New XC Categorys for 2011

By now you've probably read that the Categories have changed for 2011, as a Vet , I've no problem with the Cats, I intend to ride either Vets or Elite in 2011.
If you are a Master , I can help you pick what Cat you should do.
If you are an expert then you go with Senior 1 Cat.
Remember that the cats remain as Age Groups for the Nationals Champs.
I would ask the Commission however if you are a tail end Vet, can you ride senior 2. Personally I think that would suit you better.
As the XC Boss of EPIC I don't want to see anybody going in to Sports.
You have several months left to get a bike organised and train.
I have deals on proper XC bikes if you want one.
If you have any questions about what Category you should be in email or ring me, preferably ring me.
If you want XC training advice contact me.
All the ladies will be expected to ride expert Ladies.
You still have plenty of time.
EPIC is not a beginners club or a casual racers club.
let people who belong in sports race sports.
Train and motivate yourself to improve.
any questions about the new categories should be directed to the offroad commission and not me.

Richie

Lets just put it this way, I'm on a bike coming up on two years in May, for the first time in about 20 years. I raced sports sporadically last year and honestly say it was the best thing I've done in years. You can only race sports 1 year, after that you deserve to have your ass handed to you by some young lad on a chopper. I'm about to become a multiple father and to be honest can't see myself being able to commit to racing the full season next year, but I'll be at every race, with daughter and gay mans dog in toe, so here's to 2011 and the best of luck to everyone.

Yep ... that's what it says! Looking forward to it - should lead to much better racing throughout.

"Veteran who currently finding these categories too difficult will be attracted to move to Senior 2."

yeah I must have missed it..thanks Richard.
Its being left to the Clubs to decide what category riders should go in to. Thats fine , don't be afraid to ask me or Alfie. Don't even think about anybody elses opinion, they'll be wrong. We're the XC coaches in EPIC.

Now, its already obvious that people are going to pick the category they think they are most likely to place in without putting in the effort.
This is bullsh1t and not the type of attitude I want to see in EPIC, if you're surprised by that I'd be shocked.
Aim higher people, I can't fathom people owning Carbon hardtails and training just to try and win a lower category.
You still have plenty of time left to train.
train to stay up, don't coast along in the lower categories.
But its up to your own concience and self respect if you want to take the easy way out.
The first year of this is going to be chaos with bangers ruining other peoples races.
Aim high, then in the Nationals race your age category.
All the senior riders in EPIC are racing ELITE, regardless of their age category.

See my thoughts here for the top cats

http://www.mtbireland.com/forum/view...thread_id=1682

Well I'll be signing on as Senior A's or 1's or whatever they decide to call it... I'm not an 'elite' rider and have no intention of putting in the effort to ride elite's and do it justice..

If Senior A or 1 is the same as the top ten masters then that's the cat for me...

There's going to be some racing this year if everyone in Joe's list signs on in the same CAT...

Really really looking forward to racing this year...!

great list Joe !!
I'd change it from Elite to Senior A.

and you're dead right Gerry !

I see I'm not on the list, cool, I'm going to collect some medals in Senior 1 then :)

There are a few people I would add to it like Andrew, OZ and Greg...