How to compete at bicycle cycling

Competing in cycling is a great way to stay in shape and also to be rewarded for the effort and time put into the sport. Competing is not just for professionals and with more and more amateur cycling events, it has never been a better time to start.

Training

Visit a local bike store

First thing to do is to get down to the local bike store as they should have information on local races, or at least, someone who works there will race on a regular basis. Bike shop workers are first and foremost avid cyclists themselves, so finding a club will not be a problem.

Joining a club is extremely beneficial to training for a race, it gives the competitors a chance to try out strategies such as overtaking and also gives a planned structure, which in turn means that the participants will push themselves harder.

The two targets for cycling training are speed and endurance. So, aim to get a good mix of rides. In short rides, participants are expected to work hard to increase speed, whereas in longer rides, speed is not a necessity but allows the rider to gain the experience of sitting in the saddle and cycling for long periods.

15 - 20 miles is a good distance to start with, slowly building up speed and distance as the weeks and months pass.

Aim for a comfortable progression.

Racing

TLI, BC, LVRC and CTT all run amateur races.

TLI The League International

A good way into road racing, as they are ability-based and can be used for points and a place in the league, or to gain race experience . A racing license is required to participate.

BC British Cycling

Organise the majority of road racing and track in the UK as well as most Mountain bike and BMX races. To compete in these events, participants need a membership either privately or through a club. A racing license is also required, allowing racers to pick up points and move through the different categories of rider. BC also do Go Race events, which are aimed at beginners and can be entered for a small extra payment to be a day member, so no BC membership is required.

LVRT league of Veteran Racing Cyclists

Open to over 40's only. No Racing license is required.

CTT Cycling Time Trails

To ride these, competitors must be a member of an affiliated club and participate in any event classed as 'open'.

A membership to BC gets discounts on cycling/riding gear in many retailers including wiggle and Halfords.

Note

It is advised that participants consult their GP before competing in any strenuous events.