Novice Race Training

[Paul H]

If you are a 4th category rider or a novice rider you will need to attend two of these days or similar in 2015 if you are considering riding Surrey League events.

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[Tim M]

Cheers for the headsup, got myself booked onto the 1st Feb. Unfortunately 25th Jan was already full. If anyone else is going and interested in sharing lifts/petrol let me know.

Tim

[Paul H]

Go for it Tim. We had a number of 4th cats promoted to 3rd this year and look forward to seeing even more 4th cats racing next year.

Paul

[AshleyN]

Nice one Tim,
If you or anyone else wants more info on getting into road racing I've written up a few notes as a review of my first season racing this year. PM me your e-mail address if you're interested

[Matt.H]

sounds like you need a blog Ash?!

[Paul H]

This is from the Surrey League Facebook page. Seems pretty comprehensive

A number of you have asked what the syllabus is for the two 4ths training sessions you will have to attend to be allowed to ride Surrey League events from now on. Below is an outline of the areas that will be covered, although this is fluid as the group dynamic/weather conditions etc often
dictates the session content/timings.

Circuit session
General: Adopting solid-core, aerodynamic racing positions,
correct positions for various race scenarios. Pedalling technique
and cadence drills. Group riding awareness, communication,
bunch etiquette rights and wrongs.
Group riding skills: (Basic) Maintaining a position in a bunch,
changing position in a bunch, moving from front to back in a
bunch etc. Positioning for attacks, breaks, final lap sprints.
Safely switching lines when responding to developing race
scenarios.
Cornering: Line choice, gear selection, entry and exit speed,
body position on the bike, eye-line. Optimum line and enforced
change of line due to other riders.
Group riding skills: (Advanced) Working efficiently in smaller
groups, breaks, chases etc. TTTs and T & Os, pace lines/
chaingangs – close wheel-to-wheel riding.
Sprinting: Good technique, holding a line etc. Sprint training
drills to take away and practice.
Strength vs Speed: Significance of high cadence vs low, hard
gears. Rights and wrongs for circuit/road racing. Practical drills
and how to improve.
Warm ups: Importance of and what is appropriate warm up
protocol for short/long races/TTs etc. The ODP’s World Class
warm up completed and explained at start of session.
Coach-led races: We finish the circuit element with ‘mock’
races scenarios to practice the coaching points from the
session and discuss race scenarios and tactics

Classroom session
If conditions allow we’ll be doing video analysis of certain
elements during the session and start by reviewing some
footage here. Followed by a presentation on training and
preparing for racing, covering components of fitness and
principals of conditioning. This gives the riders a very clear idea
of WHAT and HOW to train to enhance their racing.
Finally a Q & A that covers any issues riders bring up regarding
local events, BC licenses, points structures etc etc

[Steve Rigby]

I have booked onto 22 Dec & 1 Feb - Paul White is also on 22 Dec

Ash I would be interested in reading your info

Paul H suggested starting with the Handicap races next year, so be great have some company with other new would-be racers!

Steve

[Paul H]

Steve

Unfortunately 4th cats will not be allowed to enter the handicaps this year.

There are plenty of races at Hillingdon, Dunsfold & Cyclopark for you to do so don't worry.

Paul

[Steve Rigby]

Cheers Paul
Sounds good - I am sure you will give us new racers plenty of advice and support!
Best pay attention at the training days learning the best race line around Cyclopark!
Steve

[Paul H]

More dates added

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[Steve Rigby]

I am on the course this Sunday
Any other ACC want to meet up? Tim are you still going?

[Tim M]

Yep still going. Just let me know if you want to meet up when down there or whether you're open to sharing lifts. If so, just drop me a PM.

Tim

[Steve Rigby]

Hi Tim
I think tomorrow may work easier to meet up there
Cheers
Steve

[Tim M]

No worries, see you there.

Tim

[Steve Rigby]

Tim we should have worn our club shirts!

So two sessions completed I am now eligible for my 4th Cat race licence ... Some strong riders out there today with loads of experience - great sessions loads of good info and really enjoyable

Conclusion: A race licence doesn't make a racer! Plenty of work to do