NEW THIS YEAR: For select fields at this year’s Charm City races, we are adjusting the start format to create larger, more competitive race groups while maintaining separate category results. 

How It Works

Some race blocks will now use multiple whistles, separated by 30 seconds, with two or more categories starting together on the same whistle.

Your race placing is still based on your finish within your individual category. The categories themselves are not being eliminated or merged for race results. This is simply a change to how selected fields are staged and started.

For USAC points, your result is calculated based on your finish within the combined field that started on your whistle.

Why Are We Making This Change?

The goal is to create a better overall racing experience by:

Creating more competitive races, with more riders around you throughout the event

Preserving separate category competition and series standings

Improving the potential for stronger USAC points through deeper combined fields

Creating more opportunities to chase, pass, defend positions, and race riders of similar speed

Wave Start info continued:

Example: 9:30am Races - Women Masters Women 40+, 50+, 60+ 70+ (Cat 1/2/3/4), Beginner Women (Cat 4/5), Junior women 13-14

Whistle 1
Women 40+ / Women 50+

Whistle 2 — 30 seconds later
Women 60+ / Women 70+

Whistle 3 — 30 seconds later
Junior Women 13–14 / Women Cat 4/5

Staging

Whistle 1 — Women 40+ / 50+

Row 1: Top 8 Women 40+ in the series

Row 2: Top 8 Women 50+ in the series

Remaining riders staged by CrossResults ranking

Whistle 2 — Women 60+ / 70+

Row 1: Top 8 Women 60+ in the series

Row 2: Top 8 Women 70+ in the series

Remaining riders staged by CrossResults ranking

Whistle 3 — Junior Women 13–14 / Women Cat 4/5

Row 1: Top 8 Junior Women 13–14 in the series

Remaining riders staged by CrossResults ranking across the combined field