Club Championships are once again upon us, and this Saturday – 17th September 2016 – sees the first 2 events – Skills and Time Trials – kick off during our annual Family Fun Day. If you missed the previous blog post on this, click here for an overview (including all the dates) to the Club Champs for 2016, and click here for an intro to the Fun Day and what that’s all about.
We would encourage ALL our members to take part in Club Champs, regardless of whether you are a first timer or an old hand at this! Every event gains you some points – even just for taking part – and it’s all in the interest of healthy competition and FUN. There is an FAQ page here on the Club Champs you can refer to if you have any questions, but for those of you coming along on Saturday, read on to find out a bit more about what you can expect when you compete in the Skills event…
Sign On & Event Schedule for Skills
Sign on times are as normal and this will close at 9.30am sharp – unfortunately latecomers won’t be able to participate as we need to do a bit of admin for the skills judges, so please be on time to avoid disappointment! Skills events will run throughout the morning and are likely to go on until after noon – keep an eye out on the News Hub for the final age category schedule, which will be published shortly.
Is the Skills Event Worth Doing?
The skills component of the club champs is by far the most important. This is the event that can make or break the battle to become a Club Champion. Overall, we hold 5 events, of which 4 count towards a placing, but the skills are mandatory in order to be in the running. Also, in the event of a tie, the highest placed skills rider takes precedence. Why? Because good bike handling skills are at the centre of everything we do – so this is your chance to shine!
How Does the Skills Event Work?
There are two courses, one for U6, U8, U10 and U12 age categories; plus a second course for U14 and U16. Both courses include slalom and bottle pick-up, with the main difference being the course for U12 and younger includes a limbo section, whilst the U14 and older riders are required to do a 5 second track stand. Click here to view photos of Slipstreamers in action during the 2015 Skills Champs event.
- Click the image below to view the skills course layout and description for U6/ U8/ U10/ U12
- Click the image below to view the skills course layout and description for U14/ U16
Where on the Circuit is the Skills Event?
The skills courses will be held on the circuit directly in front of the Clubhouse entrance – so it’s great to watch and encourage the riders as they take to their respective courses. Riders will wait on either side of their respective courses, until they are called to take part.
The Skills Event Rules
Of course there are some rules around the skills competition. Each rider is timed, and if something is not completed properly then a time penalty is given. You may think that it might be quicker to fail to do the course properly at all, and just pick up the penalties. But no, this is against the spirit of the competition and if a rider fails to attempt the course properly then he/she may be disqualified!
Penalties of 5 seconds ARE accumulated for:
- Missing or knocking over a cone in the slalom. A cone may be nudged, but if significantly moved or run over, then the penalty shall be given.
- Dropping a bottle or the bottle falling off the landing crate. The bottle does not need to be upright but it does need to land on the crate.
- Knocking the limbo bar off. Disqualified if the rider does not attempt it.
- Putting a foot down in the track stand area – plus the additional time remaining of the track stand. If a rider rides through without stopping the rider will be disqualified for not trying.
- Moving out of the track stand area.
- Failing to dismount at the dismount line The riders can scoot towards the line, but they must be fully dismounted as they push their bikes around the turning point and must not mount again until over the mounting line.
- If the bike does not travel around the end cone, for example, the rider turns the bike around, this shall also attract a penalty.
Where Penalties are NOT given:
- There is no penalty for putting a foot down in the slalom.
- A rider can stop and pick up/ put down the bottle on the crate – no penalty is given as the rider will be losing time already by doing this!
What Bike Should Be Used?
Bring along the one you are most comfortable on – some prefer using their road bikes, others their mountain bikes. Whatever works best for you. Remember that if you do bring multiple bikes, you need to make sure these are securely locked when not in use – it is a public park after all so please do bear this in mind. The Club cannot be held responsible if your bike goes missing. If you want to hire a bike for the day, you may do so – but this will be on a first come first served basis – so make sure you are on time to avoid disappointment!
Finally…
Parents, it is highly likely you are the first to read this blog – please ensure your children taking part are aware of the content and what to expect on Saturday. It is, after all, their club and their championship event. It is also important to note that if a member misses the skills event on Saturday, this cannot be made up another time. However, we’d encourage our members not to be disheartened and to take part in the other events – if anything, it’s great fun and for those of you new to cycle competition, it’s a good way to experience this for the first time. We would love to see you all taking part this year – so participate, give it your best, and let’s all have a good time!
As usual, keep an eye out on Twitter for the latest updates and if you have any questions, please contact the Admin Team (contacts are your newsletter).