British Cycling announce new women’s classifications for 2020
The changes aim to give racers a consistent picture of events on the calendar
British Cycling have announced sweeping changes to women’s racing to help improve the consistency of events on the calendar.
The national governing body has sought the views of hundreds of female riders to improve the structure of domestic racing in the wake of a surge in participation.
Changes will come into effect for the 2020 road season and will involve the introduction of the same categorisation used in men’s racing.
British Cycling’s cycle sport manager, Lisa Graham, said: “Recent years have seen strong increases in the amount of women taking up road racing, and while we are absolutely delighted with this progress, we recognised the need to ensure that the women’s racing environment continued to develop and improve, and that we didn’t rest on our laurels.
“We introduced the Women’s Road Racing Workgroup in autumn 2018 to make sure that the voices of these women were heard, and one of the most consistent feedback themes we received was the need to alter the way women’s races were categorised.
“In the past, smaller field sizes have meant that the ‘women-only’ category of road racing was the only way we could ensure that event organisers could put on sustainable events, but with the growing numbers of female racers, we can begin to implement the same categorisation system used on the men’s side of the sport.
“We are delighted that, after many months of work alongside riders, event organisers and others, we can bring about these changes for the 2020 season, and look forward to working with the Women’s Road Racing Workgroup to continue to bring about positive change.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Races categorised as National A will be open to senior, elite, and junior first, second and third category riders with a minimum distance of 100km, or 70km per stage in a multi-day race.
National B events will be open to the same riders but with a minimum distance of 80km.
Senior and junior second, third and fourth category riders can enter Regional A races, which must have a minimum distance of 70km.
>>> What do women want?: How to build a thriving women’s race league
Regional B races will have a minimum distance of 60km and will be open to senior and junior third and fourth category riders, while Regional C/C+ events are open to all and have no minimum distance.
Ranking points for female riders will be the same as in the men’s model and both genders will be ranked in the same way.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
Enough already with the F1-inspired pit stops in gravel races: a call for self-sufficiency
The spirit of adventure, resourcefulness and inclusivity is diluted to the point where we risk losing sight of the qualities that made the discipline so unique.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Mathieu van der Poel extends with Alpecin-Deceuninck until the end of 2028
Dutchman inks new five-year deal after team's second triumph at Milan-San Remo last weekend with Jasper Philipsen
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British National Road Championships return to Saltburn in 2024
The events will take place in the north east of England for the second year running
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'My legs are screaming' - 17-year-old stuns with two gold medals at the British Track Championships
Sam Fisher enjoyed a dream day with victories in the team pursuit and scratch race
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I'm in shock' - 16-year-old school student wins medal at British Track Championships
A-Level student Henry Hobbs rode a blistering kilometre time trial to earn a spot on the podium
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Olympic hopeful Will Perrett dazzles at British Track Championships
27-year-old gains three laps to win points race in style, on a night when para-cycling national records tumbled
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Wout van Aert and Visma-Lease a Bike left out of pocket by Tour of Britain organiser's collapse
Prize money for 2023 race unpaid, riders union says national federation must ‘bear the debts’ of previous organiser, SweetSpot
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tour of Britain and Women's Tour future guaranteed by British Cycling, but women's race in doubt for 2024
National federation committed to ensuring men's and women’s races take place this year but CEO admits it is in a ‘race against the clock’ to put on women's event
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Great Britain collect best ever medal tally at ‘fantastic’ European Track Championships
Performance director Stephen Park hails squad after claiming 14 medals
By Tom Davidson Published
-
British National Road and Circuit Series bolstered with more races for 2024
British Cycling extends domestic racing calendars after Road Series shrunk this season
By Tom Davidson Published