Grading System - What Grade do I race in?
Summary
1. All riders must be graded by the HWCC Handicapper before being able to race at a HWCC event. This should be completed two days before the event using the form below.
2. All riders must race ONLY in the grade they are allocated to.
3. Re-grading is dependent on:
(a) Performance based on accumulated points and/or
(b) the discretion of the HWCC handicapper
4. Junior grading (U/19 and younger) – re-grading can be determined by either:
- Endorsement by HWCC Junior Coach at weekly training sessions
- Pre-arranged race day assessment
- Demonstrated ability and race results approved by the HWCC handicapper
Our Grading System
The underlying principle behind grading is that riders are allocated to a grade where they will be competitive regardless of age or gender, AND with all riders’ safety being a paramount consideration. Note there each rider only has one grading - there are no seperate grades for men and women, or for younger or older riders, or for different courses or types of race.
Our Club does everything possible to ensure everyone is racing in the appropriate grade, both in the interest of safety and fairness of competition. Our policy is to place riders in a grade where they will be safe and competitive, based on their experience and bike fitness and regardless of gender or age, and for riders to learn how to race and win in a range of scenarios before moving up through the grades. Once a rider is assigned to a grade, they must only race in that grade regardless of the course or how much they have ridden, where their mates are riding, what their form is, or what grade they race elsewhere.
All race entries are done online via EntryBoss. Each rider's Hamilton grading will appear as the default option when entering.
Moving up a Grade
To move up a grade riders must score 10 points over a 6 month period, or show cause to the handicapper that they would be safe and truly competitive in a higher grade.
Riders may request to enter a different grade, but this is entirely up to the discretion of the handicapper. Providing evidence (such as the equivalent of 10 points scored elsewhere) to justify a change is grade must be provided.
See below for full details on the points system. This provides an incentive for riders to aim for, and also eliminates countless arguments about who should ride in what grade. The rules are applied equally to all riders.
Moving down a Grade
Riders who are uncompetitive (e.g. not attacking in breakaways, no 10 top places and/or multiple DNFs) may be moved down a grade. If you feel you would be more competitive in a lower grade please contact the handicapper.
Ladies Only Racing
We now longer conduct Ladies Only racing at Nundah. Instead, if there are more than 7 ladies in a particular grade, there will be a separate Ladies only race, but run as a race within a race. e.g. if 8 ladies enter C grade, gents and ladies race together in C grade, but places for the first three ladies and a prime will be awarded seperately.
For example, if 20 men and 8 women entered a D grade race, the start and finish would be the same for all riders, but the women would be also be awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Prizemoney will be allocated based on the existing formula used for distribution of cash, based on the number of riders in any race.
If there are between 2 and 7 ladies in a grade, there is a prize for first unplaced lady (unplaced means they do not come first, second or third outright).
The grading philosophy is that riders, regardless of age or gender, should race in a grade where they are competitive, meaning on a good day they are fighting for a podium position, not just hanging on at the back.
All riders (members and visitors) must be graded before entering their first race and are asked to contact the handicapper by the thursday evening before race day to obtain a grade. This is so that the handicapper gets to race as well!
Grading Lists
Riders must ride in their allocated grade unless otherwise permitted by the handicapper. If you wish to ride up or down a grade you must ask first. Riders who are not on the members or visitors grading list must contact the handicappers in advance (no later than thursday evening) to obtain a grading. Again, this is only so that the handicapper gets to race as well!
Visitors Grading List
6 Month Points Score
5 Year Rider History
All grading applications should done via the form below.
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SUBMITTING THE FORM
- Make sure you hit the 'SUBMIT' button, you will then get a confirmation email, if you don't get an email it has not been submitted
- You may also be asked to submit a CAPTCHA form (e.g. click all pictures of traffic lights) - you may need to scroll up to see this if on a mobile device.
The more information you provide, the better we will be able to place you in the most competitive grade.
Please note: This form will not be available after the cutoff time, which is 8pm Thursday night for Saturday events. The form will reopen after the event. Please ensure you submit your application well in advance to allow time for our volunteers to process and update our systems and reply with grading,safety and event information.
CLICK TO OPEN GRADING APPLICATION IN NEW WINDOW
If you have a AusCycling Qld Open grading then your initial club grading may be based on that, but we also factor in advice from other club handicappers, advice on recent results, training and experience. Note that a change to your AusCycling Qld Open Grading does not mean your club grading will change.
Upgrading/6 month Rolling Points Score
Results are tallied and riders automatically move up a grade after scoring 10 points over a rolling 6 month period in a number of top 4 finishes as follows:
Riders may be moved up a grade at the discretion of the handicapper if they have demonstated that they are completely destroying the field in their current grade (e.g. 20 minute solo breakaway for the win).
A detailed rider history is below (note history only goes back to Sept 2013 and for races prior to 1-Mar-14 only placings are recorded) :
Open Gradings
If you wish to compete in 'Open' Events, you first require an Open Grading from AusCycling Queensland. Open Events are the next step up from local club events are are all listed on the AusCycling Queensland Road Calendar and on the Teamup Calendar. You will need to filter for the type of events you want to view. Open events are larger events, open to riders from all over the state, and you must enter online at least two weeks before the event via the AusCycling Queensland website.
Information on the Open Grading System can be found HERE including an Online Grading Application Form.
Riders new to racing are strongly recommended to gain experience at club level racing before advancing to open events.