ThunderCrit Volume 5

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Cycling

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In the past we’ve always strived for equality and to be one of the most open and inclusive races out there. Since the very beginning, we’ve offered equal prizes for the men and women’s race. But we recognise that as society evolves, cycling should too and so in 2021 we are changing our format.

Gender identity should never be discriminated against, and we aim to create an inclusive racing environment for all, and welcome all gender expressions to our races.

We realised that binary racing categories are no longer fit for purpose. It shouldn’t be up to racers who do not identify with the traditional categories to face pressure to fit into them or else be excluded or face intrusive questioning, or for a third category to be created which further ‘others’ them in the sport. It’s time for the categories themselves to change and become more inclusive.

Therefore, we say goodbye to gendered race categories. The men’s race and women’s race are no more. Welcome to the new Thundercrit categories, which are based on the principle that the best and most fun competition is a fair and inclusive competition, where the performance level of the competitors in each category is similar to those around them. 

We have created two new race categories – Thunder and Lightning – that take the physical performance of cis-men or cis-women as the starting point of each, and invites those of similar ability to race in that category, regardless of gender. It is a radical rethink of what a race could look like, celebrating the differences between riders but offering a level playing field in terms of competition.

Notes

  • Cis-people cannot choose their racing category. Cis-men will race in the Thunder category, cis-women will race in the Lightning category. 
  • We recognise that this new format may be confusing, so if you’re not sure please email us (info@nltcbmbc.com) and we will be very happy to help you choose the right category. We may also contact riders to double check that they have selected the correct category.
  • We will not require any proof of medical treatment, we trust competitors to select the category most appropriate for their performance.
  • Transphobic behaviour will not be tolerated. Edgelords will not be tolerated. 
  • However, we are open to constructive feedback. We don’t have all the answers and we recognise that this is not necessarily the perfect solution, so we are open to ideas and suggestions on how we can improve in the future.

Advanced and Intermediate Subcategories

  • Within the Thunder and Lightning categories there will be a ‘Advanced’ or ‘Intermediate’ level (previously A and B races) which will help us seed the final races in groups according to ability.
  • You can choose your subcategory when signing up if you already know which one you’d like to race in, otherwise your category will be decided on the first day during the heats.
  • Advanced: If you have raced multiple fixed crits before, or you are an experienced road or track racer who is confident that your skills will transfer to fixed crits, and you’re confident racing at speed, this is the category for you.
  • Intermediate: If you’re new to racing, don’t feel confident at fixed crit racing or haven’t raced for a long time and are feeling rusty, you should probably be in this category.

Additional information:

Equipment Rules

Race Guide

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