With a new season of racing just around the corner, the CRCA Board has been hard at work! While details are still being finalized, the Board would like to share a preview of some changes for the year and what they mean for racers, officials, and the community.
The most significant update is that CRCA will sanction its races through NABRA instead of USA Cycling. This decision follows USAC’s announcement of Policy VII in September 2025, which prevents trans women from racing in women’s fields and appears to violate New York State Human Rights Law. We believe this new direction aligns with the club’s stated ethos and mission and is the best decision for the health of the club.
Why is CRCA Sanctioning through NABRA in 2026?
The operational cost of racing will be less expensive and more sustainable, so CRCA can continue providing a safe and competitive club racing program for years to come.
CRCA can continue offering races consistent with its stated Inclusivity Policy, in effect since 2019, which codified a zero-tolerance standard for discrimination and harassment.
It will protect CRCA from exposure to discrimination lawsuits that implementing USAC’s Policy VII could invite and which USAC’s insurance would not cover.
Removing USAC licence requirements lowers the barrier of entry for new racers and simplifies the process for joining the club. This should increase membership and promote the sport.
What is NABRA?
NABRA is a sanctioning-only branch of OBRA (Oregon Bicycle Racing Association), a local association that has existed separately from USAC for the past 25+ years. NABRA-sanctioned races generally operate under the same set of rules as USAC races. CRCA members will not need additional memberships.
General Liability Insurance Coverage:
New coverage matches the coverage provided by USAC. Highlights include
Overall: Effectively $2 million / occurrence and $4 million aggregate
Hired and Non-Owned Auto (which included motos): Effectively $2 million / occurrence
Participant Excess Injury: $25,000 limit with $1,000 deductible
Abuse and molestation: $25,000 / occurrence and $50,000 aggregate
USAC Club Affiliation:
In accordance with CRCA Bylaws, CRCA operates as a USAC-affiliated club, and its subteams are registered as the club’s subteams with USAC. Unless a ⅔ majority of CRCA members votes to remove this bylaw, CRCA will continue operating as a USAC club. However, this does not affect how CRCA sanctions its races. CRCA race participants will not be required to hold USAC licenses.
Rulebook:
NABRA provides a Rulebook. This was copied from USAC at the time they separated and has been independently updated in the years that followed. CRCA has its own Technical Guide for racing in Central Park which will supersede any rule in case of conflict. For instance, existing club rules will remain in effect with regards to number and placement of marshals and requirements for CRCA logos on the sleeves of club members and subteam jerseys. To maintain consistency for racers and officials, CRCA will add a Special Rules section to more closely follow pertinent known rules of racing with USAC.
Officials:
For the immediate future, CRCA will rely on USAC-certified motos and referee officials. USAC officials will become NABRA officials by formally agreeing to officiate for NABRA races. Officials will wear the international standard uniform of a blue shirt and tan pants. Motos will wear blue vests that say “Official.” The only branding allowed on the uniforms will be NABRA’s logo. CRCA will supply vests and uniform shirts to officials as needed. CRCA will eventually implement a process to recruit and train new officials. The club is working with our local association NYSBRA to maintain consistency, and NYSBRA will continue to assist in matching officials with CRCA races using their tool.
Categories and Upgrades:
CRCA will manage categories and upgrades within the club. CRCA categories will align with a racer's USAC category if they have a USAC license. If a racer does not have a USAC license, the category will align with their race results and prior experience. A formal process for upgrades independent of race licenses will be announced closer to the season start. CRCA will continue to require new member skills sessions for all Cat 4, Novice, and new racers with limited pack racing experience.
National Upgrade Points / Rankings:
The CRCA Board has reached out to contacts at USAC to start a dialogue about this plan for 2026. CRCA hopes to maintain a friendly relationship with the organization. If USAC allows trans women to race in the CRCA’s women’s fields without scrutiny or harassment, the club would consider forgoing this change in sanctioning. If not, the CRCA Board will continue as planned and request USAC’s acknowledgement of CRCA race results for USAC race category upgrade points.
Other Updates to Come:
CRCA will be offering more customizable options for membership, including a pay-per-race model with Basic Membership (formerly Associate Membership).
The Men’s Development Field (Formerly “Mens C”) will be newly open to non-members and posted on Bike Reg.
Pissei Club Kit - summer and winter (new!) kit to wear if you’re racing Unattached or want to rep the club on training rides. Order now!
Increased visibility for the club at local events and in bike shops
Official CRCA group rides!
