Thinking of racing the Winter series

[Ball]

Hi all,

I'd like some advice from anyone here who races or has raced.

I was planning on getting into racing at some point, and had my sights set on next year at some point, just so I could get stronger, more confident at bike handling and more used to riding in a group.

Anyway, I've been feeling quite good lately and a friend of mine has actually gone some way to convincing me I should give the winter series this year a go. From people's experience, would that be wise? Is it a really huge step up from club runs, individual rides and sportives? What is the first racing experience generally like for people?

To be honest, I imagine most of you will say just get stuck in and find out for yourself, which is what I'm thinking, or I'll just regret not trying. Are there any specific ways to train for it?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[walker]

you pretty much answered your own question. the best way to train for races is to just go and race.

All I will say is do you do club runs? if so ask them to do about 400m of racing every now and then, some small sprints etc.

What races are you thinknig of doing?

 

[Ball]

I'm not entirely sure, the Imperial Winter Series I believe, but I don't know where they are held, it doesn't say on the website. Is it Hog Hill?

 

[greenlake]

Ball,

Definitely do it. I think you're referring to the Imperial Winter Series at Hillington Cycle Circuit. See the links below. The first race is 4 December at 1pm. I'll be there.

I started racing at Hillingdon in July. There is a British Cycling series on Tuesday nights from April through September. I went to check it out one Tuesday then just got stuck in and had a blast. The pace and timing of the races is, in my opinion, so much more enjoyable than a sportive. Instead of flogging yourself up mountains for 6 hours you get to really measure and test your self at speed for an hour. Sprinting for the line, bridging the gap, going for the break away, working with others in a break. It's damn fun.

Before racing my training was only my 22km daily commute. I did try to blast it and kinda do intervals. But basically was my training. I showed up for the 4th cat and finished the first race, 30 out of 40+ rides. Then I got a 17th place and a 7th place. I'm now doing some weekend rides, and generally trying to do the little things to get faster (I also just bought a new bike...). I want to improve, ideally win a 4th cat and race as a 3rd cat next year.

I'm not sure of the admin deals of the winter series, but for the summer BC races you need to a) join BC £36 b) buy a race license £16 c) buy your number, which you keep, at Hillingdon £10 and d) pay £10 to race. But you get cash if you finish well...

So the first race is expensive. I found the 4th cat guys to be very friendly and positive. The only downside is the crashing. There was a crash in one of my races. I was lucky to miss it. Since then I did my best to stay toward the front and avoid them. It doesn't happen every race but it does happen. If you search for Hillingdon on youtube you'll see it all. You'll definitely see a few crashes. The imperal website below also has a video about last year's winter series.

The races are generally 40 or so minutes then 3 laps. The 1/2/3/ cats are racing at the same time. So there is some art to when they call 3 laps to go. They want to ensure the races are separated and one doesn't sprint up into the other at the finish.

There is a points system for moving up categories. If you get 10 points in a year you move up and become a 3d cat. A victory is 10 points, then there are decending points for the first 9 or 10 finishers. I'm not exactly sure. I have 3 points for my 7th place.

I'm sure you're fit enough to race. And if you're not, and get dropped, you can just pull over and come back the following week. No big deal. Honestly, when I went to watch the first time I saw some dudes who weren't skinny and rode bikes crappier than mine. That convinced me to race.



http://www.imperialracingteam.com/imperialracingteam/index.htm

http://www.hillingdoncyclecircuit.org.uk/

 

[Ball]

What an amazing reply, thanks for the optimism and all the information.

I've read some really good articles about it on RCUK and had opinions off a few people and basically decided if I can keep my fitness up over the next month I'm definitely gonna go for it.

Really hoping some members of my club will be doing it too (I'm pretty new so I don't know who races yet), as I reckon that will add a lot more fun, protection and impetus to the racing.

Can't wait!

 

[greenlake]

Sounds good. I recommend you work on your acceleration, sprint, and recovery on the bike. Ideally you'll want to be able to accelerate quickly then recover to accelerate again, and again. Then have something left for the sprint. I'm no expert, but intervals help me with the acceleration. Also train to be comfortable at a high cadence. You want to really spin so you're going fast but using your cardio and not grinding your legs to mush. Also, I have found that bodyweight squats help the sprint. One leg at a time stepping up on a box does the trick. Also strengthen your core...

See you in December.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Sounds good. I recommend you work on your acceleration, sprint, and recovery on the bike. Ideally you'll want to be able to accelerate quickly then recover to accelerate again, and again. Then have something left for the sprint. I'm no expert, but intervals help me with the acceleration. Also train to be comfortable at a high cadence. You want to really spin so you're going fast but using your cardio and not grinding your legs to mush. Also, I have found that bodyweight squats help the sprint. One leg at a time stepping up on a box does the trick. Also strengthen your core...

See you in December.

+1 to that.

The average speed of a road race is not too much of a problem, it is the accelerations that really leave you gasping and greenlake's advice is good.

Don't worry if you do get dropped first time out, it happens to most and you will be surprised at how quickly you can up your game. Keep us informed as to how you get on.

 

[Ball]

Thanks for the advice, I'm gagging to have a go and I'll let you know how I do.

 

[oldroadman]

Prepare a bit and you'll be more competitive, and enjoy more. First off, the intervals advice is good. Try to get yourself completely into the red and hold on for 30 seconds or so to start with. Also you need to put in some longer (2 hour plus) rides at a strong pace - if you just do "steady" (i.e. easy) miles you will be teaching your body to ride slow!
In a road race, whilst the average pace may be 40kph, there will be short periods of 60+ kph, when you will feel as if your legs/lungs/head will explode. The intervals are to get you ready for that, so you can figt through the intense pain, survive, and still be in there.

Now, to skills. It's imperative you try and do a few sessions with some experienced (and I DON'T mean 4th cat newish riders) to get some education and etiquette. It will help more than you believe. And remember, people in the front 10 or so are usually ahead of any incidents, so if you find yourself hanging on at the back and chewing the stem, watch at least 5/6 riders aghead, just in case. Be prepared for a bit of shoving now and again, and when you do your session with the experienced guys, just check with them how they handle it.

Remember, "La Course en Tete", and GOOD LUCK!!