Recreational license vs domestic racing license

[Traillights]

Hey Guys

Wonder if anyone can help me?

What is the benefit of upgrading to a domestic racing license? Will you be seeded differently from a recreational license? For example, PE herald race over the weekend, I noticed the Vets VA, VB and VC etc are seeded before the BL, CL, DL etc... Is the "L" for leisure cyclist?

 

Would I have been seeded higher if I had a racing license with my same times?

 

Thanks

[Ramrod]

following

[Tjokkits]

also want to know, what i did see, year before last i accidentally applied for a racing licence and ended up seeded with elelite ladies, way out of my league so i suspect you get into one of those early bnches. but lets see what the know hows say

[Spinnekop]

Yes, you get seeded in VA.

 

BUT

 

Some races are 'capped' as in only top 200 VA or VB get the start batch....the rest goes open seeded.

 

And racing is a bit harder thus you will maybe not stick to the bunch and have to ride alone for the remainder of the race.

 

And then there is the skill that you'll have to have rubbing shoulders and pushing and shoving.

 

So make sure you are ready and GO FOR IT!

[JA-Q001]

Yes you will, but your seeding needs to be correct. Rather first try and get to the A group, because the racing groups are there for racing, not for getting a good finishing time. (I don't mean to sound blunt)

[TALUS]

The L is for Long not leisure. Licensed focused on winning (and bleeding through the eyes). Seeded often quicker because much less tactics involved but more focused on time. Big boys licensed - the rest off us better of in seeded.

Edited February 3, 2014 by TALUS

[GaryvdM]

L = Long route. Used for races where there are different distance to chose from.

 

Alphabet soup (AL, BL, CL etc.) is the open seeded category. Entry requires CSA Membership.

 

Elites, Woman's Elites, and the different age categories (vets and the younger categories) are all licences categories. Entry requires a CSA Racing Licence, and your seeding index must be less than 20. If your seeding index is not less than 20, you are wasting you money on the licence.

 

(Also, I think that Elites have some other requirements, like I think you have to be a member of a team. I'm not sure of the details though.)

Edited February 3, 2014 by GaryvdM

[Spinnekop]

What I did when I was young....

 

Go full license.

Then start early and stick to the bunch no matter what.

Soon after a few races you will have a good enough seeding to be A bunch rider.

 

So the following year you can decide to license again of not and if not, your seeding will be good enough to be in A or B.

[Agteros]

Hey Guys

Wonder if anyone can help me?

What is the benefit of upgrading to a domestic racing license? Will you be seeded differently from a recreational license? For example, PE herald race over the weekend, I noticed the Vets VA, VB and VC etc are seeded before the BL, CL, DL etc... Is the "L" for leisure cyclist?

 

Would I have been seeded higher if I had a racing license with my same times?

 

Thanks

L is long

M is medium

S is short

 

A to Z in front of that is seeded batch

[GaryvdM]

What I did when I was young....

 

Go full license.

Then start early and stick to the bunch no matter what.

Soon after a few races you will have a good enough seeding to be A bunch rider.

 

They don't let you do that any more. Most races have this in the conditions:

 

Please note: In order to race in the CSA Licence Racing Age Group Categories you must have a seeding index of below 20. If you do not meet the cut-off you will start in the Open/Seeded Group related to your current seeding, regardless of the licence you hold

Edited February 3, 2014 by GaryvdM

[GaryvdM]

From the horse's mouth: http://www.cyclingsa.com/member.aspx

[Lone Rider]

To cut a long story short - no, you wouldn't be guaranteed of a higher group seeding by registering for a racing license.

 

Most races require that your seeding index be below 20 (check your road seeding index here - www.pedalpower.org.za), before they allow you to ride in the veteran categories, even if you have a racing license.

 

If your seeding index is below 20, you are probably already riding most races in the A-group anyway.

[scotty]

Seeding in previous years was more of a joke, Riders of no caliber applied for and were issued with racing lic just so they could get the early start times. Many races i passed VA/B/C/etc riders that struggled to stick to blue rinse grannies on shopping bikes.

 

Start at the back, work your way up then when you get bored finishing top % of the AL bunch, move into Lic.

[Traillights]

Thanks Guys, this does help alot.

Once i know what these riders are doing for the 100km rides, then I can better decide whether Im fast enough for the bunch, or whether I would create havoc.

Also will check on the rules applicable before registering as a "Racer"

To be quiet honest i fancy the earlier starting times, and found myself riding alone alot in my current seeding as it appears not many in the BL/CL groups form fast pelatons, however in saying this, safety is of paramount importance and once "qualified" I will begin looking at upgrading my license.

Thanks again!

[Spinnekop]

They don't let you do that any more. Most races have this in the conditions:

 

 

Nice. So it changed. I like it.

 

You learn every day!

[scotty]

Thanks Guys, this does help alot.

 

To be quiet honest i fancy the earlier starting times, and found myself riding alone alot in my current seeding as it appears not many in the BL/CL groups form fast pelatons, however in saying this, safety is of paramount importance and once "qualified" I will begin looking at upgrading my license.

Thanks again!

For sure as i think everyone does, but rather earn it than buy it.