Get Started Racing
with USA Cycling
Whether you're gearing up for your debut race or you're a seasoned cyclist who just wants to learn more about getting involved, USA Cycling has everything you need to kickstart your journey as a bike racer. We provide invaluable tools, resources, and support to fuel your passion for the sport.
What does USA Cycling do?
USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States and oversees the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclocross, gravel, and BMX.
Our Mission
We support grassroots racing for all ages and skill levels while delivering sustained international success for members of our National Team.
Like you, we're passionate about making cycling an enjoyable experience! When you join USA Cycling, we uphold three key values: safety, fun, and community. We're dedicated to ensuring that your racing experience is inclusive and enjoyable, fostering a lifelong love for the sport.
How does racing work?
Bike racing operates on a simple yet exciting premise: cyclists compete to cross the finish line first. Races vary in distance, terrain, and time, ranging from criteriums held on closed circuits to multi-day stage races. Strategy, teamwork, and endurance all play crucial roles in navigating the dynamic challenges of each race, making it an exciting sport for participants and spectators alike.
WHO CAN RACE?
USA Cycling sanctions events that riders of all ages and skill levels can participate in.
Riders start in the Novice category meaning they race with other beginners.
As a first-time racer, you'll be grouped with riders of the same skill level, ensuring a fair and equal race. You'll never find yourself pitted against seasoned veterans with years of racing experience.
Start your Cycling Journey
New to racing? Don't worry, just follow these steps to get started.
01Prepare & Practice
Set Goals: Before diving into training, establish clear and achievable goals for your bike racing journey. Whether it's completing your first race, improving your endurance, or aiming for a podium finish, having specific targets will guide your training efforts.
Build a Training Plan: Develop a structured training plan tailored to your goals, fitness level, and available time commitment. Include a mix of cycling workouts, strength training, and rest days to optimize performance and prevent overtraining.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE 90-DAY TRAINING PLAN
Focus on Fundamentals:
- Endurance Rides: Start with longer, steady-paced rides to build your aerobic base and improve overall endurance. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your rides as your fitness improves.
- Strength Training: Incorporate strength training exercises targeting major muscle groups to improve power output, stability, and injury prevention. Include exercises like squats, lunges, and core workouts into your routine.
- Skill Development: Practice bike handling skills, such as cornering, descending, and riding in a group to build confidence and efficiency on the bike
Race Categories: Races are typically divided into categories based on factors such as skill level, age, and gender. Common categories include Novice (Cat 5), Cat 4, Cat 3, Cat 2, and Cat 1, as well as specific age groups and gender divisions. Learn more about the different racing categories here.
Race Formats: Different types of races have varying formats, such as criteriums, road races, time trials, and mountain bike races. Each format has its own set of rules regarding course layout, distance, and race dynamics. Learn more about each discipline here.
The Rules: It's important to understand the official rules & regulations before your next big event. Read the Rulebook here.
Bike Selection: Choose a bike that is suitable for the type of racing you'll be participating in. Road bikes are commonly used for criteriums and road races, while mountain bikes are suitable for off-road races. Consider factors such as frame material, geometry, and components that match your racing needs and budget.
Fit and Sizing: A proper bike fit is crucial for comfort, efficiency, and injury prevention during racing. Ensure your bike is adjusted to fit your body dimensions, riding style, and flexibility. Professional bike fitting services are available to help optimize your bike position for racing performance.
Cycling Gear: Consider investing in quality products for safety and comfort. After setting up your new bike, your next purchase should be a helmet, and you should never ride your bike without it. Additionally, consider wearing padded cycling shorts (also known as a chamois), gloves, and sunglasses.
Tires and Wheels: Select tires and wheels that are suitable for the race course and conditions. Consider factors such as tire width, tire pressure, and rim material when choosing your setup.
Maintenance and Upkeep: Regular maintenance is key to keeping your bike in optimal condition for racing. Lube your chain, inflate your tires, and check your brakes before every ride. Your local bike shop can also set you up for success.
Find a Club: Use the USA Cycling Club Finder Tool to search for registered cycling clubs in your area.
Local Bike Shops: Visit local bike shops in your area and inquire about affiliated cycling clubs or group rides. Bike shops often have connections with cycling communities and can provide information on nearby clubs, group rides, and events. Click here to find a bike shop near you.
Social Media and Online Forums: Join cycling-related local social media groups and online forums to connect with nearby cyclists and inquire about USA Cycling clubs in your area.
02PLAN YOUR SEASON
The USA Cycling Event Finder Tool can help you find upcoming races by location, date, and discipline. There are three levels of events:
Grassroots Events - Local Races, State Championships, and Regional Championships
National Events - National Series Races and National Championships
International Events - World Cups, World Championships, and the Olympics
FIND AN EVENT
03PURCHASE A MEMBERSHIP
Start your cycling journey by purchasing a USA Cycling Membership. An annual membership provides you with access to a range of benefits, including eligibility to compete in sanctioned races, discounts on cycling-related products and services, and access to training resources and educational materials. Annual memberships are available for individuals of all ages and skill levels, with options for both competitive and non-competitive cyclists.
Getting Race Access:
- RACE Membership (Includes a race license): A race license grants riders eligibility to enter USA Cycling sanctioned races, compete in specific categories and disciplines, and earn ranking points toward national and international rankings. Race licenses must be renewed each year to maintain eligibility.
- JUNIOR Membership (includes a race license): Junior memberships (cyclists 18 and under) provide access to age-appropriate racing categories, and opportunities to participate in youth development programs.
- UCI International Membership (includes a race license): For cyclists aspiring to compete at the highest levels of racing, this license grants riders access to not only USA Cycling sanctioned events, but races worldwide sanctioned by cycling's International Federation (UCI).
As a member, you'll gain access to over 2,000 events each year and benefit from USA Cycling's comprehensive results and rankings system, allowing you to earn points and compare your ranking with athletes locally, regionally, and nationally.
You're officially ready to start racing!
BECOME A MEMBER