All About Upgrades
USA Cycling sets the specifications for rider category upgrades. Authority for approving upgrades is given to Local Associations, such as the Wisconsin Cycling Association. Race officials cannot authorize upgrades, nor can riders decide to upgrade themselves. Below is a brief overview of the requirements.
Not sure if you need an upgrade?
It’s time for an upgrade if…
- You’re a category 5 and have raced in 10 races
- You’re a category 4 and consistently in the top ten places
- You’re a category 3 and consistently in the top six places
Go to www.usacycling.org and click on “My USA Cycling”. Create an online account page for yourself if you have not already done so. Select the “License Information” tab. On the right side of the page are buttons for “upgrade/downgrade” for the various disciplines. Click on the appropriate button; indicate the category you are requesting, and include a resume of pertinent experience and/or results. This request is automatically forwarded to WCA’s Technical Director, Heidi Mingesz, for approval.
Want to know if you qualify for an upgrade?
Road Upgrade Requirements
5 to 4
Experience in 10 mass-start USAC races. Time trials, cyclocross, ABR, WiSport and WORS races do not count. It does not matter how well you place in those ten races. Road races must be at least 15 miles in length, criteriums must be at least 10 miles, and there must be at least 10 riders in the race. Approved rider education clinics may be substituted for some of the 10 races.
4 to 3
You will need to earn at least 20 points in a twelve-month period. Upgrade points are not the same as Wisconsin Cup points. Qualifying races include road races that are at least 25 miles long and criteriums that are at least 20 miles in length for men or 15 miles for women and juniors. See points table below.
3 to 2
This upgrade requires 25 points in a twelve-month period. See points table below. Road races for men must be at least 50 miles long; 40 for women. Criteriums must be 20 and 15 miles, respectively. Field minimum is 50 for men, 10 for women. Experience in 25 qualifying races, with 10 top ten finishes in fields of 30 or more, or 20 pack finishes with fields over 50 can be substituted for points.
2-1
Thirty points in twelve months will entitle you to an upgrade to category 1. See points table below.
Points awarded for Criteriums and Circuit Races
Placing |
5-10 Starters |
11-20 Starters |
21-50 Starters |
50+ Starters |
| 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 5 | 1 | 2 | ||
| 6 | 1 |
Points awarded for Road Races
Placing |
5-10 Starters |
11-20 Starters |
21-50 Starters |
50+ Starters |
| 1 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 10 |
| 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 6 | |
| 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | |
| 6 | 1 | 2 | 4 | |
| 7 | 1 | 3 | ||
| 8 | 2 | |||
| 9 | 1 |
Points awarded for Stage Races (Cat 3 to 2 and Cat 2 to 1 upgrades only)*
Placing |
10-19 Starters |
20-35 Starters |
36-49 Starters |
50+ Starters |
| 1 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 20 |
| 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 18 |
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 16 |
| 4 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 14 |
| 5 | 1 | 4 | 12 | |
| 6 | 3 | 10 | ||
| 7 | 2 | 9 | ||
| 8 | 1 | 8 | ||
| 9 | 7 | |||
| 10 | 6 | |||
| 11 | 5 | |||
| 12 | 4 | |||
| 13 | 3 | |||
| 14 | 2 | |||
| 15 | 1 |
* For points earned in stage races, GC and stage places both count for points, but only up to a maximum of 20 points for a cat 1 upgrade or 15 points for a cat 2 upgrade from a single stage race.
Cyclocross Upgrade Requirements
4 to 3
Experience in 5 qualifying races or 7 points in twelve months
3 to 2
Ten points in twelve months
2 to 1
Twenty points in twelve months
Points awarded for Cyclocross Races
Placing |
5-10 Starters |
11-20 Starters |
21-50 Starters |
50+ Starters |
| 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 5 | 1 | 2 | ||
| 6 | 1 |
Downgrades
Riders may request to be downgraded in category. This is a fairly rare occurrence, and is most common in the case of a rider who has not raced in several years. This should be considered a relatively permanent step. A rider, however, who downgrades and then consistently wins in the new category can expect the downgrade to be rescinded.
Track Upgrades
5 to 4
Four race days or completion of a Velodrome Class
4 to 3
Five race days and 20 points
3 to 2
Five race days and 25 points
2 to 1
Five race days and 30 points.
Points will be 7, 5, 3, 2, 1 for National Championships and Category A, B, or C track Races. All other events will score 5, 3, 2, 1, based on an omnium of the event’s races.
How does one receive an upgrade?
Most upgrades are done at the request of the rider in question. Riders are expected to compile a resume of their experience and results and to submit this when requesting an upgrade.
Automatic Upgrades
At present, there is no system in place to carry out the “automatic upgrades” referred to in the rulebook. We monitor the results earned by riders in Wisconsin races, but do not have reliable access to results earned in other states.
