In the wake of much discussion at its recent AGM, Cycling Ireland has decided to introduce an immediate amnesty for those riders looking to move up a category or indeed move down one.
The move is aimed at getting more riders in the lower categories to move up to the higher grades and increase the number of A1 and A2 riders in the home peloton.
There were a combined total of 360 riders racing in those two categories on home roads in 2012. Prior to its AGM, Cycling Ireland issued a position paper for debate suggesting it wanted to increase that number by around 200.
It also said it wanted those riders with some experience to progress more quickly out of the A4 ranks.
With the aim of stimulating that progression, Cycling Ireland has today announced its re-grading amnesty. It appears to be based on the expectation that the movement will be overwhelmingly up a grade rather than down.
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It has also been announced that any points accrued by riders in 2012 will be carried over in full to next season; there will be no 50 per cent reduction in that carry over.
Added to that measure, any A1 or A2 riders in their second year in those categories who did not score six points or more in 2012 will remain at those grades for 2013; there will be no automatic downward re-grading.
This is aimed at maintaining as many existing A1 and A2 riders as possible at those categories, with the other measures seeking to move A4 and A3 riders up through the ranks.
Below, we’ve included in full the Cycling Ireland statement on the issue, and a useful link under it for those looking to apply for a re-grade online.
Before the AGM we published a piece around this whole issue which may make useful reading in light of today’s announcement. You’ll find that story here.
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Cycling Ireland Grading Statement
2013 Amnesty Details:
Upgrading & Downgrading of Full Competition Racing Categories
The Board has taken into account the feelings expressed at the AGM relative to the number of riders in the lower categories and the progression of riders through the categories. As an interim measure it is agreed that riders may apply in writing to CI for a one category upgrade.
A4, A3 and A2 2013 licence applicants wishing to avail of the upgrading amnesty must submit their request before 1st April 2013 by completing the relevant form on our website in advance of renewing their 2013 membership. Please note that a rider can only avail of this amnesty once on his first licence application of the year.
Once upgraded, the rider remains in that category for the rest of the year unless enough points are amassed from race results for a further category upgrade. It should be noted that juniors may not be graded above A3.
The requirements of Chapter T3 point 2.c, point 3.c, d and e. relative to points gained in 2012 will be suspended for riders moving into 2013, in other words points obtained by riders in 2012 will be carried over without a 50% reduction. Those riders in their 2nd year as an A1 or A2 without 6 points will remain as an A1 or A2, in other words no rider will AUTOMATICALLY downgrade. Notwithstanding any rider who wishes to avail of the rules relating to downgrading may do so by completing the relevant form in advance of renewing their licence.
In Summary:
- Amnesty available to all 2013 Full Competition licence applicants to upgrade one racing category;
- A1 & A2 riders who have not amassed 6 points in their second year in that category are NOT automatically downgraded, they must REQUEST a downgrade
- Both upgrades and downgrades can only be requested by completing the relevant online form below, this should be done in advance of your 2013 licence application and has a cut-off date of 01st April 2013;
- CI reserve the authority to approve or decline upgrade and downgrade requests.
- Upon successful approval of your upgrade or downgrade request, CI will progress your membership application to payment stage and notify you of same.
If you want to apply for the regrading, you can click on this page here on Cycling Ireland’s website.
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