It’s that time of the year again when we kick off our annual Club Championships with the first two events – Skills Challenge and Time Trials on Saturday, 2nd October from 8.00am until 12.30pm for an action packed day of camaraderie, a bit of friendly competition and a whole lot of fun.
Important: If you are joining us on Saturday, it is going to be super busy, with lots going on. Our aim is to keep things within a schedule, and as such we’ve planned the day accordingly, but if things do run behind or are delayed we thank you in advance for your patience. Please do read on right until the end of this blog to make sure you are clear on the time slots and what to expect, and parents do kindly pass this information onto our members – they are the ones who need to know what is happening!
It promises to be a great day and even if the weather looks like it may not be cooperating the event shall still go ahead, so scroll down to find out more about what’s happening, what to expect and how sign on will work…
Club Championships Sign On Process
Book online to be added to the Sign On Sheets.
Sign on times are as noted below, and we will have to be very strict with these – please help avoid disappointment by ensuring you plan your journey with some contingency, and arrive in good time so members can sign on and get ready with minimal fuss. The Admin Team have a LOT to get ready to support the judging teams, and unfortunately latecomers will not be allowed to sign on – as this is not a regular coaching session, there are no exceptions. So if you wish to take part in your event, please be on time.
Club Champs Events
If you are planning on competing, be sure to take note of the event schedule (read on further for this), and the all-important rules for each event. You can find all the need-to-know details on the following pages:
- Click here for what to expect from the Club Champs Skills event
- Click here for what to expect from the Club Champs Time Trial event
Road and mountain bikes will be on loan from the Mechanics. There is no charge for Club Champs.
Sign-On: 8.00am – 9.25am
Booking online before the deadline is essential.
Whether you are competing in the Time Trial or Skills Challenge, the sign-on process is the same for everyone. ALL members must make their way to the clubhouse in good time before sign-on closes. Remember this is not a regular coaching session.
The full process will be explained to you on Saturday, but headlines to note are…
- FIRST – All members must please sign on and take a number and transponder for the Time Trial.
- If you are doing the Time Trial, make your way to the Mechanics Hut to get your bike gear checked, then head to the apron area to line-up on time.
- If you are doing the Skills event, this starts a bit later but you can start to join in the warm up sessions on the short circuit.
IMPORTANT: Note that anyone who arrives after 9.25am will not be able to sign on as we have a lot of admin to get ready for the race. Please be on time to avoid disappointment and ensure you plan your journey with some contingency for traffic, putting on transponders, gear checks, etc.
Electronic Timing
For the Time Trial Champs, you will be issued with a number at sign-on in the clubhouse, as well as a race-timing transponder at the start line. You will need to ensure you take extreme care with this, and parents we would appreciate your support when these are issued. You will be told at the start line where to fix your transponder to. 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 Time Trial, you will need to return the transponder immediately.
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.
Gearing
All riders must report to the Mechanics Hut for a gear check AFTER sign on, and any time BEFORE their time-trial start. Do ensure you allow enough time to get this done – see schedule below. Each rider will receive a sticker to indicate that gear checks have been undertaken and these will be checked at the start-line.
What is the Schedule for the Day?
This is an MORNING EVENT with activities spread out to ensure everyone gets a go and has a great time. Saturday is going to be super busy, with lots going on. Our aim is to keep things within a schedule, and as such we’ve planned the day accordingly, but if things do run behind or are delayed we thank you in advance for your patience!
Please make sure you are clear on the time slots and what to expect, and parents do kindly pass this information onto our members – they are the ones who need to know what is happening!
Running Order & Event Times - Click to Expand
Sign On for Time Trial
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| Rider Briefings All riders doing the Time Trial will receive a briefing when they join the start line before their race. There will be a Skills briefing in front of the Skills Challenge course at 10am. |
Before Time Trial 10:00am |
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Club Champs – Time Trials Event |
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| Time Trial (I): U12 / U14 / U16 16 laps – 1km Medium Loop |
Start-Line: 8:25am |
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| Time Trial (II): U10 5 laps – 1km Medium Loop |
Start-Line: 9.10am |
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| Time Trial (III): U6 / U8 3 laps – 1km Medium Loop |
Start-Line: 9.35am First Rider: 9.40am |
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Club Champs – Skills Challenge Event
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10.0am – 12.15pm |
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| Pack up and clear away | 12.30pm | |
All Hands on Deck – Parent Volunteers Needed
We will need as much help as possible from parents and guardians throughout the session to support activities such as setting up the skills courses, timing and recording for the skills challenge, holding up limbo poles; as well as helping with getting the skills track built, and any other jobs that need doing. There is no need to email us in advance – when you turn up on Saturday, simply let us know you’re available to help and we’ll delegate accordingly.
Finally…
Parents – we’d like to remind you that this is a children’s competition, and as such we’d appreciate your support in keeping things friendly and stress-free for all our young people to enjoy and have fun. If a member misses the Skills event and cannot attend on Saturday the 2nd, there is a second opportunity to do this – click here for a reminder of the remaining 2021 Club Champs dates. Remember that there are 5 events to join in with so don’t be too disheartened if you miss out on any. If this is your first time participating in the Club Championships, be sure to visit this page here to find out more about how the competition works and what it’s all about.
We would love to see you all taking part this year – so participate, give it your best, and let’s all have a good time!
As usual, keep an eye out on Twitter for the latest updates and if you have any questions, please contact the Operations Team.