latest serrl news

 05/01/2022

Dates for Accredited Marshal Scheme (AMS) are now live to sign up to.

Registration Link: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/accreditedmarshal

Hillingdon - 16th January, 11am - 3pm

Ardingly - 20th February, 10am - 1pm

Ardingly - 20th February, 1.30pm - 4.30pm

Ardingly - 27th February, 10am - 1pm

Ardingly - 27th February, 1.30pm - 4.30pm

Cyclopark - 27th March, 10pm - 1pm

Cyclopark - 27th March, 1.30pm - 4.30pm

This role is crucial to our regional race calendar. Without AMS we simply won't have any racing on the open road.

Kent League and Surrey League both offer many additional benefits to people signing up (see our websites for more info www.serrl.org.uk)

 14/12/2021

  With the demand for riders wanting to complete their 4th category / novice race preparation sessions, and all our current sessions booked up. We've decided to cancel the winter series series races on 8th January and 22nd January so we can accommodate extra riders on these dates.

Entry will be through the riderhq website for these extra places.

We have also opened up entries for the session on the 12th February to men, we will run two separate sessions on the Women specific dates.

We understand this will be disappointing for those that were planning on racing on the 8th and 22nd, but we have to provide more opportunities for the 4th category riders to complete their sessions.

 SERRL/Surrey League 4th category Novice Race Preparation Session (riderhq.com) 

 13/12/2021

  Surrey League and South East Road Race league (which will operate under the name of Kent Cycle Racing League) have joined forces for 2022, bringing South East riders an extensive and exciting calendar.

By running both leagues jointly, we can coordinate a fuller and easier workable league for all, that covers the entire region.

We’ll also be running both leagues through the mylaps transponder system, meaning riders can tap into all their results anytime

Listed below are the main bullet points of how it will work:

· Clubs affiliate as normal by completing the club application form at the same cost of £60.00, this will now give your club affiliation to both leagues.

· Clubs will organise 2 events as normal, but now you can choose from a larger list from both leagues. There will also still be the option for clubs to pay the higher fee and not organise events (see league rules).

· Same affiliation conditions apply as normal, but with just one affiliation that covers both leagues.

· Same price for individual affiliation of £25.00 (12.50 for Women and Junior riders).

· Riders will now also purchase a transponder and yearly subscription. 

· Price of transponder for first year is £39.00. This includes buying the transponder and one year’s subscription.

· Price for second year (and following years) is £20

· The transponder belongs to the rider meaning they can also use it for other events not organised by the leagues, that also use transponders.

· Riders will then have their transponder for the year and be given their race body numbers for the year. This will be your transponder and number for all our races.

· Non affiliated riders can hire a transponder on the day for £5.00 (Affiliated riders who forget their transponder will also have to do this).

· All entries will be as normal through riderhq, with both league’s events being as one series so now entries can be moved between any of our races. 

· The season long points competition (which also equates to the end of season prize money) will now run through both leagues’ events, giving a true region wide competition.

Club affiliation is open now by sending the Club application form to Glyn at Surrey League.  

Individual affiliation will be open from January.

 11/12/2021

We have decided to return to the original name for the league. After the Winter Series the leagues races will be listed under Kent Cycle Racing League.

There's a few reasons for this. Firstly, with us now working closely on joint affiliations, we feel it makes more sense to have two leagues with a clearer identity to their name.

Secondly, and again for a clearer identity, we felt it made more sense when there is a Surrey Cycle Racing League and  Sussex Cycle Racing League already operating to have our league reflect the same vibe and not confuse new riders to the sport.

Lastly we have found that many riders especially new ones, believe that the league is actually something to do with the British Cycling region as a whole. 

 Winter Series Circuit Races #3 Cancelled.  

The winter series #3 races at Cyclopark on 27th November has had to be cancelled.

We only had 9 entrants over three separate races.

Obviously, this situation is not good for any parties, riders, volunteers or officials.

We've decided that if the number of riders to volunteers are not at least 2 to 1, then we will question if it's the right thing to do to run the event.

