Chevin Cycles Evening Road Race Series 2014 – Dates Announced

Of course, we all know that Yorkshire’s roads will see some very exciting cycle racing next year, but not only in the form of the Tour de France. The popular Chevin Cycles evening race series will kick off again next April and racing cyclists of all abilities, men, women and juniors can take part in the action.  These races are handicapped, which means that all categories of riders can ride and be in with a chance of winning.

Tom Barras, elite rider for Wheelbase was 2^nd in a very close photo finish in one of last year’s races says “Can’t wait to get stuck in to these races again - some of the most exciting racing of the year”

The evening of Tuesday 29^th April will see the start of the action with the evening’s racing taking place on the well known Bishopswood Circuit. The series is arranged by race organiser Sonja Harper, part of the team that organises the renowned Otley Cycle Races every Summer. It continues for six consecutive weeks on different open road circuits; these include the legendary Saxton Circuit, on which Chris Boardman is a previous winner. The series Finale will take place here on 3^rd June.

Sonja Harper says ”I’m really looking forward to organising this series again. It was a great success last year, and a shame I had to turn lots of rider’s entries down because I had a full field. I think it’s a great opportunity for riders to race on open roads rather than on a closed circuit. It makes the logistics of organising much harder but I think it’s worth it.

            “I’ve tried to arrange each race with a pub as the HQ or on the circuit so that riders can bring friends or family to cheer them on – it all adds to the atmosphere and excitement of the event”.

Phil Bixby, a 4^th cat and Secretary of local Clifton CC really enjoyed racing in the series last year “The Chevin race series was a major boost for local road racing, providing a way in for many riders who had been talking about dipping their toe into it, but waiting for something more attractive than simply being blown out of the back of too fast a bunch. It was great for our stronger riders too – the chance to mix it with riders right up to Elite level helped a number of them raise their game. Well organised with good traffic management and varied circuits.”

Sanjai Bhatia MD of Chevin Cycles said “We are proud to support this race series again, It’s part of our overall commitment to cycling in Yorkshire. We’ve supported the Otley GP for years and this is an opportunity to support other races too”.

Each race will be run as a race in its own right but the main focus is on the series overall. Points will be allocated for the first 10 positions (1st - 15 points, 2nd - 12 points, 3rd - 10 points, 4th - 9 points.......down to 10th - 1 point). Additionally there will be a prime lap in each race with 3, 2 & 1 points awarded towards the overall score. All the races will be handicapped - 4th cats setting off first then 3rds, then 2nds and lastly 1st cats & elites. Results and cumulative scores will be posted on the Series Facebook page.

It is possible to enter any number of races, from one to all six. The entry fee is £16 per race if the BC online system is used. Postal entries cost £18 and on the day (subject to numbers) enties will be £20. Each race will have a maximum field of 80 riders. Sonja expects that all the events to be massively oversubscribed again so if you want to ride get your entries in early.

For more information contact Sonja Harper on 07956 637375 or on sharper50@hotmail.co.uk 

Info for Riders

Each race is £16 to enter online, £18 by post. To enter the full series, select that option at point of entry on Race 1 (fee, £90). Do NOT enter Races 2-6; your entry for those will be confirmed automatically.