A rider who appears to have reached the “automatic upgrade” threshold can expect to be contacted regarding an upgrade. Involuntary upgrades are rare, but not unheard of.
Race Resume
You should keep a race resume to assist you in applying for upgrades. The following table is an example of the information that will be required of you:
Date |
Race |
Distance |
Field size |
Place |
Points |
| 5/12/05 | Muskego Park | 22 miles | 36 | 5th | 2 |
You do not need to have the exact distance or field size; approximations will do. You may simply specify that the field size was greater than that required.
How to request an upgrade
- Go to your account page at www.usacycling.org and log in.
- Select the “License Information” tab. On the right side of your account page is a button for “upgrade/downgrade”. Click on it.
- Indicate the category you are requesting.
- Type, or cut and paste your resume into the space provided.
- The request will be automatically forwarded to the person responsible for action.
- You will receive an email to confirm or deny the upgrade.
Proof of upgrade
You may request that your license be reissued. There is a $15 fee for this. Alternatively, you may obtain a sticker from your local administrator to put on your license. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to WCA, c/o Heidi Mingesz, 405 Holy Hill Road #2, Twin Lakes, WI 53181. You may also print an “Authorization to Ride” form from your USAC account page which will show your new category.
- Follow the ‘View Order History’ link just above your name.
- On the next page look for the order date that corresponds with your upgrade request and click the blue ‘View Order’ link.
- At the top of the next page you will find the link to ‘Print Authorization to Ride’. You will need the Authorization to show proof of upgrade at registration until your sticker or new card arrives.
Race Scoring
Riders can help themselves by understanding how race results are obtained. Here goes: is a process and riders can help by knowing the process. Here goes:
- At the end of the race, the judges review their scoring notes and photofinish data, and post a copy of the results for rider review. This can take half an hour or more if there are many riders on different laps, but is usually accomplished within about fifteen minutes.
- The riders then have 15 minutes to review the results and take any complaints or questions to the chief judge.
- The chief judge checks and rules on all protests. If needed, a new copy of results may be produced. This takes….as long as it takes.
- Only when all protests have been answered are the results final. If you check the initial posting and go away, it is entirely possible that those results will change before they are final.
- WCAs Technical director does not make any changes to the results after race day. She relies on what the judges have given her.
WCA strives for 100% accurate results. Still, riders can help themselves by knowing the process.
Code of Ethics
The Wisconsin Cycling Association is an organization of racing cyclists that is passionate about bicycle racing in our state. We believe that bicycle racing allows the individual to test one’s limits, compete with others, and meet new friends. In addition, we are aware that as racing cyclists, we represent ourselves, our sponsors, and the sport of bicycle racing every time we appear in a public venue. Therefore, we are establishing this Code of Ethics that outlines our responsibilities as racing members of the WCA. This document will outline three basic principles.
The first principle is sportsmanship. We will treat our competitors fairly. We will compete fiercely within the regulations, but will be good winners or good losers at the end of the day. This applies to riders, parents coaches, and teammates.
The second principle is respect. This applies to everyone. Bike races occur because many volunteers come together to make it happen. Therefore, we will go to bicycle races with the expectation that the people who work at these bike races (registration volunteers, course marshals, and referees) are there because they love bike racing, just like we do. Because of our mutual love for the sport, competitors will treat race volunteers and officials with respect. Examples of this respect include smiling, saying thank you to volunteers, thanking the officials, asking questions if there is a conflict instead of complaining, and using respectful language.
Another important concept which is similar to respect is ambassadorship. This is where we show our respect and positive attitude to the many people we may interact with in our travels. We are ambassadors of our sport when we are good guests in the communities that host us. We are good guests when we respect traffic and traffic laws and respect the local laws in regard to public indecency and urination. We are also good guests when we thank the townsfolk and answer their questions. We might even give a curious child a water bottle. We may thank the promoter for all of their work. In short, we represent to others what we are—hard working, kind, positive people. We believe that we can never underestimate the value of ambassadorship.
The Wisconsin Cycling Association embodies the true meaning of amateur athletics. We race for the love of the sport. It is our expectation that WCA members will take this Code of Ethics to heart, and practice the principles of sportsmanship, respect, and ambassadorship in their racing endeavors.
___________________
Rider Signature/date
For printable format of this form, click here for a pdf version.
New Riders
Welcome to the Wisconsin Cycling Association! We’re glad you’re interested in bike racing and this page contains information to help you get started.
Most racing cyclists in Wisconsin belong to a cycling club and there are many in the state. Typically, clubs accept new members in the fall and winter so that new riders have a chance to learn about the club, member responsibilities, racing and equipment. We also maintain a list of clubs in Wisconsin.
