All About Upgrades

October 19th, 2005; updated February 13, 2007

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. Near the bottom 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?

Upgrade Requirements

5 to 4
Experience in 10 mass-start USCF races. Time trials, cyclocross, 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.

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. Points are earned by placing in the top six in qualifying races, and are scored 7-5-4-3-2-1. You may also upgrade with experience in 25 races and ten top-ten finishes, also within a twelve-month period. 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. The minimum field size for men is 30, and for women and juniors it is 10.

3 to 2
This upgrade requires 25 points in a twelve-month period. Points are awarded to the top six finishers. Road races are worth 10-7-5-3-2-1, and criteriums, 7-5-4-3-2-1. Overall placing in a stage race or series such as Superweek awards points to the top 15 riders, 20-17-15-13-11-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. Neither the length of time you have been a category 3 nor the number of top ten placings you have will qualify you for an upgrade. 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

2-1
Thirty points in twelve months will entitle you to an upgrade to category 1. Points are awarded to the top six finishers. Road races are worth 10-7-5-3-2-1, and criteriums, 7-5-4-3-2-1. Overall placing in a stage race or series such as Superweek awards points to the top 15 riders, 20-17-15-13-11-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.

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:

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
1. Go to your account page at www.usacycling.org and log in.
2. At the bottom of your account page is a button for “upgrade/downgrade”. Click on it.
3. Indicate the category you are requesting.
4. Type, or cut and paste your resume into the space provided.
5. The request will be automatically forwarded to the person responsible for action.
6. 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.
1. Follow the 'View Order History' link just above your name.
2. On the next page look for the order date that corresponds with your upgrade request and click the blue 'View Order' link.
3. 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.

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
Track upgrades are managed by a designated person at each velodrome. You will need to demonstrate track experience in order to receive a track upgrade.