Racing Guide for Parents/Youths
This page I will try and help you unravel the complex and
sometimes complicated racing scene. (Youths)
Having fun on a bike is one thing, racing is a step forward
basically to having more fun, combined with the competitive element which is
born in all of us. However there is no such thing as racing, only a group of
riders trying to come first over a set distance while having fun. Really us
larger adults try and do the same thing, but the ego is a little bit different.
I'll try and be quite basic, and the very first step:-
- Palmer Park Velo offers a taster session on some scheduled
Saturdays throughout the season. Riders are matched in ability rather than
age. This is to try and keep a balance on the difference of growth and
experience of the various children. All you need is a bike and a helmet, pay
your admission and then race in various types of events.
What more could
be easier. Well it starts to become more complex depending on the organizers of
the events.
- You may have seen me or others walking a bike backwards over a given
distance. This is what we do to check the distance one pedal revolution turns.
BSCA & BC have gear restrictions. This is for the benefit of the young riders
so that they do not damage their knees by trying to push a large gear. It also
encourages them to spin better, without labouring their bits.
- Gear restriction distances are on another page. if you have any
questions please ask.
- There are two main national bodies for Racing :- The British Schools Cycling Association
(BSCA) and British Cycling (BC) formally the BCF British Cycling
Federation.
- BSCA :- any youth may enter with no license, but must be a member of
BSCA (We are affiliated so each PPVelo member qualifies) or you pay additional
entry fees at their events.
- BC :- You must have a valid license (this is given free
when you join British Cycling and also covers insurance when riding the bike
whether racing or commuting or having fun) The license runs from 1st Jan
until 31st Dec of that year.
- BSCA events :- Age Categories are based on the school
year. It is the age of the rider as at the 1st Sep. U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 &
U19.
- BC events:- Age Categories are
based on the age as at 1st Jan U8 U10 U12 U14 & U16 then Junior. This is
the age category we use in our own club championships.
- BSCA hold area championships as well as National championships. The BC hold
National championships and several ordinary races throughout the season. Points
are obtained within every age category and there is a National ranking for the
season. Medals and trophy's can be won both with BSCA and BC.
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