Report: Essex RCC Host Go-Ride Racing

Posted 7th October

The race is on as the young riders look to make a good start

Essex Roads Cycling Club put 26 eager young riders through their paces at Mayflower High School in September at their first ever Go-Ride Racing event.

The Go-Ride Club set various challenges to children in age categories ranging from Under 8 to Under 14 as part of British Cycling’s new initiative to boost grass-roots racing.

Through Go-Ride Racing, British Cycling aims to helps young riders make the transition from school or club coaching sessions to inter-club and open regional competition.
 
For their efforts, accredited clubs are provided with prizes, practical resources and guidance to successfully stage a race event which caters for young, novice riders.

The first challenge set by Essex RCC was for the youngsters to negotiate a short skills test, which included slalom, dismounting, mounting and limbo challenges similar to those found in the winter discipline of cyclo-cross.

Each cyclist had several practice runs before being timed and the results were later used to grid the age groups for the cyclo-cross race.

Following a short break, the Under 8 and Under 10 race took place along a course laid out on the grass, including several twists and turns and a section through some trees on a small mound. Once the first race had finished, the Under 12 and Under 14 race took place, over the same course but taking in several more laps.

Medals were awarded to the top three in each category, and every child received a Team Sky water bottle and for the club’s Head Coach, the day was a rewarding success. 

Graham Hart, head coach, Essex Roads Cycling Club, said: "This was our club's first Go-Ride Racing event and it was great to see children attend from a wide area. The day was very successful and we are hosting a Go-Ride circuit race on 31st October. We are certainly keen to promote further events and are currently planning another Go-Ride Cyclo-cross race in February next year.

“The kit is a great set of equipment and really made the event seem more special.”