Racing Masterclass
Get into racing
Want to switch from relaxing rides to adrenaline-soaked races? Here’sourultimate guide to competitive cycling
You’ve conquered some tough sportives and beaten your friends in dozens of impromptu races up local hills. What you need now is the buzz of a bona fide bike race. Riding a bike is a pleasure, but racing is an exhilarating thrill. If you like watching races on TV, now’s your chance to turn yourself from an armchair fan into a real-life racer.
There are hundreds of bike races open to nervous novices and experienced racers around the UK, including road races, hill climbs, time trials and track events. The racing scene will inspire you to sharpen up your fitness, meet new riders, travel to fresh destinations and learn new skills. And diving into a competitive environment, complete with times and rankings, will ignite extra sparks of motivation and adrenaline.
Race listings are easily accessible on the British Cycling and Cycling Time Trials websites – or through your local club. Most races are divided into categories so you compete against people of a similar level to you. Some racers specialise in one discipline, such as time trials, but many switch bikes, perhaps competing on the road during the summer before moving to the track over the winter months.
“THERACING SCENE WILL INSPIRE YOU TO MEET NEW RIDERS, TRAVEL TO FRESH DESTINATIONS AND LEARN NEW SKILLS”
If you want to sample a race, you can buy a one-day race licence (as little as £3-10). But to have fun clocking up points and featuring in the regional or national rankings you’ll need a full racing licence, which can be added to a British Cycling Race Silver (£46) or Race Gold (£78) membership for just £20. Some specialist disciplines have extra accreditations (more later).
Getting into racing is surprisingly easy. But in order to compete at your best, you’ll want to upgrade your speed, tactics, skills, kit and knowledge. Here’s our blueprint for converting yourself from a recreational rider into a racer