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Home Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I have to do to join the team and race?
For 2012 we have revamped everything
- 1. To race you will need a team uniform. They can be purchased through the team. Email us and we will send you the prices. Orders must be in before Christmas to ensure delivery before our first races in February. If you have a previous year's uniform with the zebra print, that will be sufficient, unless you advance to Category 1 or 2, where the uniform rules are somewhat more strictly enforced.
- 2. The minimum number of races a member must race has been changed to ten (10) individual events. This includes time trials, criteriums, circuit races, road races and cyclocross. So, a two-day three-race omnium counts for three races.
- 3. You must purchase an annual license for racing through USA Cycling. The easiest way to do this is to purchase it online, after Dec 1, through USA Cycling and pay $60.00 by credit card. The license is good through 2012. If you lose your license, you may print a temporary one that is valid for 30 days. If you have questions about how to fill out the online form ask one of the officers of the team for assistance.
- 4. Depending on the number and type of sponsors we have for 2012, some of the uniform items, entry fees, licenses, travel and hotel expenses may be paid for by the team. This will have to be on a case by case basis, so number 5 and 6 below still largely apply.
- 5. Team members are responsible for their own race sign-up and payment. The races cost about $20-$30 per event and $60-$90 for an omnium. Signing up for races is done through event registration companies Bike Reg and Race Management Services are two we commonly use. Many of the races fill up quite fast and the sooner you pre-register the better.
- 6. Travel to races is organized among members. Some members have vehicles with bike racks that will carry between two and six bikes. It is up to the individual to arrange travel, either in one's own vehicle or with another team mate. A packet of information is created and sent to each member including directions, hotel information, restaurant choices and racing event flyers and any other relevant information.
- 7. You will need to submit a resume of your races, and be a minimum of Category 4. We are not taking juniors for the 2012 season, because of the likelihood they will be poached by one of the junior teams in the area. Our funds are limited, and losing a new team mate to another team so quicklyis something we can't allow.
What are the rules for joining the team and the rules for the sport according to USA Cycling?
Our rules are: 1. Do what you say you are going to do, 2. Show up on time, 3. Return your messages and 4. Just shave your damn legs and don't be a pill about it. The rules for the sport according to USA Cycling are available at USACycling.org or you can download a copy of the 2011 Rulebook
Since you race for money and prizes, can I race on the team and remain eligible for an NCAA sport?
Yes. We've had to do some research on this recently. Cycling is run by USA Cycling, which is part of the Olympic Committee and not NCAA. NCAA rules allow you to particpate in both activities without becoming ineligible for any NCAA sport and allow you to accept cash awards and prizes.
Where do you train?
Since our team is spread out all over the Mid-Atlantic, there are many riders to train with in different areas. Two members are in Baltimore, One in Pennsylvania, Several in Harrisonburg, Lexington, Roanoke, Charlottesville, Richmond Virginia, Johnson City, TN, Fayetteville, NC and Greenville, SC. Contact us and we will get you in touch with a team mate in the area.
I want to race on the team, but I don't want to wear the uniforms or shave my legs. I know you guys are looking for more people to race, so how about cutting some slack?
If you have problems with the uniform and your pelicular hygiene, we suspect that the 100 to 200 miles-a-week of training is really going to put you off.
What does "sag" mean in cycling?
Support stations for riders in need of mechanical or medical assistance are called "SAG stations". A vehicle which follows the riders providing water, food, and mechanical support is called a "SAG wagon". No one is really sure what it stands for, but best guess is "Support And Gear".
How do I clean my uniform? Can I put it in the washer and the dryer?
Keeping your uniform clean is important, and how you clean it is equally important. Ideally, you should use a sports garment-specific detergent, such as Sport Wash, which is available at Kroger and other stores, but woolite or any gentle detergent will work. Wash the uniform as soon as possible to prevent any stains from setting. You should hand-wash, in cold water, and hang-dry your garments. We've found the gentle cycle with cold water in the washer works OK too. First, close any zippers, this will help prevent any damage from the zipper. Second, turn inside out to protect the printed surface and prevent fading, if dried in the sun. Third, don't wash gloves with your uniform. The velcro will stick to the uniform and damage the fabric. Whatever you do, DON'T USE THE DRYER. The heat can destroy the lycra and shrink a perfect fitting uniform. Remember, these have to last you the entire season, so be gentle.
