Fischer, Jim E (Corvallis)

One issue with having categories with TTs is how the TTs mix in with road stage races. If one is a cat 2 at a TT, but a cat 3 as a road racer, then the stage race would need to cater to this separation. Not impossible, but somewhat tricky. However, it does make some sense.

For the mountain bike side, XC may carry different categories than DH, DS and OT (all can be different).

CCX, Track and Road Racing all allow categories to be different across the disciplines.

You can enter ATB and CCX at whatever category you like since there are no real safety issues like with pack racing on the road or track. Mandatory upgrades apply both in ATB and CCX, however, for folks who clearly deserve it.

Other than the impact to stage races, I don't see an issue having different categories for TT and Road Racing. Having judged stage races, however, I'm not excited at the prospect of sorting out results for a cat 3 road racer who is a cat 2 TT racer...not sure how you'd solve that one. Omniums...no problem.

My two cents.

Fish

________________________________
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of Kristin
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 11:31 AM
To: Craig Austin
Cc: obra@list.obra.org; Rob Hughes
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Time Trial Divisions

TT's don't count towards upgrade points on the road, as far as I know. So if you're < 30 and you're a time trial specialist (or a triathlete who only occasionally does a real TT), you will forever be stuck in the lower cats. Fair? I don't know. Maybe TTs need their own categories, or it should just be "senior men/women" without cats.

k

2008/8/15 Craig Austin >
We already do have that categorization. It's called "sandbagger."

Craig

________________________________
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org on behalf of Rob Hughes
Sent: Fri 8/15/2008 11:23 AM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Time Trial Divisions

Perhaps it is time to consider a seperate categorization for the time trial when a Cat 4 rider is able to beat all the cat 3 riders, and all but 3 of the cat 1/2 riders. Also, how many age groups are enough, perhaps we need to have winers for every age? Perhaps we need pre and postmenopausal categories? Perhaps I should shut up?
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