For those who may be unfamiliar with the British Cycling racing licence system, racers start off in “4th Category”, then can progress to 3rd, 2nd, 1st and even Elite category by scoring points by finishing in the top ten in any race.
The idea is that you race against people of your own category, and therefore ability. There are usually separate races for men and women, and junior riders (16-18 years old) race with the men or women accordingly.
There is a huge and growing scene for the over-40s (officially called Masters, but usually called Veterans), where the races tend to be in age bands (over 40s, over 50s, over 60s – yes, really!).
Many of these races are on local, purpose-built or motor-racing circuits like Hillingdon, Thruxton, Goodwood and so on.
In addition to all of the above, the League of Veteran Racing Cyclists (LVRC) organises local races, plus regional and national series, with a far greater emphasis on road races – these races being held on the open road rather than on closed circuits.
Many of the local British Cycling road and circuit races are organised by the Surrey Cycle Racing League, of which the club is a long-standing member.
In short, there are races for young and old(er!), male and female, novice and elite riders.