How fast are junior A (U16) closed circuit races

[PTAPA]

Hi was just wondering how fast junior A (U16) closed circuit races are on average. Cheers Bill.

 

[Citius]

As fast - if not sometimes faster - than adult 3/4 events over the same circuit. Depends on the entry, obviously.

 

[PTAPA]

As fast - if not sometimes faster - than adult 3/4 events over the same circuit.

How fast are these on average?

 

[PTAPA]

How fast are these on average?

 

[Citius]

It would depend on the circuit, but typically anything between 23-25mph average.

 

[PTAPA]

It would depend on the circuit, but typically anything between 23-25mph average.

Thanks very much for the info mate, a real help.

 

[Citius]

Average speed tells you nothing though. Speeds achieved in a race bunch are always significantly faster than any individual could usually manage on their own over a typical training ride.

 

[PTAPA]

Average speed tells you nothing though. Speeds achieved in a race bunch are always significantly faster than any individual could usually manage on their own over a typical training ride.

So do you reckon if my average speed on a solo ride was about 19mph for a 1 hour 30 min ride I could stay in a race bunch?

 

[Citius]

So do you reckon if my average speed on a solo ride was about 19mph for a 1 hour 30 min ride I could stay in a race bunch?

Potentially, but it's not quite as simple as that. Road/circuit racing is not really about maintaining a steady average - you need to be able to cope with the surges and attacks that typify most races like that. You need a good level of fitness (which usually manifests itself as a decent average speed over a training ride), but you also need to be able to ride at, or beyond your threshold for short (and sometimes not so short) periods of time.

I've been in races with guys who I know can ride faster and climb faster than me at steady state efforts - but they've been blown out the back of a circuit race within the first two laps, because they couldn't cope with the changes in pace.

 

[PTAPA]

Well I guess the only way I can learn to cope with racing is to race so I think I may as well have a go at it. Generally how often are there changes of speed in races?

 

[vickster]

How are you going to race with under 16s if you are 40?!

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/help-me.185737/

Is that like 23 year olds being allowed in the England under 21s?

 

[Citius]

Generally how often are there changes of speed in races?

Whenever someone decides to step on it!

 

[PTAPA]

How are you going to race with under 16s if you are 40?!

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/help-me.185737/

Is that like 23 year olds being allowed in the England under 21s?

Sorry, am I not allowed to find stuff out for my son?

 

[PTAPA]

Whenever someone decides to step on it!

Haha, cheers for that!

 

[Buddfox]

Well I guess the only way I can learn to cope with racing is to race so I think I may as well have a go at it. Generally how often are there changes of speed in races?

Assume a crit of 60 minutes, and a lap time of between 2 minutes and 3 minutes depending on the circuit, so say 25 laps. Expect in the first half that there will be on average one per lap, possibly more if there are gradients. Possibly goes quiet for a bit, unless someone attempts a break and the bunch chases. Either way, all hell breaks loose with about two laps to go.