SERRL is a regional racing league that was originally set up to provide much needed racing for local riders. So obviously, if we have a situation where we need to chase riders to participate, then there isn't a need for the racing.

 Winter Series Circuit  3rd Category Races.

We have decided to open entries in the 3rd category race of the Winter Series #2 at Cyclopark to 4th category riders.

You can either pre enter via the British Cycling website or enter on the day.

Race starts at 13:40 and uses the lower part of the circuit, so no climb.

Enter Here:

 SERRL Winter Series #2 Events - British Cycling 

 Road Racing in our region is facing a potential big problem. With the roads getting busier it has become harder to run races relying just on the goodwill of other road users to help keep the races safe for all.

British Cycling in conjunction with the police have introduced their accredited marshal scheme (AMS) to help keep the racing as safe as possible.

This scheme relies on a large volunteer base, and this is where the potential problem comes. With the scheme being so successful in reducing the risk, we need to run all races with AMS, so are constantly needing to increase our team of trained volunteers.

SERRL would like to do their bit to support the scheme and show their appreciation to these essential volunteers.

  For 2022, every trained AMS volunteer will get free annual affiliation to the league as well as for every SERRL event they volunteer at, one free race entry for themselves (or a nominated rider if they don’t race) to a SERRL race.

So, if you want to be part of keeping our regional calendar strong, get in touch with SERRL at alandenman1966@gmail.com The region will be holding courses in January at various locations throughout the region.

What is an accredited marshal?

An accredited marshal is a marshal who has been trained to use the 'Stop! Cycle Race' sign to legally stop and hold traffic to allow the safe passage of a cycle race on the open highway.

Overview of responsibilities

Accredited marshals are playing a huge role in securing the future of road racing in this country by making road races safer for everyone involved, riders, the race convoy and other road users.

British Cycling will provide you with all the training you need to become an accredited marshal. Firstly, you will be asked to complete an online learning module before attending a practical training session local to you.

Benefits of being an accredited marshal

Free British Cycling bronze membership which will give you exclusive benefits such as discounts at cycling stores, pre-sale and discounted tickets for major UK cycling events and a weekly newsletter with exclusive offers, news and top tips.

Upon successful completion of your first five races and the submission of your training logbook, you will have completed your training and will be awarded your certificate. You will also receive British Cycling accredited marshal clothing free of charge; this includes an accredited marshal polo shirt and a waterproof jacket.

Contact Us

If you’d like to become a hero for regional road racing, then contact your regional events officer, Phil Webber by email at philwebber@britishcycling.org.uk

Our region is looking to recruit regional commissaires to their team.

Our sport cannot run without these committed volunteers, so SERRL would like to do their bit to support the team and show their appreciation to these essential volunteers.

  For 2022, every trained AMS volunteer will get free annual affiliation to the league as well as for every SERRL event they volunteer at, one free race entry for themselves (or a nominated rider if they don’t race) to a SERRL race.

So, if you want to be part of keeping our regional calendar strong, get in touch with SERRL at alandenman1966@gmail.com The region will be holding courses in shortly at various locations throughout the region.

Ever thought of becoming a commissaire?

Commissaires are trained officials who volunteer their time to ensure cycling competition is safe and fair. Commissaires are present in all levels of racing and operate in all racing disciplines.

Overview of responsibilities

· Oversee and approve pre-event planning and documentation

· Check risk assessments

· Ensure clear communication with organisers, event teams and riders.

· Hold briefings and debriefings

· Demonstrate a duty of care

· Assume responsibility for fair and safe conduct during racing

· Approve results, levy and complete reports post-event.

Benefits of being a commissaire

· Free British Cycling Bronze membership for qualified regional commissaires and above which entitles them to all member discounts

· Free clothing for regional commissaires and above

· Commissaire Matters newsletter

· Free admission to inter-regional commissaire conferences

· Support from the officials support team and regional events officers

Expectations

· Commissaires need to remain active, keep up to date, and follow the code of conduct.

· Qualified commissaires will be required to support trainee commissaires and events at all levels, to enable growth, development and ensure sustainability.

· They should be IT literate, in order to complete administration and submit forms via the online commissaire dashboard.