I'm racing this year and have three questions: Do I have to shave my legs? Why do cyclists shave their legs? How do I go about it?
The question everybody wants to know the answer to, but is afraid to ask -- well, almost everyone. First, there is no rule that you have to shave your legs. It's just the way it is. Pros and amateurs do it. It is a convention of the sport. 95 percent of the racers do it and those that don't get some teasing. In Category 5, you will see a couple of "newbies" with hair, but in the higher categories it begins to look a lot more pro. You can check out To Shave or Not to Shave (legs) at bike forums.net for a more thorough discussion
If you decide to shave, there are a few methods, all of which have plusses and minuses:
- Electric Razor Plus: Easy to do. Minus: Doesn't last long.
- Razor and shave cream Plus: Easy to do. Minus: Cuts and razor burn.
- Depilatory Cream Plus: No cuts. Minus: Smells bad and doesn't last.
- Waxing Plus: Lasts 6 weeks and very smooth. Minus: Painful and expensive.
- Laser Plus: Lasts forever. Minus: Lasts forever.
How much does it cost to get into racing?
It depends. If you have a bike you can race with, that will save you considerable expense. If you need a race bike, the cost begins around $1000.00. Lets break it all down, assuming you have a bike and purchase items at a discount through sponsors:
- USA Cycling Racing License: $60.00
- Uniforms (two in case you have an accident): $210.00
- Helmet: $50.00
- Gloves, socks, arm-warmers and leg warmers: $70.00
- Shoes, cleats and pedals: $180.00
- Accessories, food and miscellaneous: $100.00
That totals $670.00. The good news is that you don't have to come up with all of that at once. Also, we are soliciting donations to offset some of these expenses. We don't begin racing until February or March, so you should have enough time to plan a strategy.
If I am on the race team, do I have to show up for all the races?
Not unless you want to. After a bit of training, you'll know your strengths. You'll want to concentrate on those races which offer the terrain best suited to your abilities. There are five types of riders:
- GC (General Classification) Riders can do all types of races. Eddy Merckx is an example of a GC rider, and probably the greatest all-round cyclist
- Sprinters do best on short, flat courses, tend to have a larger build and can produce a short burst of speed at the end of the race. Mario Cipollini is one of the most famous sprinters.
- Climbers show their endurance in the mountains, and tend to have a slim, lightweight physique. Flemish cyclist, Lucien Van Impe, is the epitome of a climber.
- Time Trialists can maintain high speeds for long periods, have a high lactate threshold and an ability to take in lots of oxygen. Fabian Cancellara is the current World Time-Trial Champion.
- Domestiques supports the team and helps the leader win the race. George Hincapie performed this role for Lance Armstrong and the Discovery team.
I'm not on the team, can I buy gear through your sponsors?
Sorry, only team/club members are eligible for deals through our sponsors. Our uniforms, though, are not sponsored and may be purchased when we place an order.
What's with the zebra-print uniforms?
Two reasons. One: We became known for that on the racing circuit. After we went to a few races, you could overhear people say "Hey there's the zebra-guy" or "There's the Cipollini guy" (referring to Mario Cipollini from the Domina Vacanze team -- known for outlandish clothes). Two: The uniforms from other teams tend to look too similar and being able to tell your team-mates apart from the rest of the peloton is essential in a race.
Why do you need donations and corporate sponsors?
The University Cycling Club is part of Campus Recreation and not part of the University's sports program. We receive some funding through the school, but this does not cover all of the costs. Cycling in the US is commonly referred to as a "Gentleman's sport" (no offense to the ladies), meaning you supply your own equipment, pay your own racing fees and travel expenses. In order to make the club more accessible to students, we develop sponsorships with businesses and raise donations to reduce the costs and offset some of that expense.
What is a "domestique"?
In French it literally means "servant", but in road bike racing it is a team-member who works for the benefit of the team leader. Another term used to describe this position is "water-carrier". Less glamorous than a "star" rider but necessary to the functioning of the team. Domestiques carry water and food to other riders, shield them from wind (drafting) and sacrifice a wheel or entire bike to the leader if he needs it.
