| New
to Cycling? |
Are you Interested in Competitive Cycling?
The South Region has over 100+ cycling clubs which are all
registered to the BC and enable their members to compete in
all aspects of cycling racing, being it BMX racing, MTB Enduro's,
Track cycling, Cyclo-cross or Road and Circuit Racing. |
| It can be a daunting step when you first become
interested in cycling as what at first glance may seem simple,
can soon become confusing as you discover the diversity of
the sport, the different types of events held, the rules and
regulations that have to be followed, and knowing who to contact
for help and support.
Joining your local cycling
club is the first step you will need to undertake if you
require further information about cycling events within your
local area. |
| From here you will be able to mix with other
club members, learn about and gather valuable information
on what to do, where to go and who to speak to, or help guide
you in the right direction. |
| A new competitor or social rider can 'buy
into' the local knowledge of a cycling club, as members will
know the best routes and have a wealth of information about
races and training that you could attend. The club may also
organise events such as Time Trials and Road Races.
Although there are a number of cycling bodies in the UK, such
as the Cycling Time Trials (CTT), Cyclist's Touring Club (CTC),
British Triathlon Association, and more, British Cycling is
the internationally recognised Governing Body in Britain for
all cycle sport (racing) in BMX, Cycle Speedway, Cyclo-Cross,
Mountain Bike, Road and Track.
|
About Road Racing
Road Racing is massed-start cycle racing on roads or tarmac
circuits. The first rider over the finish line wins, with
anything from twenty to almost 200 competitors, depending
on the event.
In the UK, events range from short Youth and Juvenile (under
16) races of 20km or less, through club level events for adults
of between 40km and 100km, to Elite-level one day races of
200km or more. |
|
| The majority of adult racing takes place on public
roads, though there are an increasing number of circuit events,
either on roads closed to other traffic or on specially constructed
circuits, some which are shared with other sports like motor
racing and kart racing, others are purpose built for cycling.
All under-16 racing takes place on traffic-free closed circuits. |
About Circuit Racing
Road Racing beginners usually find their feet in easier
events and there's no better place to start than Circuit
Race meetings.
These events often have several races catering for a range
of abilities and age groups and are an ideal environment
in which to learn the bike handling and tactical skills
necessary to succeed, without the additional stress of being
on the public highway.
Lap distance is usually between one and four kilometres,
so if you get "dropped" (i.e. left behind), catch
your breath and wait for the main group to come round, and
join again!
A British Cycling membership and Licence are usually needed
for most events.
Get
into Road and Circuit Racing >>>
|
| About
Track Racing |
| Track racing takes
place on short specially built tracks consisting of
two tight, banked corners joined by two short straights.
Tracks range hugely in length - outdoor
tracks usually being longer and with shallower bankings
- but Olympic and World Championship Track racing is
generally held on indoor 250m wooden tracks. Many outdoor
tracks are concrete or tarmac surfaced.
Track bikes are relatively simple,
lacking the gears and brakes of their Road cousins.
With bikes having a fixed wheel (forcing you to pedal
continuously) the rider controls the speed through pressure
applied to the pedals.
|
|
About Mountain Biking
Downhill: Riders race individually
against the clock pitting themselves against a challenging
succession of jumps, bumps, berms (cambered corners)
and drop-offs on a course which is predominantly downhill
- often dropping between 300 and 600 metres in perhaps
2.5 km of racing! Races usually last between 2 and 5
minutes. |
For Downhill, a full-face helmet and
body armour are recommended! Bikes are highly specialised,
featuring several inches of suspension front and rear.
Frames are strong and light. Tyres are very broad and
heavily knobbled.
Transmission consists of only a single front sprocket
and the chain has guides to help keep it on through
the heavy knocks and vibration of competition. Brakes
are very powerful discs. Weight is less of an issue
than in Cross-Country and geometry is set up to provide
straight line stability. |
|
4 Cross (4X):
4-Cross pits 4 riders at a time against each other over
a short, mainly downhill course: usually a mixture of
natural and man-made obstacles including stutter bumps,
double jumps, table tops, step ups, drop offs, moguls,
bermed or off camber corners and gap jumps.
First over the line wins and events usually involve
a series of qualifying rounds or "motos" and
then semis and finals. The start is controlled by a
BMX-style mechanical gate. Get
into Downhill and 4X Mountain Biking >>>
|
Cross Country and Marathon:
Endurance, fitness and machine control all
combine to make a top Cross-Country rider. Riders start
together (massed start) and compete on a marked lap
(typically three to six kilometres) with climbing, descending,
single-track and technical sections (tight turns, narrow
tracks, rocks, mud or other difficult terrain). |
|
| Less experienced riders
tackle fewer laps. Elite level riders race for up to 2
and a half hours and an even longer "Marathon"
category made its debut at the 2003 World Championships
- Marathons can be 50km, 100km or even 150km in length.
Get
into Cross Country and Marathon Mountain Biking >>> |
|
Enduro Events: As well as hard-core Cross-Country
and Marathon racing, there has been a huge growth in Enduro
racing in recent years.
Enduros comes in many forms - 100km and 12 and 24 hours (often
with two and four man team options) are just some of the popular
options.
Huge fields make for a great atmosphere and, whilst the more
able riders treat them as seriously as any other race, for
many they are a chance to enjoy riding in company or have
a weekend away with friends. |
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