Race Formats
Scratch: standard finish-line-based scoring (default race format unless otherwise specified)
Points: points are awarded three deep each time passing the finish line (5, 3, 1) and five deep on the final lap (9, 7, 5, 3, 1). Most points wins. Tie-breakers: most first-place finishes, most second-place finishes, most third-place finishes, and finally finishing position on the final lap. Points race format does not apply to C, M40+, and WDev fields, which are always scratch format.
Power points: same format as points race but points (5, 3, 1) are also available on each lap after the first at an intermediate sprint line in the park, in addition to finish-line scoring.
Field Eligibility
Our events are no longer sanctioned by USA Cycling, but we currently operate under existing USAC Category systems and naming conventions. Within that framework, the following principles apply:
“Men’s Fields” are open to all racers: men, women, and non-binary racers who self-select to race in the Men’s field.
“Women’s Fields” are open to cis women, trans women, and non-binary athletes who self-select to race in the Women’s field.
Non-elite athletes (Categories 5, 4 & 3) may self-select the field, within their USAC Category, that best fits with their gender identity, or that they feel is most athletically and socially appropriate for competitive purposes.
Elite athletes (Categories 2 & 1) may participate in the gendered field that they feel is most athletically appropriate, as determined by NABRA’s policy on Transgender Participation.
Women’s license holders may enter any Men’s field for which they are eligible by age & category.
Women’s license holders may enter lower M category fields as follows: (i) Category 4, 3 & 2 Women’s license holders may enter M fields that are up to one category lower than their own category, and (ii) Category 1 Women’s license holders may enter M fields up to two categories lower. For example, a W3 may enter a M3 or M4 race and a W1 may enter into a M1, M2 or M3 race.
Women’s license holders may enter M age group fields as follows: (i) W1 & W2 may enter Men’s Masters fields up to 10 years above their racing age, and (ii) W3 & W4 may enter Men’s Masters fields up to 20 years above their racing age.
CRCA Statement on Inclusivity
The CRCA Board is committed to fostering a community in which all individuals are welcome and treated with respect and dignity. To that end, we have adopted the following guidelines:
Century Road Club Association and all of its events are a safe and inclusive space for all.
Discrimination or harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, or any other characteristic protected by law will not be tolerated at our events.
We use a variety of finish line locations throughout the year. Finish line locations are indicated on the CRCA Club Race schedule and Open Race schedule and shown on the interactive map above. Click on the icons in the interactive map for more detail on each location.
Schedule
Marshals are required to be on site with adequate time to pick up their marshaling vest and cones and get to their assigned marshal post prior to the scheduled race start time - all marshals must be at their assigned post 15 minutes prior to the start of the race. If marshals are late, races will be delayed and shortened. See CRCA Marshal Policy for additional detail.
Racer registration opens 1 hour prior to race start and closes 15 minutes prior to race start. While we do our best to process registration quickly, please allow sufficient time to register. If you are late, you will not be allowed to race.
Results will be compiled in the Rambles Parking Lot following the conclusion of all racing. We strive to post Club Series results on the CRCA website within 24 hours of the race.
Numbers
If you did not pick up your race number in advance, it may be picked up on race morning, but please allow sufficient time to both collect your number and register for the race (two separate lines).
If you have your race number, please pin it in advance. All CRCA races in Central Park use one number on the right side of the jersey for the finish line camera and one number on the center back of the jersey for our moto officials. If your number is not pinned correctly, you could be omitted from results.
Special Thanks to
Lucarelli & Castaldi for their ongoing support of the Club Series
Central Park Conservancy
NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
CRCA donor members
In reviewing the maps, please note and respect the following:
Loeb Boathouse Map:
Location of the registration tables
Bag drop now at the Loeb Boathouse, no longer at Rambles
Rambles Map:
Entrance at the beginning of Rambles (coming from the South) with the Exit points coming from the bathroom
Podiums will be held 15 minutes after the conclusion of the A-field race, at The Loeb Boathouse.
Keep your voices down to ensure that you hear instructions from race directors, referees, other officials.
Results will be posted electronically. The protest period is open three business days after the race and will be managed over Google forms. Do not approach the results team for any reason on race day.
CRCA Club Race Eligibility (does not apply to Open Races)
Prior to racing in a CRCA Club Race, all participants must meet the following requirements:
Be a CRCA Season Pass or Basic level member and register for the race through the membership portal. Join the club here.
All new Category 4 and Novice members must attend a New Members Skills session prior to racing. For more information see: Coaching.
Have selected CRCA marshaling assignments and reviewed the CRCA Marshaling Policy.
Wear a CRCA Club jersey, a CRCA sub-team jersey, or a CRCA shoulder patch if unaffiliated with a CRCA sub-team (exceptions granted for necessary outerwear in the early season). More details here.
Upload your race waiver to your account in the Member Portal and have it approved at least three days prior to racing.
Check current Club Roster, posted ahead of each Club Race, for race eligibility.
New to racing? Check what you need on our Getting Started page.
Important Notes
Fields will sometimes be neutralized when one racing field overtakes another or for other various safety reasons. Never pass your lead moto and follow your moto driver's instructions at all times. Any violations are subject to immediate disqualification and potential suspension from the club.
Our relationship with the Central Park Conservancy and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation is contingent on all racers and marshals following Park regulations. Always comply with these rules:
Ride on Central Park roads only - no riding on walking paths, dirt paths, pedestrian paths
Ride in the direction of traffic only
Stay out of the recreation lane at all times
Engage in positive, productive behavior with other park users at all times
Our races depend on member involvement, especially marshaling. If we don't meet the minimum marshal attendance set by CPC and NYC Parks, we cannot start the race.
Violation of these rules will result in the imposition of penalties, including disqualification.
Registration and Start Area
Do not ride backwards (clockwise) on Park Drives and do not ride on walking paths before, during or after races. Violations are subject to automatic disqualification and suspension from the club. All races will start at the top of Cat's Paw, which is just North of Loeb Boathouse on East Drive. See interactive map below.
Course Notes
Do not enter the recreational lane on the left side of the Park Drives for any reason. For safety reasons the rec lane is strictly off limits and violations will result in disqualification and possible suspension from the club. Racing and all riding is one way - counterclockwise - on the main loop.
CRCA Racing Technical Guide
Read before You Race
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Read before You Race 〰️
We are incredibly excited and privileged to host races in Central Park. Please familiarize yourself with the CRCA Code of Conduct, the CRCA Inclusivity Policy rules and guidelines prior to racing.
Most Important:
Do not ride backwards (clockwise) on Park Drives.
Ride on Central Park roads only - no riding on walking paths, dirt paths, pedestrian paths.
Do not ride in the recreation lane on the left side of Park Drives.
Engage in positive, productive behavior with other park users.
Violations are subject to automatic disqualification and suspension from the club.