May 13, 2005 by Ted
TOP and USCF: The TOP series will be sanctioned by USCF this year. This provides us with excellent insurance coverage at a reasonable cost. It also provides an incentive for more club members to get their USCF license. We felt it would be beneficial to explain how the USCF/TOP coverage will work so TOP participants can decide if they want to join USCF.
The advantage of getting a USCF license is you no longer race in the "citizen" category. The USCF issues a new licensee a Category 5 license, and after ten races, they can upgrade to Category 4. Another advantage is avoiding the "one day" license fee of $10 assessed each time an unlicensed rider enters a USCF sanctioned race.
Some racers do not join USCF either because they don't do many races, they don't care to race in higher categories, or they don't want to buy the license. USCF sanctioning for TOP may change this decision for some since it will increase the number of USCF sanctioned races you may do. One caveat, the one-day license fee for TOP will only be $5, versus the $10 fee for normal USCF races. However, unlicensed racers at TOP will be required to complete the one-day paperwork and pay the extra $5 fee for each TOP event they enter.
To join USCF, or if you have questions about USCF membership, go to usacycling.org
Phil Esempio is organizing the TOP series this year; e-mail Phil if you have questions about the series.