Schedule – 2017 Mountain Bike Races Champs

All races start and finish near the Judge’s Hut at the apron. There are 2 courses for the mountain bike races: a short course for U6 and U8 riders that will be raced in the bowl, and a longer course for U10 and older age categories that will extend to include various off-road sections around the circuit. Everything will be marked with arrows and signs to avoid confusion. Both courses will incorporate fast flowing sections, exciting technical features, and the choice of A (technically challenging) or B (easier) lines. British Cycling XC rules regarding A or B lines will apply so make sure you are clear on the rules.

All members – whether you are racing the MTB Races Champs or joining the Bronze Development on the Apron – must make their way to the clubhouse with payment and in good time before sign-on closes at 9.30am sharp. We highly recommend you allow extra time for registration, fitting transponders and number boards, and doing a recon lap – full details are in the schedule below.

• If you are racing in the MTB Races, once you’ve signed on make your way to the Judges’ Hut for a briefing and to do your recon lap.
• If you are not racing, and instead joining in the Bronze apron session, gather in the designated meeting point as noted in the schedule below.
• Note there is no early performance session this week.

IMPORTANT:  Unfortunately, anyone who arrives after 9.30am will not be able to take part, so please be on time to avoid disappointment and ensure you plan your journey with some contingency for traffic, putting on transponders, gear checks etc.

After sign on, every rider should make their way to the start / finish line near the judges hut for 9.30am for the main briefing where the rules will be explained. Please do not ride on the course before the briefing. All riders will have a chance to ride the course from around 9.40am with a Club Official, where they will be guided through the circuit and get an opportunity to test the technical features and decide which line to take during the race. Younger age category races kick off at 10am so be sure you allow enough time for this if planning to race. Note that recon is not permitted while racing is in progress.

At sign-on, you will be issued with a number as well as a race-timing transponder /chip. You will need to ensure you take extreme care with this, and parents we would appreciate your support when these are issued. The transponder should be affixed to the fork, on the side away from the quick release using zip ties that will be provided. There will be a few printouts available to help you on the day, and of course a few Volunteers on had as well so don’t worry if you’ve never used one before. Once you have completed your race, you will need to return the transponder immediately to the sign-on desk in the club-house. If you are using a Club mountain bike, make sure you take off your transponder before you return it to the Mechanics.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The transponders are expensive (£50 each) and members will not be allowed to sign-on again at the club whilst they have an non-returned transponder recorded.   Transponders are issued on the understanding that the rider is responsible for its care and return and assumes acceptance of liability for the cost of replacement in the event of loss.

As per previous races, we would encourage every one of you to give the mountain biking a go, even just for fun. However, you do not need to do the Club Champs MTB races if you don’t want to. Whilst there will not be regular circuit coaching, the following activities will still be taking place:

• Bronze Development skills coaching on the apron as normal. Meet your Coaches at the front of the clubhouse as usual.
• Fun skills session on the start/finish straight adjacent to the apron so feel free to join in for a bit of bike jenga, bean bag darts, limbo and more after your race.

Remember every Club Champs event gains you some points – even just for taking part – and it’s all in the interest of healthy competition and FUN. There is an FAQ page here on the Club Champs you can refer to if you have any questions, but do feel free to talk to one of the volunteers and we’d be happy to help.