· Strong communication skills are needed in order to enable prompt exchanges, provide clear instructions and give honest feedback.

How to get involved?

Cycling always needs new officials. We rely on a workforce of officials who ensure all events in the six British Cycling disciplines are conducted in a fair manner across England, Scotland and Wales. With thousands of cycling events every year there is something for everyone. The events range from local regional events right up to commissaire duties at world championships and the Olympics.

Find out further information on upcoming training courses or for information about local opportunities contact your regional events officer, or your contact with Welsh or Scottish Cycling. Alternatively, complete the below form and we will add you to our list to keep you informed of upcoming courses.

Contact us

Contact your regional events officer, philwebber@britishcycling.org.uk

You can also contact us at:

Officials Education, British Cycling, Stuart Street, Manchester, M11 4DQ

commissairematters@britishcycling.org.uk

0161 274 2026

 Details for the 4th category/novice Race Preparation session, 6th November, 2021.

· Address of the Venue: Cyclopark, The Tollgate, Wrotham Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 7NP

· Please arrive in time to sign on and start the session at 12 o’clock

· You will not need a British Cycling Race License for this session.

· Refreshment will be available in the Cyclopark café. 

· The session will run from 12 – 3. Although we will take a short break, please ensure you bring a drink and food that you can carry with you on your bike.

· Please dress according to the weather. There will be a certain amount times when you are standing around and not riding, so an extra lightweight jacket is advisable.

· The first part of the session will be observing the race sign on desk and then walking to the bottom part of the circuit to observe a bit of the race that will be taking place. You will need non cycling shoes for this and a warm coat.

· For the riding part of the session, please understand, that this is not a race and the coaches are not interested in who is the fastest rider. The session involves various drills and scenarios to ensure everyone understands how dangerous a race can be and how to make it as safe as possible.

· If you have any medical issues that the coach needs to be aware of, please can you preferably let us know in advance, but on the day before the session begins if not.

· Your coaches for the day will be Amy Smith & Matt Butt. There will also be a few experienced racers riding with you in the group. Please show these kind volunteers your respect.

South East Road Race Cyclopark Winter Series

This year sees the return of the winter series at Cyclopark. We are very lucky to be able to use this immensely popular circuit once again and grateful to Cyclopark for agreeing to work with us.

This year’s series will be on a shortened version of the circuit to allow Cyclopark to still be able to cater for the high demand in public use. We will use the bottom oval and dog leg for our races.

There will be a mix of categories throughout the winter as well as the needed 4th category / novice race preparation sessions.

All races will carry British Cycling ranking points. 

Events will be live to enter on the British Cycling website shortly.

2022 league affiliation will not be needed for these events.

06/11/21

12.30pm - 2nd & 3rd  Category Men

12.31 pm - 2nd & 3rd   Category Women                                Entry Link:

 SERRL Winter Series #1 Events - British Cycling 

20/11/21

12.20pm - 3rd  & 4th Category Women 

12.21 pm - E/1/2/3 Men

1.40 pm - 3rd   Category Men

Entry Link:

 SERRL Winter Series #2 Events - British Cycling 

27/11/21, 13.40 pm 

1.40pm - 3rd Category Men - 

12.21 pm - E/1/2 Category Men

12.21 pm - 3rd & 4th Category Women

Entry Link:

 SERRL Winter Series #3 Events - British Cycling 

01/01/22

10.16am - 2nd & 3rd  Category Women 

10.15 am - 3rd Category Men

11.30 am - E/1/2/3  Category Men 

Entry Link:

 SERRL Winter Series #5 Events - British Cycling 

08/01/2212

12.30pm - 2nd  & 3rd Category Men

12.31 pm - 3rd  & 4th Category Women

Entry Link:

15/01/22

12.21pm - 2nd  & 3rd Category Women

12.20 pm - E/1/2/3 Men

1.40pm - 3rd Category Men

22/01/22

12.30pm - 2nd & 3rd   Category Men

12.31 pm - 3rd & 4th   Category Women

Entry Link:

29/01/22

12.21pm - 2nd & 3rd   Category Women

12.20 pm - E/1/2/3 Men

13.40 - 3rd   Category Men

Entry Link:

South East Road Race League Preparation Training Sessions

NEW DATES SO YOU CAN BE READY FOR THE 2022 SEASON:

6th November 2021, 12 - 3  at Cyclopark.

