FarEast
Maximum Pace
- May 25, 2009
- 5,528
- 538
Ok here is what I've worked out so may vary, please feel free to add comments or more information as I will then keep adding more detail for future reference to new comers.
Also there is a nationwide system in place but also many races that are not recognised by the JCF and thus do not carry the same classification system
JBCF Races:
JBCF is recognised by the JRC and the UCI and the ranking system is the national and internationally recognised system for Japan and Asia.
You are required to have a JCBF racing licence or UCI international racing licence to compete.
3 levels. TR, BR-1 and ER.
ER; Everyone no matter what has to enter in ER to begin with. If you place within the top 6 you are automatically moved in to BR-1 or if you earn enough points over the season you can then move up.
BR-1; You are required to place in the top 3 to be moved in to TR, but you have the choice to either do so immediately or at the end of the season.
TR; You must belong to a team that actually has at least 3 riders at TR level to get promoted into this category .
I would say that TR level is UCI 2.2 and 2.1 level as the JCF invites riders from this cat to race in UCI events in Japan. Some BR-1 riders will also be moved up for these races to act as domestiques.
JCRC Races:
JCRC is not recognised by the JCR, but higher level categories will attract BR-1 and TR riders from the JBCF.
No Racing licence is required.
Any placement in the top 6 will result in automatic promotion to the next category. There are some events that they will give you the choice but this seems at the organiser's discretion rather than a rule as I was not given the choice in one race will other podium finishers were.
Lots of levels in the system due to the JCRC limiting the field to around 60 riders per race.
SS, S, A, B, C, D, E, F, X
X class is the categorisation class and you will be requested to race this first. Once you have done this they will categorise you according to the times ridden that day on the same course by higher level riders.
Levels F through to B are short distances and very similar to crits in Europe as they attract a lot of the local clubs and 1 day riders that have low skill level in riding in tight Pelotons.
Although the levels F to B seem very amateur the sprints are very heavily contested and make the races very enjoyable. Also as you progress you'll find yourself racing against high level riders that got a poor finish in their X class race.
Level A is where the action starts and you'll come up against very strong riders from clubs and Uni's that will start to work together. This is good racing! The distance is the same as S class and sometimes faster due to the riders wanting promotion in to S class.
Level S and SS
Very fast action and team play although you may find yourself frustrated by a lazy peloton that don't understand the whole concept of attacks, defends and pulling together to bring break a ways. You'll need to get verbal if you want a reaction and you may find yourself doing a lot of the work at the front if you are strong.
SS is the category only assigned to riders that get a podium spot in S class races and is the highest level in the JCRC system.
Level:
JBCF - TR is basically domestic pro and being at this level and on a team that has the status will allow you to race UCI events like the Japan Cup and the likes. A team is required to have at least 3 or 4 riders at this is the same level so check with any club you are thinking of joining to see if they have TR level riders actually in the TR races (You can be TR but stuck in BR-1 due to lack of team mates).
Also if you are TR level and want to race in Japanese UCI races make sure that any club you join is actually invited to these events.
JCRC – JBCF levels
ER is probably the same as C, D, E levels in the JCRC system due to the huge mix of level of rider.
BR-1 is the same probably the same as SS, S and A in the JCRC system as the distances and speeds match those of the JCF on the same course.
Other Events:
You will find that some events are linked with the JCF and will give the same categories of TR, BR-1 and ER the above information should allow you to decide what level you should be in. (Also see the comparisons below for race lengths and times)
Others will have a system such as 'Sports', 'Beginner', 'Intermediate', and 'Elite' and you will need to work out where you fit in using other systems to work out where you need to be. This is trial and error and can be a little frustrating if you end up in a race you blitz or get dropped in.
Comparison:
Course: Gunma CSC
Class: JCRC S and SS class Class: JBCF BR-1
Distance: 60km Distance: 60km
Winning time: 1:32:51.197 Winning time: 1:37:37
I will add more comparisons for courses over time to give a better understanding of the level these are raced at.
JCF and UCI Racing Licences
You have to apply to a local JCF office for your licence to race in any JBCF or UCI events here in Japan. You will need to request a form from them and then fill it in and send it back with the required amount.
No internet registration! No matter when you apply for the licence they run until March 31st.
I beleive the Kanagawa office is above the Y's Road in Yokohama!
A list of the Japanese JF offices can be found here
Now here is the curve ball, if I apply in Kanagawa for a JCF licence and race the Tokyo Championships and win I can not be crowned the champion as my licence is in Yokohama. So although I live in Kanagawa Im a registered Tokyo racer.
Also if you have a International UCI licence then you can race all JCF races under this.
JCF or UCI licencing will get you 1,000 yen off most race entries so if you are planning racing for a season it can be worth it.
