Standards in competitive cycling in America?

Question

What's the standard of competitive cycling like in the U.S. in comparison to cycling in Europe? I already know that cycling's more popular in Europe. Tour de France, Giro d'Italia etc, while America has little well known races.

What's the standard like for 10 mile (16km) time trials or 60 mile (100km) road races where you live?

Answer 1

USACycling.org - We have a Category ranking in the USA Cat 1-5.  5 = beginner, 1 = semi pro.  Most domestic professionals in the US are Cat 1's on the road and/or track.  I have no idea how rankings are done in Europe, but I can say that the real competition is overseas.  Most american professional cyclists do spend time in Europe to train and race on occasion.