Yorkshire Road Club - Road Racing

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Where we race
If you want to start racing and are not sure which race to enter then ask one of the team members. If you pick the wrong race, you could have such a bad experience that you are put off road racing for life. We know because we’ve all been through it so don’t be afraid to ask for chat!

Closed Road Criteriums
Most of these are ideal for those of you new to cycle racing because there is no traffic or potholes to worry about. Often circuits are pan flat and if you get dropped you can usually join the pack when they lap you, providing you do not try to contest the sprint at the finish. Fitness is not an issue for some races because they are ran as an Australian Pursuit with slower riders getting a head start.

Where	When	Distance/Cost	Type of racing	Level of racing/fitness
Croft Park Motor Racing Circuit	Tuesday nights 7.15 pm April – July 15 race series	30 miles/£7 without licence	Closed Circuit Criterium – TLI rules 15 lap Australian Pursuit race - primes every 5 laps Handicapped start according to ability	Great for the absolute beginner and for the experienced rider You don’t need to be fit Course: Pan flat
Newburn Trading Estate Newcastle upon Tyne	Thursday nights 7.15 pm April – September	30 miles/£5 without licence	Closed Circuit Criterium – TLI rules 40 lap points race – primes every 5 laps	Good for beginners but you need some fitness Course: Pan flat
Hetton Lyons Country Park Durham	March and other times throughout the year	30 miles/£10 with BC licence	20 lap races under BC rules sometimes Australian Pursuit races with Handicapped start according to ability	Great for the absolute beginner – required fitness depends on type of race Course: a bit up and down
Otley Town Centre Criterium	Mid June 7.00pm	£15 with BC licence	BC 3rd,4th cat 35 mins + 5 laps	Intense racing and high level of fitness needed. Course: Undulating

Open Road Racing
This is not for the faint hearted as you are battling with oncoming traffic, cat eyes, pot holes and an often chaotic peloton. You need a greater level of fitness for open road races than is needed for the closed circuit criteriums. In BC races you may encounter death defying moves from riders desperate to grab a precious BC point or two. LVRC races are much safer due to the maturity of the racing pack, but you have to be 40 or over to race. Even if you manage to negotiate the oncoming traffic, cat eyes, pot holes and the chaotic peloton, the undulating terrains will get you instead.

Where	When	Distance/Cost	Type of racing	Level of racing/fitness
BC Road Races All over the country – plenty in the north	Feb-Oct	Anything from 20-100 miles but usually 50-60 miles for 3rd cat	Ability related	You need good fitness for most 3rd and 4th cat races. It is important to select the right races if you are a novice. Once your dropped it’s hell!
LVRC Road Races All over the country – plenty in the north	Feb-Oct	usually 40-60 miles	Age related – usually 3 races, 40-50; 50-60; 60 and above	You need good fitness for most races but if you are dropped you can join in (but not compete) with the slower age group which starts behind.