Key Information for 2020/21
SOME INNOVATIVE CHANGES TO THE BIKE MANAWATU 2020 / 21 TRACK PROGRAMME AND OTHER KEY INFORMATION
ALL RIDERS NEED TO KNOW
A bright new vision gives us a new format of racing for the 2020 / 21 Track Season
Firstly, there will be graded racing to enable riders to race with riders of similar ability (except for U13 & U15 riders).
a. The grades will be A, B, C and D Grades. There may be a separate Women’s Masters Grade, if there are sufficient numbers riding.
b. There will be U13s and U15s grades – These may be split into Junior A and Junior B according to ability.
The purpose of the decision is that all riders will be racing in a field of riders of a similar ability.
If you are racing in a grade with riders of similar ability and riders slightly better than you, this is an excellent way to improve your riding.
TIP – Racing or training with riders slightly better than you is one of the best ways to improve.
This applies to both Road & Track Cycling.
THE BIG QUESTION IS HOW DOES THIS AFFECT SEASON POINTS ACCORDING TO YOUR AGE CATEGORY?
The answer is that the Track Committee has decided there will be not be any points allocated for seasonal point trophies for graded racing.
a. To compensate for that decision, we will be running races occasionally, for all specific age groups, throughout the season for track points.
b. There will also be some new exciting individual timed events to which points will be allocated in each specific age group.
e.g. an omnium event over 3 meetings, in which a standing 1 lap time trial (TT), flying ½ lap TT and a standing 2 Lap TT will be run. These events will have a greater allocation of points e.g. 1st – 8 points and all other rider’s points determined as a percentage of eight points. The big bonus is that every rider in each event will get points! This will make the competition move exciting.
c. Also the club championships, run for each age group, the points allocated for the championships will also be added to the seasonal points.
Note: This will not affect the Club Championship where the Championship Points won will determine the Medal Winners as in the past.
WHAT AGE GROUP DO YOU RACE IN FOR THE UPCOMING TRACK SEASON
a. As in past years, as the track season crosses over the licence years 2020 & 2021, riders will race from the start of the track season in their Cycling New Zealand licence categories for 2021.
There is only one exception to that rule: Any rider from the start of the track season until the end of the 2020 year may attempt a track record using their 2020 age group Cycling New Zealand licence category.
RACE NUMBERS
It has been decided that riders will use their Bike Manawatu allocated numbers for the track season.
Remember if you end up on the start line with no number, it will mean you will get no placing in the race, no points or prize money (if it is applicable to the race)
If you forget your number before the meeting, see the race manager who will direct you to the right person to get a replacement number for the meeting.
If it happens a second time the rider will be asked to carry out a small duty for the club.
GEARING TO BE USED ON YOUR TRACK BIKE
All riders will race according to Cycling New Zealand rules which set the gear limits for specific age groups.
This is particularly important for the U15 and U17 age groups.
For U15s Maximum roll out allowed is 6.61m.
This can be achieved using a 47 tooth chain wheel (CW) and a 15 tooth (T) back sprocket or a
50 CW and a 16T sprocket.
For U17s maximum rollout is 7.00m.
This can be achieved using 50CW x 15T sprocket.
SOME WISE WORDS OF WISDOM
Some good advice (for all riders) is given to what gearing you should use on the Feilding Track.
You should not use a gear too big but a gear where you can develop good cadence (leg speed).
Good senior men riders should ride 49 x 15 (88in gear) or 50 x 15 (90in gear) as a maximum. This should be reduced by 2 points for good women riders.
Top U17 boys riders should ride 48 x 15 (86in gear) and only in good track conditions, with no wind ride a 49 x 15 88 gear.
It is very interesting to note before the U17 gear limit was raised by Cycling New Zealand to 7.00m in 2014, that the 2000m individual pursuit, U17 Feilding Track Record still held by Campbell Stewart with a time of 2m 27.9s set in February 2013, it was ridden when the Cycling New Zealand maximum gear for U17 was 6.61m (84in).
In windy conditions at Feilding it is advisable to drop your gear 2-3 points e.g. 88 to 86in gear for U17 riders or 84-81 for U15s.
As in the past, new riders will be advised on the gear they should use and new riders hiring bikes will set up on a gear which is thought to be suitable for the rider’s ability. This has been one of the reasons that has contributed to the great success Feilding riders have achieved in West Coast North Island (WCNI) and NZ Track Champs in the past.
RECORD ATTEMPTS
Any rider wishing to attempt a track record needs to advise on the Bike Manawatu Track Facebook page 2 days before the meeting, the age group and event for the record attempt.
Numbers will be limited, and order of application will determine those accepted.
On the meeting days riders will have the opportunity to decline their record attempt if conditions are unsuitable
ROOKIE RIDER INFORMATION
A ‘Rookie Track Rider’, is a track cyclist who is racing on the track for their first season. Follow the below tips to come across as less of a ‘Rookie’.
- Get your position on your track bike checked out on the track. A track position is different to your road bike. We have good coaches with lots of experience to help you set your bike up
- Most track cycling is explosive short distance and you need ti be well warmed up. Get there early to meetings to get well warmed up. If cold, bring plenty of warm clothes to keep warm
- Wear gloves and a singlet under your racing top.
- For bike fittings bring your cycling shoes and pedals and measure your seat height and know your crank length on your road bike.
- Pulling your feet out of your clipless pedals is extremely dangerous on the track as in track racing you are often putting optimum pressure on the pedals. It is very strongly recommended that you get Velcro straps fitted. We will do this for you at minimal cost
- Make sure your tyres are pumped up near to the maximum recommended pressure for the tyres specification. Don’t roll soft tyres; your bike rolls much easier at correct pressure. Check this before each meeting or training session.
- For rookie riders (new to track) it is compulsory to attend one of the orientation sessions organised.
- It is recommended you purchase a book “Beginners Guide to Road and Track Cycling” Authors Ian Gray and Jonathan Kennett. It has a lot of essential information for ‘rookie’ track riders. These will be available at half price for new track riders (normal price $20).
