How do veteran categories work, and can a veteran take an elite licence?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under section 11 of the Cycling SA Road Cycling Handbook 2026: Veteran categories run in 5-year bands: 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80+. You become eligible for a category in the year you have a birthday in its youngest age. For example, you ride 30-34 from the year you turn 30. Cycling SA may combine categories into 10-year bands, or approve revised groups, depending on entry numbers, including at Provincial and National Championships. Choosing a younger category: a veteran may take a Full Racing Licence in a younger category, including Elite, for 2026. But you then can't switch categories during the year. A 30-34 rider who takes an Elite licence for 2026 can't change back to 30-34 in 2026, and the same applies the other way round. This applies to all veteran and master riders. Elite and U23 riders may not move to a younger category. You ride the category on your licence at all events, including Provincial and SA Championships.