Beginners Guide to Road Racing

Ribble Valley CRC has an active racing membership with several BC licence holders. If you are interested in road racing, there are lots of people in the club who can help and give advice.

Here is some general information and advice for anyone thinking of having a go at cycle racing. There are events for cyclists of all standards so you don't need to be Lance Armstrong to take part!

What is a Road Race?

A road race is a where the cyclists all start together in a group. The winner is the first rider across the finish line. The time taken to cover the course is not important, it is all about finishing position.

Some races are organised on the open road and have an escort of several vehicles which ensure the cyclists are protected from other road users. Courses are well marshalled and signposted.

Other races are organised on closed circuits, i.e. there is no other traffic on the circuit. There are two closed circuits not very far from Preston, these are at Cottam (Preston) and Scale Hall (Lancaster).

How do I take part?

Most races in the UK are organised under 'British Cycling' rules. British Cycling is the recognised body for cycle sport in the UK. Click HERE to go to their web site.

In order to race, you must first purchase a racing license. This allows you to race in British Cycling rules events for a year. It is possible in some events to buy a day license but for most riders who intend to compete in more than a few races, the annual license in the best option.

Once you have a license, you will be sent the Race Calendar of all events in the UK. To enter a race you must fill out the standard entry form and send it to the organiser with an entry fee (usually between £6 and £10).

If you are accepted into the event, you will be sent a race program and a list of the other entrants.

Some events allow entry on the day, if the race has not exceeded its entry limit. Races on open road courses have limited fields (usually 60 riders) so can get full. Closed circuit events usually allow larger fields and do not usually become full.

What equipment do I need?

You will need a normal road bike which is in good working order. i.e. the brakes function correctly and the transmission runs smoothly. The other requirement is a helmet which is compulsory in road races. You should wear either a club jersey or a plain cycling top. Specialist time trial equipment such as triathlon handlebars and disc wheels is not permitted.

How fit do I need to be?

You do need a basic level of cycling fitness for road racing. Generally if you can keep up on club rides you will be ok. In training you should be able to average 18 mph for one hour with a moderate amount of effort. Cycle race speeds usually average between 22 mph and 25 mph but this is a lot easier in a group than on your own. The effect of riding behind another cyclist greatly reduces the effort needed as you are shielded from the effects of wind resistance by the front rider.

In cycle racing the pace can vary tremendously from an easy pace to all out effort. The sudden changes in pace and the acceleration are the most difficult parts to deal with. You should practice for this by including some short but fast bursts into your normal cycling. Club rides are good practice for this.

When you apply for a racing license, you will be given a Category 4 license. This is the novice category. Points are awarded in races if you finish in the top ten. If you get enough points in a season you are promoted a category. The categories go 4, 3, 2, 1 and Elite.

Road Races are also organised by category. So some events are open to all categories of rider, and other events are restricted to certain categories. As a beginner, you would enter only races with Cat 4 or Cat 3 riders in to ensure you are competing against cyclists of a similar standard. The Category system is an important part of UK road racing as most riders are aiming to get promoted to the next category.

Group Riding.

Riding in a large group of cyclists can be unnerving at first. However there is an ettiquette to group cycling which once understood, makes group riding a lot easier. The best way of getting familiar with group riding is to join in on club rides and observe what other more experienced riders do. There are some unwritten rules for group cycling but once you have ridden with a group a few times, you start to pick up the do's and don'ts. Group riding is surprisingly safe and there are not many crashes in races caused by riders colliding.

I want to have a go.

The information above covers the basics of cycle racing in the UK. If you want to have a go at a road race check out the road racing calendar page on the BC Website and see what Cat 4 events are coming up in the area. Select a closed circuit event and check with the organiser that you can enter by buying a day license. Other members of the club will be happy to help and give advice.

Road racing is good fun, exhilerating, and gets you fit! Once you have ridden one you will be probably be hooked and planning your next race.....