My Position
Cyclocross is the coolest of all the cycling disciplines. It is the punk rock answer to the corporate rock of road and mountain bike racing, There is respect from one rider to the other. We support each other and lend a hand. Many race without teams or if it is a team is more often just a bunch of guys who enjoy beer together. The races are not all aggro. It is a community. The win is not everything in cross. It is about personal efforts and personal bests and the struggle against your own body to make it do things you never thought it could.
Unwritten Rules
For years, USA cycling had different categories for cyclocross. A's B's C's instead on 1,2,3,4,5. They did away with that system though many regions still hold on to them. In road racing you have to earn your points and submit for an upgrade. Technically the same is true for cross but the reality is that is not how it works.
These are the categories in my region and my opinions of who should be racing in them...
Cat 4 this is for BEGINNERS and for out-of-shape riders. If you raced in this Cat and finished in the top 10 you DO NOT belong here. Keep this category easy and competitive and inviting to newbies. If you are already a road racer you probably should not even race in this category once. If you place in the top 10 and continue to race here you might be a sandbagger. If you placed in the top 5 and continued to race in this category then you ARE a sandbagger. If you are one of those guys who races the 4s then races 3/4s and wins both then you are simply...a dick.
Cat 3/4 This is for the majority of the racers. The fields should be big and competitive. I feel that over half of the starting group should feel like they have a chance to be in the top 10. If you always place in the top 5 you might be a sandbagger. If you always get a top 3 then you are a sandbagger. If you have won 2 or more races in a season then you ARE a sandbagger. BTW winning the season series in 3/4 proves to everyone that you are a sandbagger.
Cat 1,2,3 This is for EVERYONE else. If you are dominant in 3/4 then you need to be busting your ass to get a top 10 in this category.
The same goes for age categories. If you are dominant in your field then move up to a more aggressive field. If you finish in 10th one race because of a mechanical or a crash that does not mean you are not a sandbagger.
Second race syndrome. Your second race should not be an easier race. It should be a HARDER race or single speed.
Police yourself, make it better for everyone else!
And a little bonus section for those still reading...
Course inspection. I have no problems with you checking out the course while I am racing, go for it, but be aware of what is coming up behind you. If there is someone racing and you force them to take a slightly different line or to brake a little harder then you are a dick. Get out of the way.
All of this is about one simple thing. Respect you neighbor.
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