CCC Grading Policy
The proper grading of members improves the safety of cycling events and promotes fair racing.
Grading of members has been a contentious issue. The Canberra Cycling Club (CCC) policy aims to ensure transparency and consistency in grading for the benefit of club members. In an attempt to reduce the heartache for members and handicappers alike, the CCC has implemented a new standard grading policy for its road races and criteriums.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all riders race in the appropriate grade, in a safe and competitive environment with other riders who have similar race-craft, bike handling skills, and fitness. There will always be the odd situation whereby a rider may have a very high level of fitness, but lack bike handling skills and race-craft. These situations are usually exceptions to the rule and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Policy
The CCC’s standard grading policy is based on a tried-and-tested method which uses a fictional 100km road race handicap. The first starters receive a 34 minute start on the scratch (back) markers. This is a simple and easy concept which should assist the proper grading of races at the club and State level.
The following marks are a general guide to CCC handicapped races depending on race entries, the course, and the weather conditions.
CCC A grade - Scratch, 2min (Block),
CCC B grade - 4min, 6min,
CCC C grade - 8min, 10min,
CCC D grade - 12min, 14min, 16min
CCC E grade - 18min, 20min, 22min
CCC F grade - 24min, 26min, 28min
CCC G grade - 30min, 32min, 34min
CCC Gradings
The first step is the grading of all CCC members. A list of grades is posted on the CCC website and riders are encouraged to take a moment to check their grading to ensure it is correct.
CCC Latest Grades 06/03/2010
Once the grades have been finalised, riders will not be able to self nominate their grade. Instead, a member’s grade will be reviewed – in consultation with the rider – and updated quarterly (31/12, 31/3, 30/6, 30/9). Riders are more than welcome to request a change to their grading, but they will need to raise this will the CCC Handicapper prior to race day. Only in exceptional circumstances may riders request a grade change on race day.
Practical Application
- Members wishing a review of their CCC Grading are more than welcome to do so by emailing the CCC Handicapper. Please attach detailed results and an explanation supporting your request. Member's rankings will not be reviewed unless this information is received.
- Elevation to a higher grade must be earned through consistency and results. Results are gained through racing; therefore, by developing race-craft, bike handling skills, and fitness. The Handicapper monitors a member’s performance over a season/s using the following points system based on club races and open/major events held.
|
Type Of Race |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
|
Open/Major Criteriums |
5 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
Club Road Races |
8 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Opens/Classics/International Events |
10 |
7 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
- “A” grade is reserved for proven riders. Riders will be expected to earn their placing in any grade based on their results, which is usually commensurate with their level of race-craft, bike handling skills, and fitness.
- Conversely, riders will be moved down a grade if their results prove that they are no longer capable of riding in their original grade. Results will be used to support the Handicappers decision in consultation with the rider.
- Commissaires do not have authority to change rankings without conferring with the Handicapper. The Commissaire will include any issues concerning gradings/rankings in his/her report, which will be forwarded to the Handicapper for review and comment.
- This policy applies to Juniors (U15 & U17) and U19s. U19s moving into the Men's/Women's ranks will automatically be ranked in B Grade unless they have proven performances in National or International Events. The Handicapper will discuss grades with the junior riders coach or in some cases the parents aboutwhen they should move up.
- The CCC Grading spreadsheet will be forwarded to Tuggeranong Vikings Cycling Club, Cycling ACT, Cycling NSW and Cycle Sport Victoria quarterly (31/12, 31/3, 30/6, 30/9).
If anyone has any queries with respect to the CCC Grading Policy, and/or their grading, please contact the CCC Handicapper, Jeremy Ross at jemegross@bigpond.com or jeremy.ross@defence.gov.au
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