Castle Combe Series

The most important thing will be to keep your line and don't make any sudden movements. Also try to avoid overlapping the wheel in front. I think they have big groups so you should get a decent amount of shelter, the course can be a bit breezy. I would also say warm up really well, build in some sprint efforts towards the end. The first few laps of those sorts of race tend to be the hardest before everyone settles down so you need to be ready for it, I have quite often been dropped in the first couple of laps of a circuit race but then sat in easily once the bunch has lapped me for this reason.

I did my first race last week on a circuit, 4th cat only and was very surprised at how fast the pace was. I made the mistake of leading out on lap 3, and was blown to the back and spat out in around 20 seconds and took me 5 laps to regain my breathing and drop my heart rate. Until you get used to it, I would sit in the peleton for your first few races and makes sure your happy with the pace, don't be a hero!
Once I got back on, I found it quiet easy and managed to sprint for the finish line with the front lot so was pleased with my result.

My advice is, don't get intimidated by any other rider, some of the fastest looking guys on the most expensive bikes were the first to get spat out the back. In fact the guy who won the race just had black shorts and black top on a standard bike.

Defiantly hold your line, look around regularly, as if you are in your car! Be aware of who is around you and don't panic when riders get close. I clipped bars and was leant on, but just hold your cool!

If its a bunch sprint, which it more than likely will be, don't go too early, my friend lead out the last lap and went with around 600 metres to go he came 35th!!.. I spent most of the time at the back and managed to come 11th.

Oh and if there are females racing, pick a fit one and sit behind her its a great way to speed up the hour! and takes your mind off the race! enjoy.. I came home smiling, was a great experience.

Cookie91 wrote:

Also on the last lap for the sprint providing you're near the front, i would say it's best to enter the last corner on the far right (widest) ,but you hold the most speed and you don't get boxed in as everything tries to cut in on the inside. Also everyone bunches up on the inside of that corner and slow down. Although if your in a breakaway by yourself or a few others, scrap what i said and take the best line!

+1!