Cycling is an activity everyone can enjoy, whether taking the kids to the local park, cruising along a country road with friends, entering a local bicycle race or competing at the highest level. But it’s not just for the young.
Who are we?
Northeast Masters Cycling Association (NEMCA) was formed in 2011 to serve the interests of masters in New England and to actively promote their opportunities in competitive cycling. We do this by:
- directly sponsoring races specifically for masters
- conducting skills clinics
- mentoring
- creating incentives for promoters to include masters categories in their events
- helping regional masters multi-sport organizations promote high-quality bicycle races
- serving as an advocate for masters competitive cyclists in New England
Our sole mission is to promote competitive cycling for riders between the ages of 35 and 80. To further that mission, all revenues secured through our activities, including events, membership fees, donations and grants are re-invested to further masters bicycle racing in the region.
Experienced masters to new comers
At NEMCA, we recognize that cyclists over the age of 35 who are new to the sport have some very difficult challenges.
Cat 5 masters (men) who have just entered the sport most often have only one option when it comes to racing; compete in very large fields against riders that are twenty years younger. Slightly more experienced Cat 4 masters (men) have two choices; compete in very large fields against riders that are twenty years younger or compete in very large fields against riders who forgot to get slower as they accumulated decades of top level racing experience. In short, entry level masters face a huge wall at the beginning of their racing career. While we work to maximize the opportunities for experienced masters, we also want to ensure that our newcomers are given every chance to reach their potential.
To ensure this, NEMCA:
- offers incentives to promoters to include races specifically for Cat 4 and 5 masters
- includes specific races for Cat 4 and 5 masters in all events that we promote or help to promote
- includes categories for Cat 4 and 5 masters in the NEMCA Championship Series
- conducts seminars and clinics designed to hone the skills of Cat 4 and 5 masters
- serves as an advocate for Cat 4 and 5 masters in New England
The NEMCA Championship Series
Competing in masters cycling events can be a hugely fulfilling experience, but it’s not easy to make your mark. NEMCA established the Northeast Masters Championship Series as a means to recognize and award the performance of members that compete in designated bicycle races.
The series currently consists of as many as 15 (depending on the NEMCA category) specially selected road races, criteriums and time trials in New England that are friendly to NEMCA's 22 competitor categories. At the end of the season, awards are presented for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each NEMCA category
Men’s NEMCA Categories Women’s NEMCA Categories
35-39 Cat 1-3 35-39 Cat 1-4
40-44 Cat 1-3 40-44 Cat 1-4
45-49 Cat 1-3 45-49 Cat 1-4
50-54 Cat 1-3 50-54 Cat 1-4
55-59 Cat 1-3 55-59 Cat 1-4
60-64 Cat 1-5 60-64 Cat 1-4
65-69 Cat 1-5 65-69 Cat 1-4
70-74 Cat 1-5 70-74 Cat 1-4
75-79 Cat 1-5 75-79 Cat 1-4
45+ Cat 4
55+ Cat 4
45+ Cat 5
55+ Cat 5
Join NEMCA Today!
If you’ are between the ages of 35 and 80, NEMCA opens the door to a world of cycling that provides something truly fulfilling, from the comradeship of masters everywhere to the thrill of athletic achievement. To join our growing ranks, simply fill out the online application at Member Signup / Information.
Remember, NEMCA is here to help you get the most from the sport you love. So, let us help you on your way.