Road Racing
Road Racing is massed start cycle racing on open roads or closed circuits. First rider over the finish lines wins, with anything from 20 to 200 competitors, depending on the event. In the UK, the majority of events are administered by British Cycling, events range from short Youth and Juvenile (under 16) races of 20km or less, through club level events for adults of between 40km to 100km, to Elite level events in some cases in excess of 200km.
The majority of adult racing takes place on public roads, though there are an increasing number of circuit events, on specially constructed circuits, motor racing or kart tracks or roads closed to other traffic. All under 16 racing takes place on traffic free closed circuits.
British Cycling controlled events are categorised into different classifications, open to riders of differing age/ability. Many races carry ranking points which enable riders to move up to the next ability category.
Competitors over the age of 40 have the option of competing in events organized by the LVRC, League of Veteran Racing Cyclists, a relatively new organisation running age related events on a slightly less formal basis. Races are typically 40 to 60 miles, with only 25 to 40 riders per race. The LVRC also organise Time Trial, Track and Cyclo-cross events and championships.
The other organisation which runs age-related road races is TLI Cycling (The League International), also on a more informal basis than BC, often using the handicap race format. These races can be a good introduction for anyone new to road racing.