This weekend, on Saturday, 4th November 2017, we will be running round 3 of the 2017 Club Champs events, and this time it’s the turn of the Road Races. We are holding out for clear skies and a dry morning, but rain (click here for a visual reminder of 2015’s downpour) or shine (as it was during 2016’s event – snaps here) it should be a great bunch of races.

Whether or not you have done this many times before, please ensure you read this post in it’s entirety as it contains details that you need to know, including information relating to our electronic timing equipment that we are using.

As ever, 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 Road Races event…

 

Road Races Club Champs Sign On Process & Important Info


Road Races Champs

There are a number of things to take note of when participating in Saturday’s Road Races Club Champs, which as per usual, are being run under British Cycling regulations. To find out more about what to expect, including the all important rules, follow this link here to visit our dedicated page on this.

Early Warm-Up: 8.30am - 9.15am

There will be an early session warm-up taking place for older riders only – usual rules apply i.e. 2nd year U12 and older. Be sure you have signed on first to receive your number and transponder before you join in and meet at the front of the clubhouse for set off in a group en masse. If you are not able to join the early session, do bring along your turbo/ rollers to warm up in front of the clubhouse if you prefer.

Sign-On: 8.15am – 9.30am

All members – whether you are racing the Road Races Champs or joining the Bronze Development on the Apron or the Mountain Bike sessions – must make their way to the clubhouse with payment and in good time before sign-on closes. We highly recommend you allow extra time for registration, gear checks, fitting transponders, etc – full details are in the schedule below.

The full process will be explained to you on Saturday, but to give you an idea, after you have signed on first

  • If you are racing in the Road Races, make your way to the Mechanics Hut to get your bike gear checked, then head to the apron area to line-up on time.
  • If you are not racing, and instead joining in the MTB or Bronze apron sessions, gather in the designated meeting points as noted in the schedule below.

IMPORTANT:  Unfortunately, anyone who arrives after 9.30am will not be able to take part, so please be on time to avoid disappointment and ensure you plan your journey with some contingency for traffic, putting on transponders, gear checks etc.

Gearing

All riders must report to the Mechanics Hut for a gear check AFTER sign on, and any time BEFORE their road race starts. If you haven’t signed on you will be sent straight back to the clubhouse to do so. Do ensure you allow enough time to get this done. Each rider will receive a sticker to indicate that gear checks have been undertaken and these will be checked at the start-line. There will also be ad hoc gear checks post races in accordance with British Cycling rules.

Electronic Timing

At sign-on, you will be issued with a number as well as a race-timing transponder /chip. You will need to ensure you take extreme care with this, and parents we would appreciate your support when these are issued. The transponder should be affixed to the fork, on the side away from the quick release using zip ties that will be provided. There will be a few printouts available to help you on the day, and of course a few Volunteers on had as well so don’t worry if you’ve never used one before. Once you have completed your race, you will need to return the transponder immediately to the sign-on desk in the club-house.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The transponders are expensive (£50 each) and members will not be allowed to sign-on again at the club whilst they have an non-returned transponder recorded.   Transponders are issued on the understanding that the rider is responsible for its care and return and assumes acceptance of liability for the cost of replacement in the event of loss.

Other Activities

You do not need to do the Club Champs road races if you don’t want to. Whilst there will not be regular circuit coaching, the following coaching activities will still be taking place:

  • Bronze Development skills coaching on the apron as normal. Meet your Coaches at the front of the clubhouse as usual.
  • Regular coaching for MTB Silver and MTB Gold groups will be in the bowl area and behind the clubhouse doing advanced skills. Meet your Coaches in front of the Mechanics Hut as usual.

What is the Schedule for the Day?

Please make sure you are clear on the time slots and what to expect, and parents do kindly pass this information onto our members – they are the ones who need to know what is happening!

 

Running Order & Event Times - Click to Expand

Sign On – ALL AGES – 8:15am – 9.30am

Early Session Warmup – 8:30am to 9:15am

Older riders only – usual rules apply i.e. 2nd year U12 and older. Meet front of clubhouse after sign on.

 

Main Session Activities – Ready to Start at 9.30am

Road Races Briefing

Meet at the Judge’s Hut – 9.30am

 

A Few Reminders

Allow enough time to get signed on, fit a transponder, be gear checked and get to the start line at the judges hut. Plan accordingly to avoid stress before your race.

All transponders must be returned immediately after your race.

Make your way to the judges hut at the apron in good time once you’ve been gear checked.

Riding up will NOT be permitted. Please kindly refrain from asking – the answer is no. If you’d like to understand why, read this

Be absolutely clear on permissible bikes and equipment – follow this link here for more.

Road and mountain bikes will be on loan from the Mechanics. There is no charge for Club Champs.

Provisional results will be posted as soon as possible. Please don’t distract the time keepers!

Whether you are Club Champs racing or joining Bronze or MTB sessions, make sure you are well fed and watered before the session, dressed accordingly for the weather, and most importantly HAVE FUN!

Bronze Development Group

Meet Front of Clubhouse – 9.30am

MTB Silver & Gold Groups

Meet at Mechanics Hut – 9.30am

Race 1 – 9.40am: 40 Minutes

  • Under 14: Yellow, born 2003 or 2004
  • Under 16: White, born 2001 or 2002

Race 2 – 10.30am: 15 Minutes

  • Under 6: Blue, born 2011 or 2012
  • Under 8: Green, born 2009 or 2010

Race 3: U10 – 10.55am: 20 Minutes

  • Under 10: Red, born 2007 or 2008

Race 4 – 11.30am: 30 Minutes

  • Under 12: Orange, born 2005 or 2006
 

Parents/ Guardians/ Members – Volunteers Needed

We will need as much help as possible from any available hands throughout the session to support the volunteers during the morning. We need a few marshals at various points on the circuit, as well as a few folks to carry equipment to and from the judge’s hut. If you are waiting around for your child/ children’s race/s, please make yourselves known. This is a great opportunity to get involved, a free cuppa awaits for you afterwards, and you will have our immense gratitude! There is no need to email us in advance – when you turn up on Saturday, simply let us know you’re available to help and we’ll delegate accordingly.

 

Finally…

Parents please ensure children taking part are aware of the content in this post and what to expect. If you cannot make the Road Races, there is still the Mountain Bike and Track races to look forward to – click here for a reminder of the remaining dates.  If this is your first time participating in the Club Championships, be sure to visit this page here to find out more about how the competition works and what it’s all about.

If you have any questions regarding the Club Championships, feel free to email the Admin Team or talk to a volunteer. Do also visit the Slipstreamers in Action section of our News Hub for more fantastic reports from our wonderful young writers and cycling adventurers!

As usual, keep an eye out on Twitter for the latest updates and if you have any questions, please contact the Admin Team.