Road Racing

                       

Road racing is great fun. The principal is simple, you start alongside a pack of other riders and the winner is the first over the finish line. It's an endurance sport where fitness is key but you need to think about tactics too - often the cleverest rider wins, not the strongest. Even the beginners races are tough and it can be an achievement just to finish a race. Getting in the top 10 is a result.

Many club members race. Recently our riders have won several races, worn leaders jerseys and placed amongst the best in the South-East and beyond. Indeed, the club has sent a squad of six riders to do a stage race in the Alps.

We put a big emphasis on cameraderie and working together in a race. Our riders often know each other socially and don't meet their team mates for the first time in the sprint for the finish line. Likewise, if a Kingston Wheeler breaks away, you won't see a club mate leading the chase.

Video: Archer Road Race

A job well done: watch club member Tim Lawn's classy win in the Archer Spring Road Race.

Getting started
To find out more about racing, read a first hand account from Gafyn Macmillan as he recounts his first race. We've lost count of the number of riders who thought they'd try a race or two and within no time were moving up from fourth to third category. If you are totally new to racing, join us on a clubrun to get some experience of riding within a group. You can also get some advice from our club coach on training or some learn from our seasoned racers.

You can turn up on the day to race but often an event is oversubscribed. So you need to enter the event before the closing date, usually three weeks before the race date. You have to have insurance and a racing licence from British Cycling and likewise, you can buy a one day racing licence but if you plan to try a few races, you're better off with a season-long racing licence. Entering races can involve a bit of admin but just ask if you're new to it all.

The Surrey League
The Surrey League is an organisation set up to co-ordinate racing amongst clubs in Surrey and beyond. Thanks to the effort and dedication of the Surrey League, we have the best programme of racing in the UK on our doorstep. The Kingston Wheelers is a big supporter and many members are members of the league. Club members wanting to ride in the Surrey League should take a quick look at the guide to entering Surrey League races written by the club's Surrey League rep, Graham Sheridan.

Trophies and Awards
Whether you win races or not, you can get rewarded for your efforts at the end of the season at the club's annual Prize Presentation and Lunch. There's a lot of silverware on offer so click here to see what is available.

Surrey Comet - 5 July 2006