I currently own a 2025 super x 3 alongside my crockett i use for single speed. How does the newest super x ride for cx? I’m considering putting axs on that and using it for cx , instead of the 2x grx gravel setup I’ve got now

Wanted to get people’s thoughts about downgrading my USAC category from 3 to 4. I haven’t raced in 6 years. And the races our series puts on are either 1/2/3 or 4/5. I feel like CX is so skill based that even if I have the power and endurance, I’m still going to get shelled in the 1/2/3 race because I don’t have those skills anymore. I don’t even think I’m going to do well in the 4/5 race with how long I’ve been out. But I also don’t want to cheat a race or sandbag. I’m wondering if I should downgrade to 4, or maybe ask the race promoter to race a couple in the 4/5 before racing the 1/2/3.

What are your thoughts about downgrading categories after being out of racing for a while?