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Noun
A category of competitive cycling, usually referring to amateur road racing
Example usage: I'm racing in the Cat-3 race this weekend.
Most used in: North America and Europe.
Most used by: Amateur road cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Category 3, Cat 3, 3rd Category, 3rd Cat,
What does 'Cat-3' Mean in Cycling?
In cycling, the term 'Cat-3' is a classification of riders used in races. It is used by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for cycling, to determine which riders are eligible to race at the professional level. The UCI categorizes riders into nine categories, from Cat-1 (elite) to Cat-9 (beginner). Cat-3 is the fourth-highest level of racing, and includes riders who have achieved a certain level of success in amateur races.
To qualify for Cat-3, a rider must have completed at least five UCI-sanctioned races in the previous 12 months. Riders must also have earned at least 40 points in UCI-sanctioned races in the previous 12 months. Additionally, riders must have earned at least 80 points in UCI-sanctioned races in the previous 24 months. The points are awarded based on the rider's finishing position in each race.
In the United States, the National Racing Calendar (NRC) is the primary system used to track riders' points and classify them into categories. The NRC also uses the Cat-3 classification, but the requirements are slightly different. Riders must have earned at least 30 points in NRC-sanctioned races in the previous 12 months, and must have earned at least 60 points in NRC-sanctioned races in the previous 24 months.
Cat-3 riders are eligible for most amateur and professional races, but are not eligible for the highest level of professional races. According to the UCI, there are currently over 8,000 Cat-3 riders worldwide.
.The Origin of the Term 'Cat-3' in Cycling
The term 'cat-3' in the context of cycling is derived from the French word 'catégorie'. This term was first used in the early 1900s to categorize bicycle races in France. Races were divided into three categories: 'catégorie 1', 'catégorie 2', and 'catégorie 3'.
In the 1930s, the French Cycling Federation (FFC) introduced a system of six categories, also referred to as 'catégories'. These categories were based on the number of victories the cyclist had achieved. The first three categories became known as 'catégorie 3' and the remaining categories 'catégorie 4', 'catégorie 5' and 'catégorie 6'.
The use of the term 'cat-3' in cycling has spread to other countries over the years and is now widely used in the United States and Europe. The term is used to refer to the third-highest level of competitive cycling, with 'cat-1' and 'cat-2' being the highest and second highest levels, respectively.
The term 'cat-3' in cycling is now used in many countries around the world and is an important part of the sport's history. It is a reminder of the French origins of the sport and is a testament to the high standards of competitive cycling around the world.
