Thanks to the matriarchs of local bicycle racing–Martha Walsh and Gina Kavesh–the women’s peloton–specifically the category 3 (intermediate) and 4 (beginner) races, have strong support from an impressive list of sponsors.
(Bicycle racing is organized into categorized skill/ability levels. In Washington State, women’s category 4 is the starting point, and as racers participate in more races and earn points they may advance up the hierarchy.)
This year Volkl is sponsoring the category 3 series, and POC is sponsoring the category 4 series. 2011 marks the 4th year of the cat 3 series and (about) the 11th year of the cat 4 series.
About the Series
Points are awarded to the top 15 finishers in each event and series participants can accumulate points by finishing races in the series. Consistent participation is at least as important as top finishes. To compete in the series, riders must complete a minimum of two of the races in the series.
Motivated and skilled racers often upgrade from category 4 to category 3 as the season progresses. Once a rider has earned enough upgrade points during whatever series she’s in, she’ll upgrade to the next category and begin accumulating points in that series.
The Cat 3 Race Series schedule is:
February 26: Frostbite Time Trial
March 13: Mason Lake Road Race (Overall Series Placing)
March 26: Independence Valley Road Race
April 9: Volunteer Park Criterium
April 17: Tour of Walla Walla final GC (150% of points)
April 23: Green Valley Time Trial
May 7: Ravensdale Road Race
July 17: Brad Lewis Criterium
July 30: Tacoma Twilight Criterium
August 6: Glenwood Circuit Race
August 13: Lake Washington Velo Circuit Race #2
The Cat 4 Race Series schedule is:
March 5: Icebreaker Time Trial
March 13: Mason Lake Road Race #2
March 26: Independence Valley Road Race
April 10: Vance Creek Road Race
April 23: Green Valley Time Trial
May 7: Ravensdale Road Race
May 22: Mutual of Enumclaw Stage Race final GC
July 17: Brad Lewis Criterium
July 30: Tacoma Twilight Criterium
August 6: Glenwood Circuit Race
August 13: Lake Washington Velo Circuit Race #2
2011 Women’s Race Series Sponsors:
POC
Volkl
F S A
Arbonne
Bike Hugger
Cucina Fresca
Luna
Real Rehab
SmartWool
Starbucks
Voler
Martha says: “The cat 4 series is structured to reward participation and encourages women to stick with the sport even if they never quite make it to the podium. The cat 3 series rewards performance in order to help intermediate riders develop their competitive racing skills as they progress to higher levels of the sport. Our generous sponsors help us recognize the successes of riders in each category.
It’s always exciting to learn how many riders are keeping a close watch on the tabulation of points as the season develops. And it is terrific how many Washington women move up to cat 3 and cat 2 through participation in these series. One of the early leaders in the cat 3 series in 2010 now has a pro cycling contract–and the turnout for cat 4 races in 2010 sometimes necessitated TWO races for beginner women (because of field size limits). You can’t argue with successes like those!”
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