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Advice on when to try racing.

  • 10-03-2011 11:35am
    #1
    sammy k
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭


    Hi everyone,
    i'm new to this site but already see that it might be helpful.
    I've been cycling for about 1 and a half years now(road). I get plenty of miles in and in my first full year last year i did the "stephen roche TOUR DE CURE(100km) and the Sean Kelly "Tour of Waterford"(165km),both with reasonably good times. I have also done some group riding and can follow a wheel pretty well.
    What i'm wondering is, is it too soon to try and have a go at a race? the lowest cat obviously!! When i'm out on my own i usually avg about 26-27kph and feel that i'd need to get that up to about 30kph before trying a race.
    what do you think?
    Any advice would be greatly welcomed. :)


Comments

  • #2
    ragazzo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 298 ✭✭ragazzo


    Average speeds don't give a great indication of how well you are going.
    Weather conditions on the day will determine your average speeds. On a calm day or with an advantageous wind you may average 40kph without too much effort. On a wet day with cross/headwinds your average speed may be 20kph with a huge effort needed to achieve that.

    Racing is about being able to cope with changes in speed and being able to suffer like a dog even when you really want to lie down and die.
    A4 races are step 1 on the scale. They are shortish and you are mainly riding with beginners although there will be some glasscrankers who spend years in the category.
    If you are strong and have a bit of a gallop then you will move up the grades.

    Start racing now. It is good fun and a great adrenaline rush.
    Good luck!


  • #3
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,223 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Flattish races are good to start with as long as you don't mind (or choose not to contest) a bunch finish, as you can just wheelsuck your way round.

    It is really quite hard to get dropped in a flat A4 race, unless you're very bad with positioning and holding wheels.


  • #4
    100Suns
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 415 ✭✭100Suns


    Join a club if possible, and start in club league races. You should be put in a group you will be comfortable with for speed and distance. The groups are also smaller and you should learn about pace lining, sheltering, cornering etc. which will stand to you in open racing. Start now-the best training for racing is racing.


  • #5
    sammy k
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭sammy k


    Thanks very much for taking the time to reply guys.
    Your advice has made me feel more confident to give it a go. Gonna start working hard on intervals this year. Would probably help with the change of pace factor.

    Thanks again!


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