What is my racing age, and which age group do I race in?

Racing age = the year of the event minus your birth year. In other words, it's the age you'll be on December 31 of that year, whatever your birthday.

• Cyclocross is different: the season runs from September 1 to the end of February, and your racing age is your age on December 31 of the year the season ends.

USA Cycling age classes:

Junior races are often split into narrower age groups, which the race announcement lists. Track gear limits, for example, use 9-12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18.

Example: a rider born in 2011 has a racing age of 15 for the whole 2026 road season, even before their birthday.