My UCI international racing licence is registered in Japan so I'm a British rider registered under Japan..... very odd
Also there is a nationwide system in place but also many races that are not recognised by the JCF and thus do not carry the same classification system
JBCF Races:
JBCF is recognised by the JRC and the UCI and the ranking system is the national and internationally recognised system for Japan and Asia.
You are required to have a JCBF racing licence or UCI international racing licence to compete.
3 levels. TR, BR-1 and ER.
ER; Everyone no matter what has to enter in ER to begin with. If you place within the top 6 you are automatically moved in to BR-1 or if you earn enough points over the season you can then move up.
BR-1; You are required to place in the top 3 to be moved in to TR, but you have the choice to either do so immediately or at the end of the season.
TR; You must belong to a team that actually has at least 3 riders at TR level to get promoted into this category .
I would say that TR level is UCI 2.2 and 2.1 level as the JCF invites riders from this cat to race in UCI events in Japan. Some BR-1 riders will also be moved up for these races to act as domestiques.
JCRC Races:
JCRC is not recognised by the JCR, but higher level categories will attract BR-1 and TR riders from the JBCF.
No Racing licence is required.
Any placement in the top 6 will result in automatic promotion to the next category. There are some events that they will give you the choice but this seems at the organiser's discretion rather than a rule as I was not given the choice in one race will other podium finishers were.
Lots of levels in the system due to the JCRC limiting the field to around 60 riders per race.
SS, S, A, B, C, D, E, F, X
X class is the categorisation class and you will be requested to race this first. Once you have done this they will categorise you according to the times ridden that day on the same course by higher level riders.
Levels F through to B are short distances and very similar to crits in Europe as they attract a lot of the local clubs and 1 day riders that have low skill level in riding in tight Pelotons.
Although the levels F to B seem very amateur the sprints are very heavily contested and make the races very enjoyable. Also as you progress you'll find yourself racing against high level riders that got a poor finish in their X class race.
Level A is where the action starts and you'll come up against very strong riders from clubs and Uni's that will start to work together. This is good racing! The distance is the same as S class and sometimes faster due to the riders wanting promotion in to S class.
Level S and SS
Very fast action and team play although you may find yourself frustrated by a lazy peloton that don't understand the whole concept of attacks, defends and pulling together to bring break a ways. You'll need to get verbal if you want a reaction and you may find yourself doing a lot of the work at the front if you are strong.
SS is the category only assigned to riders that get a podium spot in S class races and is the highest level in the JCRC system.
Level:
JBCF - TR is basically domestic pro and being at this level and on a team that has the status will allow you to race UCI events like the Japan Cup and the likes. A team is required to have at least 3 or 4 riders at this is the same level so check with any club you are thinking of joining to see if they have TR level riders actually in the TR races (You can be TR but stuck in BR-1 due to lack of team mates).
Also if you are TR level and want to race in Japanese UCI races make sure that any club you join is actually invited to these events.
JCRC – JBCF levels
ER is probably the same as C, D, E levels in the JCRC system due to the huge mix of level of rider.
BR-1 is the same probably the same as SS, S and A in the JCRC system as the distances and speeds match those of the JCF on the same course.
Other Events:
You will find that some events are linked with the JCF and will give the same categories of TR, BR-1 and ER the above information should allow you to decide what level you should be in. (Also see the comparisons below for race lengths and times)
Others will have a system such as 'Sports', 'Beginner', 'Intermediate', and 'Elite' and you will need to work out where you fit in using other systems to work out where you need to be. This is trial and error and can be a little frustrating if you end up in a race you blitz or get dropped in.
Comparison:
Course: Gunma CSC
Class: JCRC S and SS class Class: JBCF BR-1
Distance: 60km Distance: 60km
Winning time: 1:32:51.197 Winning time: 1:37:37
I will add more comparisons for courses over time to give a better understanding of the level these are raced at.
JCF and UCI Racing Licences
You have to apply to a local JCF office for your licence to race in any JBCF or UCI events here in Japan. You will need to request a form from them and then fill it in and send it back with the required amount.
No internet registration! No matter when you apply for the licence they run until March 31st.
I beleive the Kanagawa office is above the Y's Road in Yokohama!
A list of the Japanese JF offices can be found here
Now here is the curve ball, if I apply in Kanagawa for a JCF licence and race the Tokyo Championships and win I can not be crowned the champion as my licence is in Yokohama. So although I live in Kanagawa Im a registered Tokyo racer.
Also if you have a International UCI licence then you can race all JCF races under this.
JCF or UCI licencing will get you 1,000 yen off most race entries so if you are planning racing for a season it can be worth it.
My UCI international racing licence is registered in Japan so I'm a British rider registered under Japan..... very odd