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Road races are probably the most well known type of competitive cycling.
The most famous road race in the world being the Tour de France. This
is held over three weeks, though most cyclists never experience road races
on this level. More usually, especially in this country, they are held
on a single day.
Races usually have 60 to 80 starters and are held both on specially built closed circuits and on the open road. The objective in a road race is to be the first person over the line. Time is usually unimportant, only placings matter.
To ride in road races a competitor needs a racing licence. The governing body, British Cycling will have more information on these. Alternatively any club member will be able to help you.
So that the riders in a road race are evenly matched, races are ranked for either Elite, 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th category riders. If a rider performs well, he or she will amass points on their racing licence. The more points means the better they are and the more difficult and longer the races are they can ride. Everybody begins with a 4th category licence and moves up the rankings according to their results and ability.
The club organises two road races each year, the entry forms, maps and organiser’s contact details of which can be found here. |
