Upavon Airfield in Wiltshire (SN9) is the latest circuit to be home a winter series to help riders get ready for the coming road season. After protracted negotiations, the
Army Cycling Union has been allowed to use Upavon Airfield for a winter road series for 2009 with all races on Saturday mornings starting this Saturday, 10th of January through to 28 February.
The format will be similar to last year with races for E/1/2 and 3/4/J. The race distance for the E/1/2 will be 45 mins and five laps (2 miles per lap) and the 3/4/J will be riding 45 mins and three laps. Start times are 9am and 9.01am respectively and the riders will have to make haste as everyone needs to be clear of the airfield by 10.30hrs to allow the RAF gliders to take off!
The circuit is extremely testing with one gentle climb per lap, not too bad in the first few laps but obviously the first few laps don't really matter in a road race! The organisers also add that the series so far has been crash free for 14 races on the circuit touch wood due to the safe nature of the circuit as well as the high calibre of racers who turn up.
It is planned for there to be eight races in the series weather permitting. The circuit being one top of a hill means that it is windy and if there is any sun, the riders will feel it warming them up during the winter period. This also means that frost and ice quickly shifts and riders are reminded that rain and wind will never stop the racing.
Prizes will be awarded for the overall series only and will be for the best 6 out of 8 performances or as close to 75% of events should any be cancelled. Entry is still only £10 and is entry on the line only. For the HQ, we will be using the Sports Pavilion just east of the camp.
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Reports and photos can be sent to us at British Cycling by emailing them to
larryhickmott@britishcycling.org.uk
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