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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2014 13:59:13 GMT
Hi All, I am fairly new to the club and want to enter into the May 6th CP Crit. I have no idea how to sign up or what the format of the race is but I'm keen nevertheless. I have British Cycling Gold membership but havent gained any points so I would be a Cat 4 racer. Could someone point me in the right direction please? Any advice regarding how the race is run would be very welcome as well, eg. do people work in teams or as individuals?
Chris
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Post by Charlotte "Charly" R. on Mar 27, 2014 14:28:22 GMT
Hi Chris There is some information on the website. www.crystalpalacecrits.comEntry is via riderhq.com and opens on a rolling basis 3-4 weeks ahead of the race day. You need a race licence as day licences are not provided at this race series. And provisional race licence is not valid for this type of race - only go-races from what I understand. There are many Paragonistas and Paragonettes that race this series and it is up to them prior to their respective races to work out any tactics they want to work out in the race. The members only section of the forum would be a good place to discuss who is going to which particular race. And then take tactics off line until this forum is closed to the public. Hope that helps. Any others for their two cents? Charly
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Post by David Joss Buckley on Mar 27, 2014 14:38:48 GMT
Far be it from me to discourage you, Chris - but this is the caveat we put on the CPCrits website...
"..Evening Crits open to Elites, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th cat men, women and juniors. Must hold Full BC licence (provisional licence not acceptable) and advised to have had some prior racing experience. Bike and clothing must conform to BC/UCI regs…"
It's up to you, of course, but I feel it's only fair to point out that we don't feel it's suitable for someone racing for the first time. The good news is that there are lots of opportunities between now and May 6 to get some racing experience. Keep an eye on these boards for info. And good luck!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2014 14:48:07 GMT
Thank you for the quick responses. To clarify my level of experience. I competed in the Novice race at the DP World Champs and a few years ago did a couple of 10m TT's. I am experienced as a social rider and have ridden a bunch of the Alps as well. Its just racing that i am new to. So i consider myself novice but i am not a virgin. Would that be sufficient experience for a CP Crit? I will look into getting a full racing licence. I would be pretty surprised if my bike and clothing doesnt conform to regs, i have a carbon frame road racer and standard bibshorts and jerseys (though not DP branded) but i will have a read up of the regs to be sure. Thanks again.
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Post by AlanStrang on Mar 27, 2014 18:50:09 GMT
Hi Christian. You will need a full racing licence to race at Palace. Other circuits will generally allow you to buy a day licence on top of your provisional however. Your bike is likely to be race legal but make sure it doesn't have mudguards/lights/pannier racks/TT bar attachments etc. 4th Cat riders are allowed to wear non-club clothing at the race organisers discretion but this must be plain - ie - no sponsors logos/trade team kits etc. 3rd cat and above will need club kit.
As you haven't done an open race yet, I would recommend you enter a couple of races at Cyclopark, Hillingdon or Hog Hill to get some experience before racing Crystal Palace - it's a much twistier, narrower circuit. I'd also recommend you ride quite a few of the evening chaingangs too. These will help you develop group riding skills at a high pace and give you an indication if you have the fitness levels to race.
You could come down to the first CP Crits and watch. Good way to learn what's going on. Palace racing is great and you'll love the atmosphere. Great to hear you're eager to start racing but it's worth considering the above.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2014 13:47:08 GMT
Thank you Alan, the info is very helpful. I am eager, i live a 1 minute walk to the park so was thinking it would be nice and easy to do a couple of these races for experience. As you mentioned, the track is very twisty and narrow so i take your point about getting experience elsewhere first. I will look into Hillingdon/cyclopark/Hog Hill and definitely come and watch some CP crits.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2014 20:27:28 GMT
Just a suggestion, but maybe you could find a Cat 4 series and try one of their races first; I went down to the Surrey League Friday night race at Dunsfold Park last year. The circuit there is longer, but also wider, so there's less chance of a crash. You might even see Sean Yates.
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Post by bobski on Apr 15, 2014 21:48:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2014 15:22:18 GMT
Are there entries available on the day for tomorrow for the 3/4 Race?
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Post by Charlotte "Charly" R. on May 5, 2014 19:17:09 GMT
It is very unlikely that any entry on the line will be available. The race is fully subscribed with some reserves so in order for there to be spots a lot of people need to not turn up. You can chance it but don't be disappointed if everyone who's signed up turns up. It's a fun race to watch in consolation!
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2014 22:35:18 GMT
I have signed up but can no longer make CP crits tomorrow (May 6th) due to work. I left it too late to cancel, but I think I can substitute my place. So if any ladies fancy Palace tomorrow let me know and I'll substitute the entry! Gutted to miss it!
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2014 9:50:19 GMT
Can anyone tell me how to get on the reserve list for CP Crits number 2, 3 & 4? Who do I get in touch with as I can't see a link/option on RiderHQ?
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Post by Ben Knapp on May 8, 2014 10:37:59 GMT
Can anyone tell me how to get on the reserve list for CP Crits number 2, 3 & 4? Who do I get in touch with as I can't see a link/option on RiderHQ? There is no reserve list. It is EOL only if the race is sold out, those that turn up for EOL will be allocated a number in order of their arrival and then granted a spot should there be no shows on the evening.
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2014 12:10:51 GMT
Ok, cool. Thanks Ben. I guess I'll turn up early next week with my fingers crossed.
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