About this Event
The grass track format is ideal for riders who are new to racing. At the same time, experienced riders will have an opportunity to test their speed and endurance. Riders who gain the most points from a series of races in their age category will come away with the prestigious regional title, a medal and a patch that looks great on a cycling jersey.
There are separate age categories, and the programme will be as follows:
- School years 1 (born 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2018) and 2 (born 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017): 11:00 to 12:00
- School years 3 (born 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016) and 4 (born 1 September 2014 to 31 August 2015): 12:30 to 13:30
- School years 5 (born 1 September 2013 to 31 August 2014) and 6 (born 1 September 2012 to 31 August 2013): 14:00 to 15:00
- School years 7 (born 1 September 2011 to 31 August 2012) and 8 (born 1 September 2010 to 31 August 2011), school years 9 (born 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010) and 10 (born 1 September 2008 to 31 August 2009), and school year 11 (born 1 September 2007 to 31 August 2008): 15:30 to 17:00
Competitors will be asked to arrive 30 minutes before their event starts.
The cost of entering the event will be £5 per rider, including a day licence. Riders whose school or club has affiliated to the British Schools Cycling Association will qualify for the reduced £3 entry.
FAQs
Who can enter? Entry is open to riders in school years 1 to 11. They need to have had some experience so that they can:
- Start, stop and corner safely;
- Have respect for other riders, and take care of themselves and others when riding together;
- Comply with signals, signs, and instructions from officials.
How does the event work? Riders will compete in a series of events. In some, they will race individually against the clock. In others, they will start all at the same time. Riders will be awarded points for each race. Depending on eligibility, the leading riders in the boys and girls category of each age group will be declared regional and/or national champion for 2024.
How can I enter my child? Entry will be via Eventbrite. We strongly advise booking in advance, as places will be limited.
What kind of bike do we need? Popular children's road, mountain, BMX or cyclo-cross type bikes can all be ridden by riders up to and including school year 8. More detailed technical regulations are available on the Academy website but if you don't have anything sticking out from the bike that could endanger other competitors, you'll be fine. Grass isn't the same as tarmac, so tyres are worth considering. They need some tread. A good test is to use a 5p. Does the tread go up to the dotted line? If so, that’s OK. Riders in the school years 9 and 10 and above categories will need a fixed wheel track bike with an appropriate gear and tyres.
Do riders need a helmet? Yes. Again, detailed rules apply regarding pointy time trial helmets. If you have a helmet that was bought from a reputable trader, it will be fine.
Do we need any other equipment? Gloves are advised.
What if we haven’t got a bike like that? We have a limited number of fixed-wheel bikes suitable for riders in the school years 9 and 10 and school year 11 categories to be used on the day. They will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. These will need to be booked in advance.
How can we train for the event? Beacon Cycling Academy run regular training events at Ackers Adventure and other venues.
What if it is wet? The event can take place in wet conditions. Come dressed appropriately. Think about tyre pressures – in wet weather you can go lower. If it is inclement and the conditions present a real risk, then a cancellation notice will be posted on the Beacon Academy webpages and Facebook page.
How can we get there? The Ackers is not far the Cole Valley Route and the Grand Union Canal. The nearest train station is Small Heath.
How can I find out more? Email [email protected].
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Ackers Adventure, Golden Hillock Road, Birmingham, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 5.04
