Chicago Cross Cup

Series Rules

How the races are scored:
Rider earn points for placing 1st through 30th place. The series winner for each category is the rider who collects the greatest number of points using the scoring system below. All races count towards overall series results but you must race in half the races in the series to win the overall competition. The top 10 overall riders in each category will receive call-ups to the starting line starting with the 2nd race in the series. From time to time race promoters and/or the Chicago Cyclocross Cup directors may give special call-ups to other riders. All other starting positions will be on a first come, first served basis. Get there early or race fast if you want a good starting position.

There is a 15 minute protest period after the officials post the results after each race. Results are considered final after this protest period has ended with no exceptions. If you feel your result is incorrect please see the chief judge at the race to make your claim. Races may take a little longer to score at some reaces, so if you want to earn points towards the overall series you must stick around and confirm your placing is correct. Better yet, get in touch with your USAC officials, become an official, and volunteer to help out!

Placing Points

The series winner for each category will be declared on the day of the Illinois Cyclocross State Championships (or as soon as possible) after the final results for each category have been posted. In the case of a tie, the finishing placing at the last race of the series will be the tie breaker. All overall series awards will be awarded at the end of season banquet. Watch the main page for details as the season progresses.

Riders upgrading mid-season take half of their points with them to the higher category, but only if they upgrade before the race which is 1/3 + one race through the season. For instance, for a 12 race series riders must upgrade before the 5th race to take their points with them. Otherwise all points earned in the lower category are forfeited. This rule only applies to Women Category 4, Men Category 3, and Men Category 4 riders. After a racer upgrades his/her points in the lower category are no longer counted as part of that category’s competition. The upgrade rule only applies to category racers and NOT age group racers. Masters categories can NOT transfer points to another category.

The CCC awards one Team Competition winner. The top five individual point earners from each team across all categories will have their individual Cup points count towards the team competition. In this way both quality and quantity will help teams score points. Team points are tallied after each CCC race after individual Cup standings are determined. For riders racing in more than one category, only their highest point total counts towards the team competition. Teams have the same eligibility requirements as individuals. Racers who officially join or change a club mid season will have their points applied as of the date they joined their new team. Previous points earned will still apply to a rider’s individual CCC points, but not to their new team for the team competition.

State Championship jerseys will be awarded to the winner of the State Champship race. Medals will be provided for first, second and third places for Illinois racers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is cyclocross?
A: Cyclocross is the fastest growing segment in the bicycle-racing world, particularly in the U.S. It’s a cycling activity that started in Europe as a way for road cyclists to stay in shape during the off-season. The courses generally offer a mix of terrain including grass, pavement, hills, dirt, and barricade portions to force riders into a partial run each lap. The race is extremely viewer friendly, as competitors ride around a closed circuit exclusively on park property (no road closures are required).

Q: What category should I race?
A: If you are a new racer, then your CX category will start as a 4. Just as in road and track events, you can upgrade to a 3 by earning points in CX races. Note that Cross Cup Overall standings points are NOT the same as USAC CX upgrade points.

If you have a 2009 USAC Road license then you were also issued a 2009 CX category. Since road categories are often not indicative of CX ability (either way) if you feel that your USAC CX category is not your appropriate CX category, you may request a category change online or directly through your  USAC state technical director.

Q: Do I need a license to race?
A: Yes. If your category is category 4 (there are no category 5′s in CX) and you do NOT carry an annual USAC, you need a one day license (available at the race site for $10). Masters and Juniors are not categorized and may race on one day licenses. If your category is above Cat 4 (men and women) you must purchase an annual USAC Road/CX license. Annual licenses will also be on sale for $60. Licenses purchases after Decemeber 1 are also good for the next racing year. All USAC races required approved helmets… so protect your noggin.

Q: How much does a race cost?
A: Entry fees are $30 for Category 1,2,3, Cat 3, Women 1/2/3, and Masters racers, FREE for Juniors (ages 10-18) and $25 for Women and Men Category 4 racers (beginners). $10 for a second race. Day-of Registration costs $5 more.

Q: Can I pre-register?
A: Absolutely! Pre-registration is available and encouraged on BikeReg.com. Pre-registering save you and the promoter time, hassles, and money. Plus it means you won’t have to fill out a rider release form. Just show up, show the registration volunteer your license, sign your name, get your number, and go race! Day-of Registration costs $5 more.

Q: What forms will I need to fill out?
A: As with all races, there is a release form to fill out. If you are registering the day of the race you can save yourself and the promoter time by filling out this Rider Release Form so we don’t have to translate your handwriting hieroglyphics. If you’re registering online you will not have to fill out a release form… we’ll have it ready for you.

Q: When should I show up to race?
A: Generally about 1.5 to 2 hours before your race time to register, stretch, and warm up. The Cat 4 fields fill up and registration will close 20 minutes before the race. If you have not picked up your race number before registration closes for your race your number will be given away to someone else. USAC has strict rules about how many riders can be on the course at one time, so we will NOT allow extra riders to jump in who show up late. Get to the start line 5 – 10 minutes early for instructions.

Q: Is parking readily available?
A: Yes! All Chicago Cross Cup courses are held in parks with ample parking. However, please remember we are all guest at these parks and it is not our ‘right’ to have a CX race there… so please respect each park, its facilities, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Q: Are cross bikes different than road bikes?
A: A cyclocross bike looks very similar to a road bike, except cross bikes use cantilever brakes and have extra frame clearance for knobby tires. All Chicago Cross Cup races are held under USAC permit and accordingly we follow USAC rules for bicycle regulations.

Q: Can I use a mountain bike?
A: Sure thing, just leave those bar-ends at home… they’re not allowed.

Q: How about a tandem?
A: Come on now… wasn’t the mountain bike enough?

Q: What is a typical race like?
A: Races last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the category. There are races for each level of rider from first-timer to old pro. Expect to word hard and have a ton of fun. The best part about cross is definitely the friendly and casual atmosphere found at each race as well as the ability to see nearly the entire course from one spot. Most riders show up early and stay long after their race, even in the cold, to watch and cheer on their fellow teammates and other competitors. Just make sure to bring your cow bell!