4th December 2021, 12 - 3 at Cyclopark

8th January 2022, 12 - 3 at Cyclopark.

22nd January 2022, 12 - 3 at Cyclopark.

The South East Road Race league (SERRL), (along with Surrey League), have introduced Race Preparation Training.  All novice & 4th cats must attend two of these training sessions before they can ride any SERRL races on the open road.  It does not matter how many events you have raced as a 4th cat, these training days are compulsory.

The training sessions will be held throughout the year and at various locations within the South East area as and when we can find suitable venues on suitable dates.

The training sessions will be run by qualified British Cycling coaches, we’ll also have a number of ‘experienced’ riders on hand to ride with you and offer advice and tips throughout the day on everything from race tactics to licensing and categories. Below is an outline of the areas that will be covered, although this is fluid as the group dynamic/weather conditions etc often dictate the session content/timings.

Circuit session General:  

· Group riding awareness, communication, 

· Bunch etiquette rights and wrongs, 

· Correct positions for various race scenarios. 

· Pedalling technique and cadence drills.

Group riding skills: (Basic) 

· Maintaining a position in a bunch, 

· Changing position in a bunch, 

· Moving from back to front in a bunch etc. 

· Positioning for attacks, breaks, 

· Final lap sprints. 

· Safely switching lines when responding to developing race scenarios. 

· Cornering: Line choice, gear selection, entry and exit speed, body position on the bike, eye-line. 

· Optimum line and enforced change of line due to other riders.

Group riding skills: (Advanced) 

· Working efficiently in smaller groups, 

· breaks, chases etc. 

· TTTs and T & Os, pace lines/ chain gangs – close wheel-to-wheel riding. 

· Sprinting: Good technique, holding a line etc.  

· Strength vs Speed: Significance of high cadence vs low, hard gears. 

· Rights and wrongs for circuit/road racing. 

· Practical drills and how to improve. 

Coach-led races: We finish the circuit element with ‘mock’ races scenarios to practice the coaching points from the session and discuss race scenarios and tactics

Classroom session: 

· We’ll start the day with a presentation giving an overview of the race preparation session.

· If conditions allow we’ll be doing video analysis of certain elements during the session and start by reviewing some footage here. 

This years Roy Hillman Memorial road race will be held on Sunday 3rd October over the stunning South Downs scenery around the Beachy Head circuit, venue of the 2019 Premier calendar race.

The national B race has been running since 2018 with Rory Townsend, Canyon DHB winning the first edition on the Lingfield circuit. In 2019 it was held on the Benenden circuit with Ollie Robinson, Team Wiggins taking victory. The 2020 edition unfortunately had to be cancelled due the pandemic. 

The circuit is 1 11.6km lap with 228m of climbing each lap. 11.6 km Road Cycling Route on Strava Beachy was also used for the 2019 premier Calendar race, won by Jacob Scott. 

It was also a favourite of Roy Hillmans, with him riding many events on it. 

The circuit has a lovely climb up to the finish with the current fastest ascent recorded by James Shaw who currently rides for Ribble Pro Cycling Lay-by to lay-by | Strava Ride Segment in Eastbourne, United Kingdom

With the National Road Champs taking place on 17thOctober this year, it could be a good test event for riders wanting to check out their race form.

A bit about Roy Hillman:

Roy was a strong racer back in the 50’s & 60’s and also a main player in everything cycling in the South East region. His passion for cycling was passed onto his sone Andrew who also went on to be a great road man and latterly a top respected sougnier on the continent and in the UK.

Roy was a member of the mighty Polehill CC back in the day riding all the big events, but with a particular love for the London – Battle – London event. This probably came from his love of the Hastings area, stemming from regular training rides there and back from London. Roy eventually married and settled in the area.

Entries are through British Cycling:   Roy Hillman Memorial Road Race Events - British Cycling