Feeling Lost, here are some race tips to get you started :-
These have been put together by Exeter Eagles own Young Volunteer and British Cycling BMX Coach Alicia
- British Cycling race licence & membership (if you become a member of your local club then the first years race license is usually free but you need to call British cycling once you have your membership).
- Transponder check with your club as they may have them to buy or rent on the day alternatively you can buy at http://www.hssports.co.uk/products/mylaps-prochip-flex-transponder.html
- Race plate (goes on the front of your bike) and quite a few races ask for side plates (these go on the side of your bike). Check with your club or these can be bought at https://greenmachinebmx.com
- A race number (for your first year use the last 3 numbers of your British Cycling membership number)
- Know which race class to look for, this can be split male and female or mixed depending on the event. Your age which is usually the age you will be the year you are racing. For instance if you’re not 9 until 31st December you will still race in the 9 year olds class if the race is before your birthday.
Before Race Day
Pre Registration It’s usually worth pre-registering as race fees can be lower. Actual registration can be through British Cycling or another online means (like google forms). Clubs usually put the links up on their website or social media pages. Some events like “British Championships” have pre registration requirements so please check.
Race Day!!
On the day there is usually a schedule of events, the example below is an example of a Regional Event. Most events follow the same format but practice and finals may differ.
Registration head to the Registration & Sign In area at the event.Some events allow on the day registration and payment but this is usually more expensive. If you haven’t pre registered (check the specific event to see if this is allowed).
Sign In Whether you register on the day or before riders need to sign-in, again this is done at the registration and sign-in area. With your hired or own transponder you need to go and get this scanned and check your name, race class and race number.
Practice This is where riders can practice in their relevant age groups, to do this riders need to head to “the pens” and line up ready to be called forward (max 8 riders at a time).Practice is often split as follows over different times:-12 & under practice 13 + practice 12 & under Gate practice 13+ gate practice
While practice is happening registration and sign-in will be closed.
Pre sheets posted When this happens you can check the printed sheets or where used online systems like https://our.sqorz.com and follow links to the relevant events.Whichever way you do it, this where you can check you’re in the right category and your race plate, name, Club is correct. If it’s wrong head over to registration to get it corrected.
Moto Sheets Posted This is when your races will be shown and you’ll see if your group is merged with another (this happens when race classes have small numbers). Make a note of your 3 moto race numbers and gate positions, for example 10:3 the first number is the race and the second number is the gate. This can also be seen online at most events through sites like https://our.sqorz.com (again follow the links to the relevant event).
Racing
Moto’s This is the next stage and we suggest you got to “the pens” at least 10 races before your race.When you go to “the pens” there will usually be 10 lots which are numbered based on the race you are in. For instance if you are in race 15 then head to “the pen” which shows 15 (this is also likely the pen for races 5, 25, etc.When your race gets called up head tO the gate number for your race (depending on the track gate numbers can go left to right or right to left).
Repeat this for each of your 3 moto’s and enjoy your racing.
Quarter and Semi Finals After your 3 moto’s there is normally a break and any quarter, semi finals are posted. Not all categories have these so keep an eye out on the printed sheets or online when these are posted.Again these will have a number and gate position as before and you should head to “the pens” at least 10 races before yours.
FINALS TIME!!! Regardless of Quarter and Semi finals there is normally a break to relax. The finals will then be posted, there is always an A Final (top 8 riders in race class). Depending on the event there may also be B and C finals (second 8 riders and third 8 riders respectively) based on results in previous moto’s and quarter/semi finals.Again there will be race and gate positions or order of choice for gate position and you should head to “the pens” at least 10 races ahead of time.
Regardless of where you finish enjoy the experience and make new friends. Remember everyone was a newbie at some point and BMX riders/parents are always happy to help and point you in the right direction.
Race Timings For events run with transponders your riders times for each race are available online through https://our.sqorz.com for the specific round. Timings shown are usually “Hill” (time from gate to bottom hill) or “Race” (full time from gate to finish).
That’s it pack up and head home, tired and happy regardless of where you finished.