If you’ve got a competitive streak, but haven’t yet exercised it, why not start this year?
Women’s competitive cycling is growing – next year will be the first Women’s Tour, and the increasing interest in the sport means that race entry is on the rise at domestic level, too.
Criterion races are a good starting point if you’re comfortable riding in a group. Crit racing is fast and furious, and starting out as a beginner can be intimidating, but you’ll find there are plenty of other beginning on the course if you enter a 4th category (beginner) race and you’ll only learn to race by doing it.
You can find events on the British Cycling calendar, and your best off joining a local club so you can develop your group riding skills and get advice on the courses in your area.
If riding against the clock to beat your own time, and working on your own as opposed to as part of a group appeals, time trials might be more up your street. All you need to time trial is a road worthy bike and an ability to ride safely on the road.
Most local clubs will organise a weekly 10 mile ride every week in the summer. Once you’ve given that a go, if you like it – open events are explained by the Cycling Time Trials governing body here.
Pro women’s racing is beginning to receive more attention, and the domestic scene is growing with it, so don’t stay outside of the bubble if you want to get involved!
Those are just a few ideas to get you started – you might have your own plans already for the year ahead. What do you want to achieve by bike in 2014?
