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FAQ: "How does my team (or myself) qualify for
Nationals?"
Answer by Mark Abramson, 4/2004
Team spots are determined by the season-long ranking of
"Nationals" team points. The individual spots are the best-placed "A"
riders who are not on a qualifying team, as determined at the end of the season.
Team standings are based upon "A" rider points only.
FAQ:
- "So how do I qualify?"
You must be on a qualifying team or qualify as an individual.
For teams to qualify, they must place in the top X of the
ECCC nationals rankings, where X = the number of ECCC team spots at Nationals.
These are calculated after each ECCC event and are posted online throughout the
season.
For individuals to qualify, you must be in the top Y-ranked
riders in the "A" ECCC points standings who are not on a qualified team.
Basically, remove all the riders who are on qualified teams, rank the remaining
A's, and the top Y qualify, where Y = the number of ECCC individual's spots.
- "Are only A points counted?"
Yes, only A team and individual points are counted for Natz qualification.
- "I can only make it to a couple of races, can
I still go to Nationals?"
The season-long points standings speak for themselves. The points tables, season
schedule, and qualification procedure are clearly documented. You are competing
over the entire season against a number of worthy competitors. Whoever is in the
top X and Y standings qualify. There are no (zero) discretionary spots available.
- "There are X total spots, what if they are not
all filled -- can I have one of the unfilled spots?"
While the ECCC has a number of starting positions, it is incredibly difficult
to determine exactly how many spots will actually be filled by ECCC teams on
the start line. The bottom line: those who are worthy of attending Nationals typically
qualify. If you're not racing consistently and/or placing well, do not expect to
attend that National championships! There are no (zero) discretionary spots available.
- "I am on a USCF team and must do USCF races --
do they count?"
Only ECCC races count towards nationals qualifications. No matter how fast
you are, you must do ECCC "A" events to qualify! A number of pro,
category 1 and 2 riders compete in ECCC A events for the two-month spring season,
so you'll be in good company at ECCC events.
- "Does everyone on the nationals team need to be
an "A"?"
All riders starting in the road race and criterium MUST meet the eligibility and
qualification requirements for participating in "A" events (please see
the rulebook for details) - no exceptions. TTT riders do not have to meet this requirement,
however (e.g. a "B/C/D" rider can be part of your TTT team).
- Can I get a better idea of the season-long standings?"
Take a look at some past standings, find the "A" men/women page and
the "Nationals Teams" standings, and see how it all plays out over
the ECCC season.
http://www.eccc-info.com/2003/eccc_road_standings_2003.pdf