How to Start Cycle Racing
So you’re interested in getting into Road Racing with the Geelong Cycling Club. Here are a few tips that should help you get started :
What’s required before I can race/participate ?
You need to have a Cycling Australia approved licence. This allows you to take part in any racing or events run by a Cycling Australia affiliated club.
There are a few options you may like to consider.
- One race permit- This costs $30.00 and allows you to take part in the club run event on the day.
- Three race permit- This costs $40.00 and allows you to take part in 3 different club events.
- Full Cycling Australia Licence.
What sort of licence do I need / Do I need a licence ?
Licence Overview
(the below details are an extract form the Cycle Sport Victoria website, you can get all this info from www.vic.cycling.org.au
What kind of licences should I get?
In simple terms, the CycleSport Victoria licence (membership) structure is composed of two forms of licence - competitive and non-competitive (recreational) licences.
Whether you are interested in competing on the road or track, or you are simply looking for a recreational licence which gives you great insurance coverage, we have a licence that will suit EVERY type of cyclist.
What does a CycleSport Victoria licence give me and allow me to do?
By purchasing a cycling licence with CycleSport Victoria, depending on whether you purchase a competitive or non-competitive licence, you will have the following opportunities and/or receive benefits:
Provides you with insurance cover
- Both competitive or non-competitive licences provide third party (public liability) insurance and a limited personal accident insurance for all members, officials and volunteers, at any time when you are participating in CA sanctioned cycling activities, including organised or endorsed training programs. Full Insurance information here.
Allows you to Compete (Competitive Licences)
- Allows you to participate in any road or track event run under the auspices of Cycling Australia including its affiliated State Associations, Clubs or registered promoters. NB; a non-competitive or ‘Ride It’ licence membership is not permitted for use in competitive events.
- Entitles the rider to compete in all levels of cycling including club state and Australian championships and if selected, to represent their State or Australia.
- Participation structured to your ability and fitness through graded competition
- Entitles you to the right to compete against other cyclists who are free from the use of performance enhancing drugs. NB; as a licensed rider you can be drug tested at any time.
Development Opportunities
- Through your involvement with an affiliated club, you have opportunities to participate in coaching clinics
- Opportunities to obtain training programs from qualified coaches accredited under the CA/ASC National Coaching Accreditation Scheme.
Health and Social Benfits
- The opportunity to participate in a challenging, healthy and fun sporting activity
- Enjoy the social benefits associated with involvement in a sporting club environment
Affiliates you With
- CycleSport Victoria is affiliated with Cycling Australia (CA). CA is recognised as the peak body for competitive cycling in Australia by;
- The Union Cycliste Internationale
- The Australian Government through the Australian Sports Commission
- The Australian Olympic Committee
- The Australian Commonwealth Games Association
- The Australian Paralympic Committee
Covers you with the Following Regulations
- Your involvement as a member of CA and its affiliates is protected by the regulations and policies of CA as encompassed by;
- The Constitution, By-Laws and Technical Regulations
- The Code of Conduct and Member Protection Policy
- The Anti-Doping Policy
For all you membership FAQ’s check out this link from CSV (Cycle Sport Victoria)
Download the CycleSport Victoria licence information pack here
How do I get a licence?
There are a couple of ways to go about this. You can sign up for a licence/membership on race day, or click on the “join now” link on our website. This will take you directly to the Cycling Australia website.
If you require a ‘one day’ or ‘three race permit’ they can be obtained on race day. It is simply a matter of turning up on the day and letting the person in charge know you require one of these.
One thing most people don’t know is that you can convert your three race permit into a full licence. If you like the experience and are interested in becoming a full member you can speak to one of our committee members who will guide you through the process. Basically, you can deduct $33.00 (the cost of the 3 race permit) off the normal licence fee. A committee member needs to handle this process for you, so please let us know if you are interested.
What types of racing are available?
Check out our full calendar at www.geelongcycling.com
The Geelong Cycling Club road season runs from April until the end of September. During this period we run graded scratch races, handicap races and time trials. These races vary in distance and location. Details on these locations are available on the race calendar section of the website, you can also get directions to the race start from your house.
Race numbers/participants vary throughout the season but we generally have 40 – 50 participants each week.
Over summer this year we experimented with criterium racing at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds. As of September/October this year we will have an exciting new location for these races. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.
How far will I race ?
Generally race distances vary from race to race. For graded scratch races A and B Grades will generally race over distances between 60 – 100 KM, C & D Grades will race over distances between 40 – 60 KM. For handicap races all entrants race over the same distance, however the start is staggered. The handicaps are completed with the view that everyone ‘should’ finish at the same time. This is the plan but doesn’t always work out this way.
Will I need to volunteer?
2 – 3 times a year members are required to help out during races as corner marshals, lead cars, finish line judges, etc. We establish a marshal roster and it is expected all members follow this. It makes sure everyone has a turn and no one member does more than another. We require this as not only a legal requirement for our council permits, it also helps provide a safe environment for all competitors/members.
Check out the roster to make yourself familiar with it.
When do I need to enter?
We require entries for all handicap races to be completed by 5:00pm the Thursday before the race. This allows the handicapper ample time to complete the handicaps prior to race day. Entries for scratch races can be completed on the day of the event unless notified otherwise.
If you enter a race and decide against racing, you must notify the handicapper so alterations can be made before the day.
How much is entry ?
Generally all entry fees to Geelong Cycling Club events are $10.00 unless otherwise stated.
How do I enter ?
You can enter by either
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the Geelong Cycling Club from the contact us link on the website or by registering yourself as a user on the website. To register yourself as a user click on the link below for more instructions. It is very easy once it’s set up.
What time should I get there ?
We like members/competitors to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the race start time.
Who do I contact if I need more information?
You can contact the following members to discuss any questions you may have, these are all current committee members. Just be mindful that if you contact them throughout the day they may have to call you back outside work hours.
- Shaun Gilbert – President 0418 990 964
- John Burtt – Vice President 0419 396 486
- Danny Connor – Secretary 0438 458 045
- Jonathon Meadows – Treasurer 0413 153 703
- Rudolph Schmidt – Road Co-Ordinator 0418 145 759
- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it – Track Co-Ordinator
