The Basics: Road Racing is massed-start cycle racing on roads or tarmac circuits. First rider over the finish line wins, with anything from twenty to almost 200 competitors, depending on the event. In the UK, events range from short Youth and Juvenile (under16) races of 20km or less, through club level events for adults of between 40km and 100km, to Elite-level one day races of 200km or more. The majority of adult racing takes place on public roads, though there are an increasing number of circuit events, either on roads closed to other traffic or on specially constructed circuits, some which are shared with other sports like motor racing and kart racing, others are purpose built for cycling.
Road Races: The classic Road Race is a test of stamina, fitness and tactical acumen. Team tactics often come into play. Riders often have particular strengths: some can climb hills and mountains very quickly; others have a devastating turn of speed or sprint; other have the ability to ride very well against the clock in Time Trials (which often form part of multi day or stage races).
Racing Qualities: All top Road Racers need to be able to stay in the saddle for hours at a time (endurance). Some are exceptionally good at going uphill and target wins in hilly terrain: these are known as Climbers.
Others have a big ‘kick’ or ability to accelerate and are known as Sprinters. They often win races where the finish is contested by a number of riders – a bunch or sprint finish.
Road & Circuit Racing: Categories, Points, Rankings and Event Classifications: Road Racing is categorised into different classifications of race, open to riders of differing age/ability categories. Many races carry ranking points which are sought after by riders hoping to make it up to the next ability category.
Get Into Road Racing
What’s the best way to get into the sport of Road Racing? Join a Club: The ability to ride comfortably and safely in a bunch of riders is perhaps the essential skill of Road Racing.
Road Racing has a strong club-based culture, so a great place to start is by joining a club which regularly runs training rides on the public roads. This will help you to learn how to ride in the company of other riders and what the basic etiquette of group riding entails. For younger riders, joining a Go-Ride club is a great option and should enable you to develop your skills away from the public roads and under the watchful eye of a trained coach. Check out the Go-Ride section of this pack.
Circuit Racing: Road Racing beginners usually find their feet in easier events and there’s no better place to start than Circuit Race meetings.
These events often have several races catering for a range of abilities and age groups and are an ideal environment in which to learn the bike handling and tactical skills necessary to succeed, without the additional stress of being on the public highway.
Lap distance is usually between one and four kilometres, so if you get “dropped” (i.e. left behind), catch your breath and wait for the main group to come round, and join again.