Racing 101
Why Race?
Cycling is more than just fitness — it’s about testing yourself, chasing goals, and becoming part of a community that thrives on challenge and camaraderie. Racing takes everything you love about riding and magnifies it: the effort, the focus, the strategy, the shared excitement at the start line.
For many, the first race is a turning point. It’s the day you stop wondering how fast you can go and start finding out. Whether you’re drawn to the intensity of criteriums, the endurance of long road races, or the precision of time trials, there’s a discipline and distance that fits every kind of rider.
Racing connects you to a community. You’ll meet people who share your drive, who push you to improve, and who celebrate your successes as their own. The shared effort of a breakaway, the mutual respect in the pack, the conversations that happen long after the finish line — all of it builds something special.
More than that, it gives you a purpose every time you ride. It transforms casual training into preparation, and weekend group rides into opportunities to practice tactics, positioning, and pacing. You begin to measure progress not only by your watts or miles, but by how you respond under pressure, how well you read a race, and how deep you can dig when it counts.
It’s not just about winning. It’s about learning, progressing, and being part of something bigger than yourself. Racing gives structure to your goals, energy to your training, and a story to every ride.
Types of Bike Racing
Below are some of the most common forms of bike racing:
Road Race
Longer events held over varied terrain — flat, rolling, or mountainous. Tactics and teamwork play a major role as riders battle for position, manage energy, and time their attacks.
Criterium (Crit)
Short, fast circuit races held on closed roads, usually less than a mile per lap. High speeds, frequent corners, and repeated accelerations make crits thrilling for both racers and spectators.
Circuit Race
Similar to a crit but with a longer lap, typically 2–5 miles. Combines elements of both road races and criteriums.
Time Trial (TT)
The “race of truth” — one rider against the clock. There’s no drafting, and pacing is everything.
Gravel Racing
Held on mixed surfaces like gravel, dirt, and pavement, often over long distances. These races emphasize endurance, adventure, and self-reliance.
Cyclocross (CX)
Short, intense races held on looped courses that mix grass, mud, pavement, and obstacles. Riders dismount, run, and remount repeatedly — it’s technical, fast, and spectator-friendly.
Mountain Bike Racing (MTB)
Takes place on trails and singletrack. Cross-country (XC) events combine climbing, descending, and technical features; enduro and downhill focus on timed descents and bike handling at speed.
Categories in Racing
If you’re new, you can start with a one-day “Novice” license through USA Cycling to try your first event. Once you’re hooked, an annual license lets you race all season and begin accumulating experience toward your first upgrade.
What Are Categories?
Categories (or “cats”) group racers by experience and ability to keep racing safe and competitive. You’ll start in an entry-level category and move up as you gain results and experience.
Cat ⅘: Beginner and developing riders; shorter races
Cat 3: Intermediate level; faster speeds and more tactics
Cat 1-2: Advanced and elite levels; deeper competition and team strategy
Masters: Age-based categories (e.g., 35+, 45+, 55+). These riders can also hold a Cat 1–4 designation.
Juniors: Racers aged 9–18, grouped by age and sometimes by category.
If you qualify for juniors or masters, you can race in your category, your age group, or both.
Mountain Bike Categories range from 1 to 3 (Elite to Beginner).
Upgrading Categories
Riders move up through the categories as they gain experience and demonstrate consistency. Upgrades are usually based on either strong finishes (earning points) or completing a set number of races safely.
USA Cycling tracks your results, and once you meet the criteria for the next level, you can request an upgrade through your rider account. Some upgrades happen automatically, while others require submitting results for review. As you progress, races become longer, faster, and more tactical — a reflection of your growing skill and confidence.
Where to Find Races
BikeReg.com
BikeReg is the main platform for race registration in the U.S. Nearly every promoter posts race details, course maps, and registration links there.
Local Associations
Regional associations organize and support racing across different disciplines. Examples include the Virginia Cycling Association (VACA), Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association (MABRA), and Virginia Cyclocross Series (VACX).
USA Cycling
You can also browse the USA Cycling Events Calendar for sanctioned races across the country, including road, cyclocross, mountain, and gravel events.
What You’ll Need to Start Racing
A Reliable Bike
You don’t need the latest or lightest setup — just a well-maintained bike suited to your event.
A USA Cycling License
Most sanctioned races require a USA Cycling license. Beginners can purchase a one-day “Novice” license when registering for their first event.
A Race Kit or Not
A fitted jersey and bib shorts — ideally your team kit — will keep you comfortable and aerodynamic. If you’re not on a team, a plain kit or even T-Shirt with sleeves is fine for beginners.
Ready to Race?
Whether your goal is to try your first local crit or line up for a state championship, there’s a race out there for you. Pin on a number, show up, and see what you can do — the hardest part is just starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to be super fit before I start racing?
Not at all. Many riders start racing simply because they want a goal to train for. Local entry-level races are designed to be safe and welcoming, and fitness comes quickly once you begin racing regularly.
2. How long are most races?
It depends on the type of event and category. Criteriums often last 30–60 minutes, time trials can be 20–60 minutes, and road or gravel races may range from 1 to 4+ hours. As you upgrade categories, races typically get longer.
3. What kind of bike do I need?
A well-maintained road bike is enough to get started. For mountain, gravel, or cyclocross races, use a bike suited for that surface — but there’s no need for anything fancy at first. Safety and reliability matter more than equipment.
4. Do I need to be on a team to race?
No — anyone can enter as an individual. However, joining a team adds a social element, shared learning, and often race-day support. Teams can also help you navigate logistics, tactics, and equipment questions.
5. What’s a USA Cycling license, and why do I need one?
It’s your racing ID and insurance coverage for sanctioned events. You can buy a one-day “Novice” license when signing up for your first race, or an annual license if you plan to race regularly. USA Cycling also tracks your results and category upgrades.
6. How dangerous is bike racing?
Crashes can happen, but beginner categories are structured to emphasize safety. Good handling skills, predictable riding, and awareness reduce most risks. Many racers find that their confidence and control improve quickly with experience.
7. How do I know which category to enter?
If it’s your first race, choose Category 5 / Novice. These are beginner levels designed for learning and safety. As you gain experience and results, you’ll move up.
8. What should I bring to my first race?
Your bike, helmet, kit, shoes, water bottles, a spare tube, and tools for minor fixes. Also bring your race license (or proof of purchase), snacks, and a positive attitude. Arrive early — it gives you time to check in and preview the course.
9. How can I practice race skills before competing?
Group rides are great for learning drafting, positioning, and pace changes. Local training crits or practice nights are even better — they simulate real race dynamics in a lower-stakes environment. THR and other local organizations host a variety of opportunities to work on the necessary skills. See the local group rides page for more information.
10. What if I get dropped?
It happens to everyone — even experienced racers. Finishing the race, learning from the experience, and showing up again are all part of progression. Every race builds skills, awareness, and confidence for the next one.