Age Handicapped Criteriums

Scoring Criteriums for Overall Points Using Age Categories. For BC Masters Cycling Association.

Using the Duke Point Crits May 23-4 2009 as an example.

Applying my minimalist proposal : 3 crits so divide usual overall points by 3. Give ½ point bonus for each rider of younger 5 year age category beaten.

60+ Crit.
1. David Mercer 3.33 plus 0.5 bonus = 3.83
2. Dave Emery 2.33 .. 1.5 .. = 3.83
3. Doug Hutcheon 1.66 .. 0.5 .. = 2.16
4. Chris Hahlen 1 no bonus = 1.0
5. Harry Balke 0.66 no bonus

45-59 Crit.
1. Chris Cameron 3.33 plus 0.5 bonus = 3.83
2. Bill Yearwood 2.33 .. 1.5 .. = 3.83
3. Mike Sevcov 1.66 .. 1.5 .. = 3.16
4. Ray Wagner 1 .. 0.5 .. = 1.0
5. Stephen Muir 0.66 no bonus = 0.66
6. Malcolm Faulkner

30-44 Crit.
1. Mike Korb 3.33 plus 0.5 = 3.83
2. Aaron Dusseault 2.33 plus 0.5 = 2.83
3. Louis Watson 1.66 no bonus = 1.66
4. Casey Ryder 1.0 no bonus = 1.0

Thus there would have been a 5 way tie for 1st overall in the whole field. Winners in each of the 3 crits. receive only slightly more than 1/3 of the overall points they would get in a full-field combined road race or time trial. Total overall points awarded would have been 32.62 compared with 27 for an ordinary road race or time trial. Total overall points awarded for the crits would be reduced to 28.4 by making the bonus point for each rider of younger 5 year age category beaten be 1/3 point instead of ½ point. We could also make the overall points for a field divided into 3 crits be 30% of the normal rather than 1/3 to ‘even up’ the scoring.

This overall scoring system for crits. can be applied whether we divide the total field into 2, 3, or 4 separate criteriums.

The idea is that good performance should be rewarded no matter what type of event. A good crit. ride (or hillclimb) is just as demanding as a good road race or time trial.

Bonus points are necessary to give a reward to riders who may not be able to get in the top five because they are in a crit which includes riders who are 15 or more years younger, e.g. a 69 year old in a crit for riders age 50+ who places only 8th but beats 5 riders in age categories 50-54, 55-59, and 60-64 surely deserves something.