BEE-yuhnd KAT-uh-goh-ree
Adjective, Noun
Describes a cyclist or ride that is exceptionally difficult
Example usage: That climb was beyond category!
Most used in: Mountainous or hilly regions
Most used by: Experienced cyclists or mountain bikers
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: Epic, Monument, Classic, Grand Tour,
What Does 'Beyond Category' Mean in Cycling?
In cycling, the term "Beyond Category" (often abbreviated as "HC," which stands for Hors Catégorie in French) is used to classify the difficulty of a climb during a road cycling race, particularly in stage races like the Tour de France or Giro d'Italia. It is the highest and most challenging category for climbs.
The "Beyond Category" classification is reserved for the toughest and steepest climbs, ones that are exceptionally difficult and usually have sustained steep gradients, high elevation gains, and may extend for long distances. These climbs often test the physical and mental limits of the riders and can play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a race.
In the cycling world, climbs are categorized from Category 1 (the least difficult) to Category 4, and then the most challenging climbs are designated as "Beyond Category" or "HC." The exact criteria for determining a climb's category may vary depending on the race organizer or governing body, but generally, the steeper the climb and the longer the distance, the higher its categorization.
For a climb to be classified as "Beyond Category," it usually means that it is significantly more challenging than Category 1 climbs and represents the pinnacle of difficulty in a race. Climbs of this category are often iconic and attract considerable attention from cycling enthusiasts and fans.
Riders who excel in climbing and have the ability to tackle "Beyond Category" climbs are often known as "climbers" or "mountain specialists." They are key contenders for mountain stages in stage races, where these challenging climbs can dramatically impact the overall standings and provide opportunities for significant time gaps between riders.
The Origin of the Term 'Beyond Category' in Cycling
The term "Beyond Category" (HC) originates from France, where it is known as "Hors Catégorie" in French. It was initially used to classify climbs in the famous road cycling race, the Tour de France.
The categorization of climbs was first introduced in the Tour de France in 1911 by the race director, Henri Desgrange. He wanted to categorize the climbs based on their difficulty to provide a fairer way to award points to the cyclists who performed well in the mountainous stages. Initially, only two categories were used: "1ère Catégorie" (First Category) and "2ème Catégorie" (Second Category).
As the race evolved and more challenging climbs were introduced, the categorization system was expanded to include three additional categories: "3ème Catégorie" (Third Category), "4ème Catégorie" (Fourth Category), and "Hors Catégorie" (Beyond Category).
The "Hors Catégorie" designation was reserved for the most grueling and challenging climbs that were deemed exceptionally difficult. These were the climbs that pushed the limits of what cyclists could endure, often with long, steep gradients and high elevations.
The introduction of the "Beyond Category" classification added a new level of prestige to the most challenging climbs in the Tour de France and other road races. Climbs categorized as HC became iconic and eagerly anticipated by fans, riders, and the media alike.
Since its introduction in the Tour de France, the "Beyond Category" classification has become widely used in other major road cycling races, including the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España, as well as in other cycling events around the world. It remains a crucial part of race strategy, as the HC climbs often play a decisive role in determining the overall winner and showcasing the best climbers in the sport.
