Between 2012 and 2013 there was a 30% increase in attendance at all WNY cyclocross races. These larger fields prompted promoters to switch from 2 events to 3 events per day, moving the Cat 4/5/Citizens group into a second 45 minute race. However, most promoters did not score the Cat4 and Cat5 separately.
For 2013, most promoters followed this format:
Race 1: Masters Men 40+, Masters Men 50+, U16, Women 1-2-3, Women 4, Single Speed. No one-day licenses.
Race 2: Category 4, Category 5 and one-day/citizen scored together.
Race 3: Category 1-2-3-4 in various combinations: Cat 1/2 and 3/4 or Cat 1/2/3 and Cat 4.
While the three category format was an improvement, there were some inconsistencies between promoters, mostly in the 3rd Cat 1/2/3 race. These inconsistencies became obstacles to providing a series result for the WNY races. Also, some racers found it appealing to enter two or three races, raising the possibility of an Enduro award for the fastest overall 2-race and 3-race participant.
Proposed 2014 schedule:
10am, 45 minute race: MM40 and MM50, 30 second gap, W123 and W4, 30 second gap, U16 and SS.
10:45am; leader finishes
11am; last rider finishes, scoring starts: review DNF and check for missed laps.
11:05am scoring finished, results printed and posted. 15 minute protest starts
11:20: protest period ends, podium awards start
11:30: kids race starts
12pm kids race ends
12pm, 45 minute race: open Cat4, Cat5 (includes citizens and one day licenses) with 30 second separation.
12:45pm leader finishes
1pm last rider finishes, scoring starts: review DNF and check for missed laps.
1:05 scoring finished, results printed and posted, 15 minute protest period starts.
1:20pm protest ends, podium awards start
1:30pm, 60 minute race: open Cat 123, open Cat4 with 30-second separation.
2:30pm leader finishes
2:45pm last rider finishes, scoring starts: review DNF and check for missed laps.
3pm protest ends, podium awards start.