Also see the TTs – how to, times and standards section under ‘Activities’ on our top menu

How do I enter races?

It depends on the type of race. Races may be pre-entry only, entry on the line [EOL] only or both pre-entry and EOL. When both it usually costs more to EOL. For EOL you just turn up and fill in an entry sheet [and sometimes a form as well] on the day. When you pre-enter you must use the correct entry sheet. Most races are covered by the three entry forms which are: a British Cycling road race entry form, a British Cycling track entry form and a BSCA entry form.  BC Road Entry, BC Track Entry, BSCA Entry

How can I get involved in racing at a higher level? RSRs and Club Clusters

Training achievement log and training advice

See the linked file in the title

Track riding at a higher level, member’s views

Member Georgina Burnett writes:

“a few tips that may help others to prepare for the upcoming race seasons either down at Preston Park or up at Lee Valley.

1. A useful thing to get confident on is being able to use your rollers, this may be hard at first and take a lot of practice but once you’ve got the hang of it they will become very useful to keep warm in-between races.

2. BC Warmup this is a 30 minute workout that once you’ve gotten good at I would recommend using before races but first I will link it to this email so that you can have a go at it and practice it over the next upcoming weeks. The BC Warmup is very useful when it comes to getting your leg speed/Cadence up, this help to prevent bouncing out of your saddle on the tracks when you are trying your hardest and not quite going as fast as hoped.

In the first few weeks after about 12 of the 20 lap Race it will be hard and you will drift off the back of the Peloton and you may even get pulled out by the Commissaire but after your first 2-3 weeks you would have gotten a feel for the pace and then would be able to adjust the training to your liking.

3.) Going out for Saturday/Sunday rides. I know this is an obvious one but sometimes does get forgotten, an extra 20-30 miles on your legs always helps and will assist you when it comes to staying with the peloton on long distance races for example 20 lap races. Once you have gotten used to going distances like this (Not saying that you can’t already) you could consider adding short sprinting periods along quiet roads to get endurance for when you sprint (also may make you feel better when you drop the person you ride with).

4.) Timings of when you eat. Again another easy one but many people under estimate the amount of time you need to leave between your eating and racing. I would suggest 3 hours but I know this is not always possible so if you only have 1-2 make sure you don’t eat as much as your usually do and no sugary things eg chocolate.

These are all the main things I do to prepare for racing. If there is any things you’d like to suggest don’t be afraid to message my dad or to enquire about any of the above tips.”

Member Izzy Stone writes

Track riding at a higher level, parent’s views

From parent Richard Burnett:

What you need:

UK TRACK Accreditation at Lee Valley (other venues like Herne Hill, Bournemouth are introducing their own versions of this), without this they will not let you race there. What it involves is turning up on 4 consecutive weeks for a 2 hour session that you are coached by Lee Valley up to a standard that they think will make you good and safe enough rider to race on their Track. This cannot be done in just one or two visits.

We spent every Monday of last October travelling up there to get her accredited. Due to her Track experience at Preston Park I would say she easily was one of the better skilled cyclists on the course, so your time at Preston Park Track will serve you well.

You must have a current BC licence, after you have passed the course you then ask BC to send you an up to date BC Licence with the terms UK Track Accredited printed on it. (You will need to present this on the Race nights and surrender the licence to the ‘sign on team’ to get your race numbers. Also every night your bike is gear checked.

The competition is tough. The racing is fast. The other girls are strong. 

Training starts now!

As a parent you have to pick up daughter straight from school and get on the motorway to Lee Valley. (M23,M25 and A2 thru Blackwall Tunnel is the best route for me). On a good day you will get there by 5pm, on a bad night 7pm all depends on the Dartford and Blackwall Tunnel Traffic. If you leave no later than 3.30pm you should be ok as you tend to be ahead of the rush hour traffic.You need to take some food with you for her to eat on the way there, and some food for her to eat after her last race. Racing finishes around 9.30 and you will not get home before 11pm. Take a pillow and a blanket so she can sleep on the way back, otherwise Friday at school will be tough. The League is run every fortnight, it is tough but enjoyable and quite an experience. Start November and goes onto end of March 2016, only 9 races this winter as one of the weeks in February is busy with UCI stuff. Each race night costs about £10 to enter.

From Allan Stone

There will be lots of running around and traveling for Mums and Dads but regarding the RSR and BC (British Cycling), its a great platform for you to move forward if
they are interested in you, its you the rider who has to work hard on you bike. I underline ownership to Izzy, BC it seems to me, are after individuals who can think for themselves, are independent, wish to learn and push themselves.

Your family will be your support and has to be there but it is you and only you that can take the next step, at the RSR, you will get like minded children, some who are really dedicated and strong but from looking on as a Dad are a great bunch and a great bunch to be around. If you are racing and on this programme and are doing well, your name will start popping up and you will be asked or be selected for different things, like the Prudential youth GP, which Izzy loved.