 4

I don't claim to be any expert on how things work in the U.S. This does seems to fall into the way it works in other countries.

If you are able to register near world class performances your chances of getting "attached" to a (professional) "UCI Continental Team" are greatly improved.

If you can get "attached" to a "UCI Continental Team" your chances of getting a cat 1 are just about guaranteed. They can't make you a member if unless you are cat 1. They will manage you to get you there.

The hard part is turning in, near world class performances.

Saddle up and go for it. If you don't try you will never know.

Answer 5

Possible? maybe.
Likely? no.

But - don't get discouraged - get a coach and train right, race lots, learn how to win - you'll move up quickly.

Answer 6

Better win alot of races.....or show ALOT of potential.