First race recommendation, UK

Hi,
I am 38 and have done a few sportives over the last 2 years. For the last 6 months I have training quite regularly 3-4 times a week. I would like try some racing. What kind of events (ideally close to London) would you recommend?
I have been looking at the British Cycling website to learn more about categories. I guess I would need to start in either Regional B, Regional C/C+ or Go-Race categories (Are Go-Races only for under 23 riders?)
Thank you
I am 38 and have done a few sportives over the last 2 years. For the last 6 months I have training quite regularly 3-4 times a week. I would like try some racing. What kind of events (ideally close to London) would you recommend?
I have been looking at the British Cycling website to learn more about categories. I guess I would need to start in either Regional B, Regional C/C+ or Go-Race categories (Are Go-Races only for under 23 riders?)
Thank you
0
Posts
Go-Race events will be fewer and further between, but worth attending for the experience - bear in mind there are no ranking points on offer at go-race events..
OK. Thank you for the information.
The nature of Crits result in 50 guys all fighting for the racing line, majority of the time this is fine and goes safely, but when you are red lining it for 5 or 6 laps it's easy to lose focus and take a "micro shortcut" to save that little bit of energy you have left.
Not saying I do this, but when I'm absolutely hanging out of my backside, I can see how accidents can happen.
I was forced off the course last year when I was going for my only victory, in an uphill sprint with one bend to go I was in second wheel directly behind the guy leading, then the guy on the outside decided he wanted my position and took my line, only thing I could do was brake hard and veer left onto the grass. Finished 4th, the guy who cut me up won. I was gutted, but that's racing.
I now find that I sit up with 3 or 4 laps to go if things don't feel safe, that's racing 2nd and 3rd Cat. Road racing feels a bit more safe, but that's generally due to the pack having reduced and the fact that it's me wayyyyyy back so I'm not sprinting for the win. My season starts in March, hoping the weather is dry, might even be tempted to use disc brakes.
Generally road races are less crashy than crits - wider roads means less chumps fighting for the line and better groups forming. That's not always the case though - the Eddie Soens is round Aintree racecourse, which is about 60 feet wide but is a noted crashfest cos of the 3rd and 4th cat choppers (like me) mixing with real bike racers.
Specialising in Git Daaahns and Cafs. Norvern Munkey/Transplanted Laaandoner.