Hey - some questions.

RobG100
RobG100 Posts: 40
edited June 2010 in Road beginners
Hey, I'm new to road racing, and I'm entering at Castle Combe on Thursday, I just have a few questions about entry.

I'm not a member of British Cycling, nor do I have a provisional or full racing license. Is it possible to enter on the day and to buy a day license when I get there? I understand it costs some money.

It's a regional C+ race.

Also, what do you think my suitablity is for the race, I'm 17, and have been cycling for the last year and a half, I've done 3000 miles in that time. I can do 10 miles in roughly 26mins, and 20 miles in 55mins. However stustaining that speed for longer than that would be a problem. I have a Specialized Allez 09, with upgraded wheels.

Comments

  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    RobG100 wrote:
    Also, what do you think my suitablity is for the race, I'm 17, and have been cycling for the last year and a half, I've done 3000 miles in that time. I can do 10 miles in roughly 26mins, and 20 miles in 55mins. However stustaining that speed for longer than that would be a problem. I have a Specialized Allez 09, with upgraded wheels.

    fitness is only one aspect of bunch racing - you could be the fittest guy in the race, but if you have no racecraft, you could still be out the back on the first lap.
  • RobG100
    RobG100 Posts: 40
    Yeah, I have no experience at all of the Peloton, any tips?
  • STEFANOS4784
    STEFANOS4784 Posts: 4,109
    Here's a tip;

    Post in the amateur race section. :wink:

    I'm not sure you can race without a licence due to insurance or something but the guys over there will be able to tell you :)
    winter beast: http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr34 ... uff016.jpg
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  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    RobG100 wrote:
    Yeah, I have no experience at all of the Peloton, any tips?

    ride straight, hold the wheel of the guy in front of you and try to stay in the middle of the bunch at least until the race settles down (which might take a few laps). All easier said than done, unfortunately.

    Look in the amateur race forum - there are probably a few threads in there worth looking at...
  • RobG100
    RobG100 Posts: 40
    Ah sorry for posting in the wrong section. New to the Forums you see :wink:
    And yes, I'm not looking at coming first, just hopefully not last!

    I thought a day license could insure you? I'm just double checking, since I don't want to travel down there just to come all the way back again.
  • Lillywhite
    Lillywhite Posts: 742
    RobG100 wrote:
    I can do 10 miles in roughly 26mins, and 20 miles in 55mins. However stustaining that speed for longer than that would be a problem.

    The speed you mention is a consistent effort and you probably notice a difference in a 4th category or even 3rd/4th category event in that the speed will go up and down as people try to break away at the front of the peloten and the bunch react and close it down.

    The only way to see if you are suited is to give it a bash. Try to keep out of trouble, keep your line, don't overlap wheels with the guy in front and try not to crash. Best of luck. :wink:
  • RobG100
    RobG100 Posts: 40
    @Lillywhite, do you know anything about my race eligiblility?
  • Lillywhite
    Lillywhite Posts: 742
    RobG100 wrote:
    @Lillywhite, do you know anything about my race eligiblility?

    Have you done any bunch riding on club runs etc where you are riding in a group of say 8-12 riders? If not then I would recommend this, before racing, since I've been reading on Veloriders forum of a lot of instances where newbies with no bunch/group experience have been causing crashes, through lack of experience, on closed circuits such as Mallory Park and the Hillingdon circuit.
  • RobG100
    RobG100 Posts: 40
    Yep, I've done some cycling with a few people before in a group, not a race though.

    Can anyone answer my first question, about getting a Day Licence?
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    RobG100 wrote:
    Yep, I've done some cycling with a few people before in a group, not a race though.

    Can anyone answer my first question, about getting a Day Licence?

    Try the right forum, probably plenty can answer your question.
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  • Lillywhite
    Lillywhite Posts: 742
    RobG100 wrote:
    Can anyone answer my first question, about getting a Day Licence?

    All the information you need can be obtained from British Cycling's web-site who are responsible for the issue of licences.

    To help you out suggest you read this:-

    http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/ ... _TRACK.pdf

    Technical Regs 4 to 7 (pages 80-85) should answer any queries that you have. If not then give British Cycling a ring. :wink:
    The race organiser at Castle Coombe may also be able to answer your query.
  • RobG100
    RobG100 Posts: 40
    It's in the evening, 7.30pm start, and thank you Lillywhite.

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