kat-uh-gawr-ee sev-en
Noun, Adjective
The most difficult level of cycling, typically used for professional races
Example usage: He was the only rider to finish the race in category-7.
Most used in: Professional cycling races.
Most used by: Professional cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
What is Category 7 Cycling?
Category 7 Cycling is a term used to refer to the highest level of competitive cycling. It is the highest category in the USAC (USA Cycling) Race Category system. This category is typically reserved for elite athletes who compete in professional events such as the Tour de France. Cyclists who compete in Category 7 events must have a USAC Racing License, which requires them to have a certain level of experience and skill.
Category 7 events are typically extremely difficult and require a high level of fitness and skill. Riders must have the ability to maintain a high pace for long periods of time and be able to handle challenging terrain. The intensity of the competition in these events can be quite high, with riders competing for prize money and overall glory.
In the USAC Race Category system, Category 7 is the highest category, followed by Category 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. Category 1 is the lowest and is typically for beginner cyclists. Category 7 cyclists have the highest level of experience and skill, as evidenced by the fact that they are the only riders eligible to compete in professional cycling events.
According to the USAC, approximately 0.6% of licensed cyclists in the US are in Category 7. This is a very small percentage, which is indicative of the high level of skill and dedication required to reach this level of competitive cycling.
.The Origin of the Term 'Category-7' in Cycling
The term 'Category-7' was first used in cycling in 1987 in the Netherlands. It was created as a way to distinguish the difficulty of a cycle route and to help cyclists plan for the challenge ahead.
The term Category-7 was based on the French cycling route system, which uses the numbers 1-6 to denote the difficulty of a route. Category-7 was added to the system to denote a route that was even more difficult than the other categories and considered the most difficult of all.
The routes that are classified as Category-7 are often very long and challenging, with a combination of steep hills, extreme weather conditions, and rough terrain. They also usually require special gear, such as a mountain bike, and a high level of physical fitness.
Today, the term Category-7 is used in cycling all over the world. It is a useful way to gauge the difficulty of a route and helps cyclists plan for the challenge ahead.
