This page sets out to show what is available and how to go about it for a novice. The season for Time Trials (TT) and Road Races (RR) runs from March through to October. Firstly there are 3 main types of racing/competition: -
The basic idea is to cover a set course against the clock on your own; it is also know as “the race of truth”. This is possiblely the easiest form of racing to enter for a novice as there are all sorts of abilities in time trials but the person you are racing against is yourself. For this reason we encourage beginners to try time trials first if they want to see how fast they can go. They are often pleasantly surprised!
There are 2 levels of TT’s, club and open: -
A club TT is for club members only, i.e. you must be a first or second claim member of the club to enter. These are generally run in the evening during the week, ours are most Tuesdays from April through to September at Weston on the Green.
An Open TT is for anyone to enter, these are generally run at the weekend and details can be found in the CTT handbook or on the CTT website.
There are various types of TT: -
Standard or traditional distances, these are over 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles or 12/24 hours. These are usually run on flattish and fast courses, be aware that some of these fast courses use major dual carriageways, i.e. A34, A1 and A43, etc.
Circuit TTs are run over a circuit of public roads for a number of laps, not usually main roads and generally include a hill.
Hilly/hardriders TT’s are run over courses that are deliberately hard and/or hilly, again they are generally run on quieter roads but mainly at the start of the season.
Hill climbs, vary between the very steep and short to long less steep hills, are run from September through October.
What do you need and how do I enter?
You only need a bike, you can ride any bike but a road bike is going to be the easiest/fastest option. Unless you are under 18 you don’t need a crash helmet. A word of warning there is a rule that outlaws trade kit, i.e. replica kit. For both club and open TT’s you may not be allowed to ride if do wear trade it, it depends on the timekeeper(s). So if in doubt wear either club kit or plain kit.
To enter a club event you just need to turn up 15 minutes or so before the race is due to start, sign-on (enter Name & details) and pick up your race number. The number should be attached in the middle of your shirt at the bottom, unless you are told otherwise. The number will also denote when you start, or when the clock is started. Now warm up and arrive at the start 2 or so minutes before you are due to start. At the start you may be held upright with you shoes clipped in. As the start time approaches the timekeeper will count down to the off. Once finished hand your number back and wait for the race to finish and then get your time from the timekeeper.
For an Open event, you will have to fill in an entry form and send it to the organiser along with your entrance fee. The form is available on the CTT site and should you need any help then ask any of the experienced racers. You should then receive a start sheet in the post; this can arrive anytime before the race. On this will be you number and your start time, along with details of the event HQ. On race day make your way to the HQ aiming to arriving about 20-30 minutes before your start time. You need to sign-on, usually a table in the HQ with a form taped to the table. Sign next to your name and pick up your race number(s). From here on it’s the same as for a club event, although be careful not warm-up on the course and do u-turns in sight of the timekeeper. Once finished you time will be entered on a big board and generally you get a cup of tea and a cake when you hand your number(s) back. Also sometime after the event you will receive a finish sheet in the post.
Road racing is you against 60 or more other people riding in a big bunch (just like the Tour). The groups are made up of riders the same level as you so you won't be riding against the experts! If you want to RR then we would suggest that you try a few chain gang sessions to prepare for riding fast in close proximately to other riders.
There are a number of organisations that run RR: -
British Cycling (BC) – promote races for all age groups/abilities you will need to join and apply for a racing licence, around £65 for the cheaper option, but does include some insurance. They are the main RR organisation and riders are given categories, i.e. a novice will be a 4th Cat. There are many races see the website.
League of Veteran Racing Cyclists (LVRC) – promote races for the over 40’s, again you will need to join £12, includes licence. Races are categorised by age not ability and therefore it is unusual to line up alongside ex pros.
The League International (TLI) – promote races for all age groups/abilities. You will need to join around £30 although you can take day membership £2. Races include all abilities, but there are very few races in this area.
There are various types of RR:-
Road races are run either place to place or on circuit of roads for a number of laps. The roads are not closed, but there are various marshals controlling the traffic.
Circuit races are run on purpose built tracks (Hillingdon & Eastway), Motor racing circuits (Thruxton) and park roads (Milton Keynes bowl).
Criteriums are run in town centres with fully closed road but with a short lap with tight corners, only for the experienced.
As a novice you have a number of options to start RR: -
BC promote a number of “Entry level” races which don’t require a licence or membership, although it is usually cheaper if you are a member. These races are held on closed circuits and vary in length up to about an hour. As the field is generally all novices, although 4th cats can enter, the speed and standard of riding is variable. The entry is on the line (EOL), i.e. turn up before the start, and pay your entrance fee and sign-on.
TLI promote races just about every Sunday at Eastway (East London) with about 1 a month for novices. As above they are all EOL, details are on the Ciclosuno webpage. The circuit is rolling and with a number of tight corners.
What you do need and how to enter.
You will need a road bike, mountain bikes are not accepted, a crash helmet and your kit. Again it’s best to wear either club kit or plain kit. You will not be allowed to ride if you have Tri bars attached.
If a race is specified as EOL then you can just turn up and enter, this is probably safe with circuit races but with races on the road you run the risk of not starting. To pre-enter you will need to fill in a form, available form BC website, should you need any help then ask any of the experienced racers. You should then receive a race program in the post; this can arrive anytime before the race. On this will be your number and details of the circuit and the HQ. On race day make your way to the HQ aiming to arriving about 30-45 minutes before your start time. You need to sign-on, usually a table in the HQ with a form taped to the table. Sign next to your name and hand over your licence and pick up your race number(s). Usually there are 2 numbers, to go each side at the bottom of the shirt, but check that there are not instructions on how to attach you number. Next you should warm up arriving at the start about 10 minutes before for a briefing. Then it’s off for the race, if you do get dropped you can continue or ride back to the HQ. At the end, hand in your numbers for a cup of tea and cake again.
I have no idea but as it is run by BC then it is probably much the same as for RR. You will to bear in mind that most tracks will require that you be accredited before they will allow you race. Accreditation is gained by taking a test at the track, each track has it’s own test.
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