With two rounds having already been run in this year’s Welsh Cyclo-Cross League, we thought we’d give you a detailed account of the changes that have happened and the implications it may have had. Welsh Cycling Events Officer, Rhys James takes us through the changes below.
Women’s Only Race
We believe it is very important to have a Women’s Only Race introduced into our league, and about time it was implemented as well. In order to grow the women’s racing, we would need to foster an environment where young riders can also aspire to and by having a Women’s only race, and it will provide a brilliant opportunity to increase female participation within racing and also to retain young athletes within the sport.
Extra time is required in the schedule. As a consequence, the men’s field is being brought back together (please see below). The ladies only race provides a brilliant opportunity to increase female participation in racing and to retain young athletes in the sport.
Vets/Senior to be brought in one race
The consequence of having a Women’s only race added to the schedule is that the day would be significantly enhanced. Therefore, the decision was made to bring the Seniors and Veterans competitors together as one race in order to avoid having an enhanced day. However, an increase in the size of the field will provide riders with more competition, especially within the Junior category where this will develop the riders who wish to compete at a national level.
Further implications would mean that all 2019 Cyclo-Cross Event Organisers will have to adapt their courses to the amount of riders that will be within the race. As British Cycling regulations state, a Cyclo-Cross course width should be at or greater than 3metres. However, at times, the natural features of a venue may mean that the course narrows to less than 2m for short periods. As much as possible this will be avoided; a wide course leads to greater racing opportunities and a reduction in frustration for lapping or lapped riders.
There will be a staggered start within the Seniors/Vets, with 30seconds to a minute delay between each category. This will allow ample opportunity for subsequent categories to chase and pass the back of the previous categories i.e. a very fast rider in the V50s shouldn’t run into heavy traffic from the V40s or Senior Men’s field.
Electronic lap recording in children’s categories.
To speed up results, reduce capacity for error and fix podium times. The implications here are for management of the chip return and an increase in costs. This cost should be spread across the categories so that is barely noticed (and all riders will benefit from slick timing). We will not be providing data other than final finis.hing position (at U12 and below, the emphasis should be on fun and skills development).
Fixed race practise and podium times
Tied in with the point above, everyone would benefit from knowing where and when races, practise laps and podium times start. For parents who also race, it can be frustrating to miss the podiums for the children. Where there may be delays, it will be announced on the PA system where spectators and riders alike will be provided with information throughout the day.
Where we may feel like the day schedule is too tight, we will hold a meeting between all organisers to discuss whether this will need to be amended accordingly for the further rounds. Where a decision is made, this will be communicated clearly to all those involved.
Introduction of a Team Competition
Team competitions are fun; encouraging more club members to race (more riders, more points!) and for clubs to enjoy a bit of friendly banter with local rivals. The team competition will be generated automatically from the electronic results. The person in first place, will collect point equivalent to the total number of riders in the race e.g. If there are 110 riders in the race, the first rider collects 110 points, the second collects 109 and so on. There will only be two categories for the team competition – Womens and Men’s. Vets will count toward the award. At the end of the season, there will be an acknowledgement of the team with the most points.
Atmosphere Building
There’s no doubt that music and commentary help to build atmosphere and help spectators engage with race activity. The Welsh Cycling PA will be available for events, but it is acknowledged that not all clubs will be able to provide a commentator and not all venues will allow it. Feel free to pop by the Van to request a song at some point.
