Road Racing
Gareth's April Racing Report
Thanks to Gareth for sending in the following report on his racing in April.
British Cycling oversees Road Racing in the UK. The club is affiliated with BC in the South East region. British Cycling promote a full calendar of events from February through to the end of October.
The club organises a road race as we are affiliated to the Surrey League. Veterans can also race through the LVRC
How to get started
You will need to be a member of British Cycling and be in possession of a racing licence. If you are a new member of the club you can obtain free bronze membership of British Cycling for your first year. To find out more about the various membership packages visit the British Cycling website. The club has as created a document with current background to the sport.
There are five categories of riders: Elite, First, Second, Third, and Fourth category.
As a new licence holder if you are over 16 years of age you will be issued with a Fourth category licence. Progression through the categories is achieved by gaining points for placings in races.
If you are aged between 16 and 18 you are classified as a Junior.
If you are under 16 you are classified as a Youth rider. As a youth rider the licence is free with membership and all riders are categorised by 2 year age bands running from under 16 to under 8.
As well as a licence you will need a standard road bike. Hard shell helmets are compulsory in road races. You also need to ride in your club colours when riding road races, although fourth category and youth riders may ride in any jersey and shorts.
Racing
Racing is held either on the open road or on closed circuits. All youth racing is held on closed circuits.
Where do I find out about the races?
All events are listed on the British Cycling calendar of events.
