New series a boon for youth
It was great to see British Cycling unveil the U23 series a couple of weeks ago. The series has been brought back on the calendar with help and consultation from British Cycling’s Road Commission, which I’m part of. A sub group was formed and following a member survey, the findings were drawn together and now we have a five-race series for this season.
What is really important here is that the series is geographically balanced. I’m co-organiser of the first event, the Yorkshire Classic, which will run to the north of Sheffield on the Upper Denby circuit – a great test for any rider. This will kick-start a series of very important races for the younger competitors who will be able to race alongside similarly experienced riders and without the pressure of racing in a National series road event.
In effect, the gloves will be off and with the team numbers being limited, riders will be able to race head-to-head, which will produce some great racing I’m sure.
Not only will this give a fresh opportunity for riders, the series will help develop officials, judges, NEG motorbike riders and drivers and hopefully create a pathway to lead to the next step which are National A events. It’s great that the riders have the chance to race more but events like these are invaluable as everyone involved with the event benefits from the experience, which will help them learn the ropes and give them the confidence to organise, judge or drive at other events so for me it’s a win-win situation for all.
My diary is starting to fill up with events which started last weekend with yet more Yomp Bonk crits. I’ll be chief judge at their stage race and then I’ll be off to Belgium for my favourite race of the year – the Tour of Flanders. I’ll be there as a fan along with thousands of others on the Kwaremont. I can’t wait.