Road

Getting into road racing

Road Racing typically takes place from early March through to the end of September.

The Basics

Events are massed-start on roads or 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. All under-16 racing takes place on traffic-free closed circuits. 

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). The art is to restrict your rival's gains in the areas where they are strong and maximise your gains in your preferred terrain.

Stage Races

Some Road Races are contested over several days and several stages. These "Stage" Races or Tours often feature prizes for each stage winner, plus others for the best sprinter in the race, the best climber (aka King of the Mountains), the leading team and, of course, the overall winner, who is the rider with the best aggregate time. The Tour de France is the world's most prestigious Stage Race and lasts for three weeks.

Find races close to you here Regional Road Races link to British Cycling calender

The North East Region

The NE region has a wide variety of road events that are suitable for all abilities from beginner to Elite. Some of the most popular events in the area are:

• The 4 day Tour of the Border that takes place every Easter

• The Tour of the Reservoir 2010, The Beaumont Trophy and the Richmond Grand Prix: part of the Elite National Series, or ‘Premier Calendar’

• Mid-week criteriums at Hetton County Park, Croft Motor circuit and Southbank karting centre.

   

   

  2010 Regional Champions

  Senior Men - Matt Kipling, MTS CycleSport CRT/ Inkland

  Vets - Neil Baxter, Active Cycles Fentimans RT

  Womens Champion - Lindy Edwards, Gosforth RC

  Juniors - Jordan Matthews, Hetton Hawkes