FAQ’s

The SW in recent years has neglected XC racing and we are really keen to see that this changes and that we can present quality events within our region. Firstly to encourage new people to participate and to ensure that seasoned riders can gain local ranking points without having to travel vast distances to do so.

These are a few FAQ’s for anyone that is unsure of what to expect.

Cross-Country ‘XCO’ races are held over multiple laps of an undulating circuit and have evolved massively in recent years: Races are shorter and more intense, with power and technical skill now as important as fitness to be successful. Over the course of the series you should expect everything from blazing fast descents and elevated boardwalk, to technical singletrack and lung searing climbs, giving everyone the chance to shine.

DO I NEED A LICENCE TO RACE?

A race licence is not compulsory, except for Elite and Expert categories, where your current British Cycling licence states Elite or Expert beside the discipline MTB XC. The British cycling website is the platform for entering the event and you will have to create yourself a login to enter.

HOW LONG IS A LAP?

In line with UCI / BC regulations, lap length for XCO is limited to 6km and where possible will form a cloverleaf shape, giving spectators multiple viewing opportunities. Just as important is the target lap time for the leading riders allowing us to hit the optimum winning time, so for example a hilly course will generally be shorter than a course that offers a flatter lap, to ensure the lap times are the same.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

The SW XC series is organised by a core group of people and volunteers, with a local clubs presenting each round. If you’d like to give something back to the sport then get in touch – these races are for you and can’t happen without you!

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?

Give yourself enough time to sign on at registration and collect your number board. You can only pre-ride the course once your number board is attached to your bike and at the designated times.

Racing starts at 10am  with the under 8’s going first

10.00 = under 8’s 15 mins

10.30 = under 10’s and 12’s 20 mins

12.00 = under 14’s and 16’s, fun 40mins

13.30 = elite,expert, sport,Junior,vet,grand,vet,super vet 1.5hrs

Novice or fun racers are welcome and should enter the race at 12pm.

IT’S MY FIRST TIME, WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Cross country mtb racing is about finding out who is the quickest from point A to point B. It’s about pushing yourself harder than you ever could in training, it’s about going faster than you ever could on your own and it’s about having fun! “You can’t win the race on your first lap, but you can lose it” You’ll start at the same time as everyone else in your category, so get warmed up and ready to go from 0 to 180 bpm in the blink of an eye as you sprint off into the distance. You’ll race until you have completed all of your laps or if you get lapped by the leader of your category.

ANY TIPS FOR ME?

Cross-country racing is about racing – it’s not a time trial. It’s about overtaking and being overtaken, trying to keep up with someone else’s pace and them with yours. It’s tactical – different people have different skill sets. Do you limit your losses on the climbs and make time gains on the downhills, or the other way round? As well as using your practise lap to work out what is the fastest line for you through any given section of trail, look for where you could go off the ‘racing line’ to overtake and decide where you’ll be able to ease up and swig a mouthful of drink. It is courteous to warn the rider in front if you’re going to pass them and on what side. The impetus is on you to do so safely – this is a non contact sport, treat others as you’d want them to treat you.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Whatever you’re comfortable in…….within reason. Fast riders will always be fast whether they’re in baggy shorts or lycra, bring a selection of kit with you, at the very least knee / arm warmers and a gillet as this is the UK!