Spring Series categories & start times

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Categories

There are two types of category; age related and ability related. Categories will be as listed below but may be combined if there are insufficient numbers. If you are new to racing and our events or unsure of your stamina or ability level you are advised to enter the Beginners or Fun categories (you can always move up a category at the next event). Age categories are determined by your age on the 31 December.

Category changes will be charged at £2 on the day but are free up to the closing date for entries. A new entry form must be completed for each category change. Categories are determined as follows:

Age Category Age Definition
Under 12 10-11 from the 10th birthday to the day preceding the 12th birthday
Juvenile 12-14 from the 12th birthday to 31st December of the year of the 14th birthday
Youth 15-16 from the 1st January of the year of the 15th birthday to 31st December of the year of the 16th birthday
Super Master Men 30-49 from the 1st January of the year of the 30th birthday to 31st December of the year of the 49th birthday
Master Men & Women 30-39 from the 1st January of the year of the 30th birthday to 31st December of the year of the 39th birthday
Veteran Men & Women 40-49 from the 1st January of the year of the 40th birthday to 31st December of the year of the 49th birthday
Grand Veteran Men 50+ from the 1st January of the year of the 50th birthday onwards
Ability Category Age Definition
Beginner 12+ determined by your age from the 1st January of the year of the 12th or 16th birthday onwards as appropriate...
Fun 12+
Open 16+
Sport 16+
Expert 16+

Start times and fees

Lap lengths are based on time more than distance, so an average rider would lap in 30 minutes, a fast rider in 22 to 24 minutes. This tends to equate to between 4 and 5 miles, sometimes even 6 miles depending on the venue, though it's not scientific! All categories race on the same length lap, there are no shortened courses for younger riders.

All blocks of races will be called at 15 minutes, 5 minutes and 1 minute. Riders are responsible for being at the start in time for their race. The start will be by the sounding of a horn within 10 seconds of the starter announcing the race. Female races will start 1 minute after male races. We try to announce each finisher as they pass between the chequered flag boards, but it's down to you to remember how many laps you've completed and when to finish.

Categories in order of Race Start Time:

Category Age Start Time Laps Fee
Youth Male 15-16 9:30am 2 £10
Juvenile Male 12-14 9:31am 2 £10
Under 12 Male 10-11 9:32am 1 £6
Under 12, Juvenile & Youth Females 10-16 9:33am 1 £6-£10
Beginners 12+ 9:45am 1 £8
Super Master Male 30-49 10:30am 4 £16
Master Male 30-39 10:32am 3 £15
Veteran Male 40-49 10:35am 3 £15
Grand Veteran Male 50+ 10:37am 3 £15
Master Female 30-39 10:38am 2 £15
Veteran Female 40-49 10:38am 2 £15
Fun Male 12+ 11:50am 2 £14
Fun Female 12+ 11:51am 1 £14
Open Male 16+ 12:40pm 3 £15
Open Female 16+ 12:41pm 2 £15
Expert Male 16+ 2:00pm 5 £18
Sport Male 16+ 2:02pm 4 £16
Expert Female 16+ 2:03pm 4 £18
Sport Female 16+ 2:03pm 3 £16