Preston Sports Arena
The circuit that we use is part of a superb facility that was built for the University of Central Lancashire. There are football pitches (all weather and grass), rugby league and rugby union pitches, tennis and netball courts, an 8-lane athletics track and, as far as we cyclists are concerned, the centrepiece is a 1.5 kilometre (just short of one mile) closed road cycling circuit. Unfortunately, there are no café facilities at the Arena – it is vitally important that riders bring with them enough provisions to sustain them through a long day of competition!
North West Region of the CSSC has used the circuit for its road racing events since 2001. The main reason for returning year after year is safety of competitors and, with there being no other users on the day, the need for marshals has been done away with. This allows all interested riders to take part fully in the event rather than having to stand at junctions waving to passing lorries, buses and cars!
Events at the Arena are aimed specifically at road cyclists and as such, are not suitable for mountain bikes. It should be noted though that I am willing to accommodate mountain bikers in the individual time trial.
Its siting – especially from a North West perspective - is excellent, being just a few miles from the junction of the M6/M55. From a National point of view, it is maybe a little far North but it is none-the-less easily accessed from the motorway network.
NW Regional Day of Cycling, 23 June at Preston Sports Arena
The basic format is:
Individual 3 lap time trial
10 lap points race
Knock-out sprint competition
Road Race Championship
The events over the last few years have had enough entries to allow there to be 2 points races – groups one and 2 (based on age and perceived ability). Provided there are at least 20 entries, this will continue in 2010. As we only expect up to 20 entries for this event, we have one Championship Race that includes all categories. An innovation in 2008 was the introduction of a knockout sprint competition – with a plate competition for those knocked out in the first round. This proved to be quite popular and will continue to be part of the programme this year.
National Day of Cycling, 14 July at Preston Sports Arena
The actual programme for the day is very much dependant on the number of entries that are received. The basic format is the same as for the Regional Day of Cycling and will include:
Individual 3 lap time trial
10 lap points race
Knock-out sprint competition
Road Race Championship
You can ride in 4 races if you are up for it or, if you are like me, just the one!
When we introduced the National Event, we included a Team Time Trial but, due to declining interest, it has been sent to the recycle bin for the time being at least. The knock-out sprint competition was tried out at the National Event in 2009 and proved such a success that it will be back for the 2010 Day of Cycling – a plate competition will be organised (and held concurrently) in order to give those knocked out in the first round to stretch their legs (and lungs) at least one more time.
There will be 3 championship events – an open age event, a veterans' event and a ladies' event which will, as in previous years, incorporate a gentlemen’s event for those with no title aspirations.
NW Regional Time Trial Championship, Date TBA
Although details will not be known until the New Year, it is expected that we will be organising a NW Regional Time Trial Championship in 2010. This will be run in conjunction with The League International (TLI) and will be raced over a sporting 10 mile circuit based around Lower Withington, which is near Congleton in Cheshire. Not only does this event give you the chance to renew acquaintances with new found friends, it gives you the opportunity to race against club riders, some of whom could be described as fast!
Taster Session at Manchester Velodrome, Date TBA
Manchester Area Association of CSSC has kindly subsidised 4 trips to the Velodrome over the last few years and will hopefully agree to support further trips in the future. Although each 2 hour session is set up as a taster, at previous visits we have managed to introduce an element of competition. The session will include the Manchester Area Association 250 metre (1 lap) Time Trial Championship. The number of riders that can be accommodated has risen to 20 but this is totally dependant on experience. The event is usually organised around the end of November and, when the date has been finalised, early entry (at a cost of around £15.00) is strongly recommended.
Further Information
Entries are invited from all members of CSSC regardless of age, sex or standard. Events are aimed at introducing members to the sport and will not be constrained by the rules and regulations of the main cycling organisations. Events are very sociable and I have found that once an individual has been to one of the events, they come back year after year – often bringing a mate with them!
If you require any further information, whether it's about the events already organised or if you are planning something yourself, you can give me a ring (at work) on 0161 – 253 8560 or drop me an email at David.Wyatt@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
One way or another, I look forward to seeing you at one of our events in the coming year.
Dave Wyatt
Cycling Organiser
November 2009
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