Explain cycling races/disciplines
mxmike1991
Posts: 56
Pretty new to the road cycling scene. I am doing it for fitness a training for another sport but it would be nice to do a few races for some thing to aim for. Now I have seem a lot of 'sportive' events but people say these are not actually races. I am usually run, so compete in 10ks, and I basically want something similar, actaully a competition . What would be best to find such races, as all the events I have seen on British cycling are sportives. Could someone explain please? And would I need a to join a local club?
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https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/road/ ... d-racing-0
and the race calendar is definitely on there too, just use the filter options to find the events you are after..
Sportives are certainly not races as such, but almost all give Gold/silver/bronze finisher medals and a chipped time, so many riders treat them as such, all that is missing is a podium!
They usually cost between £20-£50 for an event, but no other membership is required.
To do well is a test of general fitness and you'll have to be comfortable riding around others. But ultimately your time will be depend on the luck of which groups you get riding with and the pace they're doing (more the case the flatter the course).
Time trials: Time trials are organised on set courses by local clubs. Riders set off as individuals and ranked by their finishing time. Drafting is strictly not allowed and the results are a direct competition.
Local clubs will often run an evening series for members, costing £3-£5 a ride for 5-25 mile events. You'll often need to be a member of local club to ride though. At a higher standard are 'open' events held at weekends. Costs are £5-£15 and in addition to being a member of a club.
To do well is a test of pacing, power and ability to hold a aerodynamic position. Similarly to running there is a emphasis on personal bests of set distances or set courses.
Road racing: Road racing is mass start race where drafting is allowed. Races are typically run by clubs, but under British Cycling rules. The distances and courses vary. There will be National Escort Riders and marshals on junctions on open roads, or the races will be held on a closed circuits (motor racing track or purpose built cycling circuit). Races are banded by level and open to different category of riders (elite down to 4ths based upon British Cycling points achieved in previous events).
Races cost between £15-£40 to enter, but you'll also need to be a member of British Cycling and Cycling club. At first you'll be limited to which events you can enter, until you score ranking points and move up categories, opening up higher bands of races.
Doing well is a test of fitness, but also bike handling and tactics. You'll need to make sure your at the front if the pack splits, or get in breaks with the best riders. If the finish comes down to a sprint good positioning and explosive power are required. The variation in courses and riders strengths will decide which tactics are best to use. Unlike time trialing completing the course in a 'good time' or setting 'PB's) is not the aim, only to get a top finishing position.
Audax: Organised long distance ride, however the exact course is not set, you just have to go through the correct check points. The key thing is that the distance are typically very long (starting from 200k i think). There won't be big pelotons like in road racing, but sometimes small groups.
To do well is very much about proper pacing, eating well, and good navigation. I think prizes are awarded to the fastest finishers (not done a Audax myself), but the impression I get is that it's more about the personal achievement of completing the course (and huge distances).
Having read the Audax website it clearly states they are not a race though (edited post above)!
I reckon if there's an equivalent in terms of duration a 10 mile run and a sporting 25 mile TT is pretty close.
I did a couple of TTs when I was doing running races too so I would definitely recommend trying at least a 10M TT first and maybe consider a 25 too if you are used to doing 10/HM foot races. I found them a shock to the system as I was not bad at running but my TT times were censored .
Ignore all the flash kit around you and the silly helmets. ;-)
TTs are a bit more serious and probably closer to the 10k for serious runners because the distances are fixed (sportives vary) so you can track 10 mile/25 mile PBs etc etc.
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Sometimes they give out awards to fastest man/woman, or to top 3... This is probably pushing the limits on what's allowed, but I've seen it done (Etape Loch Ness for one)...
But there is generally a staggered start and it's not "first across the line wins", it's more like a TT in that it's the fastest time.
Wow, regularly runs under 30 mins? He might want to think about the Commonwealth Games. Olympic qualifying time is sub-28 for 10,000m this year, Commonwealth Games tends to be higher (29 mins or thereabouts).
The only things that will hold you back are your cycling fitness, pacing, and getting enough food and drink down you.
As long as it fits you and it's roadworthy, it's not about the bike...