If you aren’t sure about where to start or simply have questions, send your questions to us at board@wicycling.org.
Junior Riders – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have an old bike, can I use that for racing?
A: Most older bikes with proper tuning will suffice for your first year of racing. As you get more comfortable with the sport you may want to upgrade equipment to suit your needs and budget. Club mates can help new members decide what equipment to upgrade, help find used equipment or provide advice on how to shop for a new bike.
Q: I’m 16, how do I fit in?
A: The United States Cycling Federation, American Bike Race and other cycling organizations have special race categories for juniors. Young riders race with other riders in a similar age bracket. Some larger races have special points series like the Lance Armstrong Junior Race Series (LJRS) so aspiring riders can earn their way into training camps based on their performance!
Q: How do I learn about race tactics?
A: Most riders join a cycling club and learn from others who pass along information to newer riders. Some clubs have coaches and some riders hire their own coach as their cycling goals change. Most newer riders though learn tactics with time, experience, and the advice of other riders.
Q: Are there special cycling clubs for women?
A: Yes, but even clubs that are mostly male are open to accepting women riders. In some cases women will form their own riding group and invite members of other clubs on rides to help them learn.
Q: How much do I have to train?
A: Training volume varies by the rider, rider goals, and athletic background (ability). Some recreational racers train on the road 4-6 hours per week and race on the weekend. Serious amateur or elite athletes will train 10-20 hours or more per week while professional cyclists will train over 30 hours per week. There are many different race categories offered so that riders can match their skill and time available to the race that is best suited for them.
Q: Do I need a license to race?
A: It depends on which organization a particular race is organized under. A WISPORT race does not have a license fee, while races sanctioned by USAC, American Bike Race or similar organizations will require a one-day or annual license. To find out more about each of these organizations, see the links below.
Q: What is a “citizen” racer?
A: Citizen usually refers to a novice rider or an experienced but not licensed rider. Riders who wish to compete for fun and to learn or gage their progress may find racing with WISPORT to be a terrific place to start among a friendly atmosphere. The race courses are challenging and there are many races in a season–usually every weekend.
Q: I’m not sure how to ride in traffic. Are their rules to follow?
A: Bicycles are considered a vehicle, just like cars, and must obey the same rules as cars. Wisconsin has a terrific organization called the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin that has safety information and classes on safe cycling. Also, when riding in a group, it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure the ride is a safe–and traffic abiding–ride.
12 Things to Know
Q: I have an old bike, can I use that for racing?
A: Most older bikes with proper tuning will suffice for your first year of racing. As you get more comfortable with the sport you may want to upgrade equipment to suit your needs and budget. Club mates can help new members decide what equipment to upgrade, help find used equipment or provide advice on how to shop for a new bike.
Q: I’m 16, how do I fit in?
A: The United States Cycling Federation, American Bike Race and other cycling organizations have special race categories for juniors. Young riders race with other riders in a similar age bracket. Some larger races have special points series like the Lance Armstrong Junior Race Series (LJRS) so aspiring riders can earn their way into training camps based on their performance!
Q: How do I learn about race tactics?
A: Most riders join a cycling club and learn from others who pass along information to newer riders. Some clubs have coaches and some riders hire their own coach as their cycling goals change. Most newer riders though learn tactics with time, experience, and the advice of other riders.
Q: Are there special cycling clubs for women?
A: Yes, but even clubs that are mostly male are open to accepting women riders. In some cases women will form their own riding group and invite members of other clubs on rides to help them learn.
Q: How much do I have to train?
A: Training volume varies by the rider, rider goals, and athletic background (ability). Some recreational racers train on the road 4-6 hours per week and race on the weekend. Serious amateur or elite athletes will train 10-20 hours or more per week while professional cyclists will train over 30 hours per week. There are many different race categories offered so that riders can match their skill and time available to the race that is best suited for them.
Q: Do I need a license to race?
A: It depends on which organization a particular race is organized under. A WISPORT race does not have a license fee, while races sanctioned by USAC, American Bike Race or similar organizations will require a one-day or annual license. To find out more about each of these organizations, see the links below.
Q: What is a “citizen” racer?
A: Citizen usually refers to a novice rider or an experienced but not licensed rider. Riders who wish to compete for fun and to learn or gage their progress may find racing with WISPORT to be a terrific place to start among a friendly atmosphere. The race courses are challenging and there are many races in a season–usually every weekend.
Q: I’m not sure how to ride in traffic. Are their rules to follow?
A: Bicycles are considered a vehicle, just like cars, and must obey the same rules as cars. Wisconsin has a terrific organization called the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin that has safety information and classes on safe cycling. Also, when riding in a group, it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure the ride is a safe–and traffic abiding–ride.