British Cycling has launched a new awareness campaign to promote responsible racing on Britain’s roads.
Racesmart has been designed to educate riders about the minimum levels of etiquette and the techniques they need to employ when racing on the roads. Video content and social media engagement will be used to promote the campaign directly to riders from the moment they enter a race through to rolling across the finish line.
The campaign targets all riders competing in domestic road races and will include advice about racing etiquette, techniques, riding skills and protecting the future of the sport.
Jonny Clay, British Cycling’s Director of Cycle Sport and Membership, said “We’ve got a great tradition of racing in this country and there’s a growing appetite for events on our roads as the sport’s profile continues to grow.
“We’re working to build a better future for the sport and by racing responsibly riders can play their part. Through Racesmart we’re taking positive steps to raise awareness among riders and at the same time promote a culture of collective responsibility where riders look out for each other, respect their environment and so reduce the risk of incidents. It should be part of every road racer’s mindset.”
Linked to the campaign there is a series of short Racesmart ‘how to’ videos, created in collaboration with Global Cycling Network (GCN), with the first release – fronted by former professionals Dan Lloyd and Matthew Stephens – made available today, with more to follow in the coming weeks.
The videos have been developed and created with input and support from domestic elite teams and professional riders who have lent their support to the Racesmart campaign.
Olympic champion and Team Sky professional Geraint Thomas is one supporter. He said “Racing on British roads was a really important part of my early career and riders can help shape its future by using their heads and learning how to race safely and responsibly on open roads.
“To win you need to be strong but you also need to be smart.”
Olympic silver-medallist and Boels Dolmans Cycling Team professional, Lizzie Armitstead said “I think this campaign can really help raise awareness of the key skills and etiquette needed to race effectively.
“So much of road racing is about being aware of your competitors and while you obviously focus on your own race, you have a responsibility to respect everyone around you. No one likes to crash and by racing smart crashes can be prevented.
“I think Racesmart can benefit all riders, experienced or not, and I urge everyone to share and spread the word. It is a positive step that all bike riders should get on board with.”
Rapha Condor JLT Team Manager John Herety, said “None of us were born knowing how to race and every time you ride your bike, you learn something new. The advice and tips in Racesmart are a great head start to help get everyone up to speed, there really is something in Racesmart for every rider, no matter what level they are racing at. Whether it’s about riding etiquette, skills and tactics or just making sure we look out for each other on the road, this can only be a good thing.”
Racesmart aims to:
- Emphasise the role that riders can play in protecting the future of road racing
- Build a culture of collective responsibility where riders respect each other and the racing environment
- Educate less experienced riders, by promoting good etiquette, techniques and skills, highlighting the need to Racesmart
Messages will be distributed to riders via the British Cycling website, social media channels and the YouTube channel of Global Cycling Network throughout the season, with riders provided with an extensive collection of videos, which offer unique insights into key techniques for responsible racing.
The Racesmart videos include:
How to race in a bunch
The thrill of riding in a bunch is what many love about racing. However, if riders don’t use the right etiquette they will not only make things harder for themselves but for those in the pack.
How to ride in strong winds
Windy conditions can put the fear into bike riders. Positioning is everything; more than any other aspect of the sport; cross winds require perfect positioning at just the right time.
How to move up in the bunch
Some riders have a canny knack of finding the most energy efficient path through a bunch, but it’s not an easy thing to do. Learn to find your way safely through a bustling peloton.
How to set up a breakaway
In the big professional races we watch on TV the early break is generally caught before the finish line. However in British races it is often that early breakaway that is fighting for victory; learn how to set up a breakaway.
How to know where and when to attack
Attacking at the right time and getting into a breakaway in a road race can sometimes involve some luck; however like the game of poker, some people are consistently better at it than others as there is plenty of skill involved. Learn how to attack at the right time and do it safely.
Further videos will be released via GCN’s international network in due course.
British Cycling is the national governing body for cycling as recognised by the UCI – the international federation for the sport. Based in Manchester at the National Cycling Centre, British Cycling works across all levels and six disciplines of the sport (BMX, Mountain Bike, Cyclo-Cross, Road, Track and Cycle Speedway), from providing the support and encouragement people need to get riding their bikes for the first time, to being home to the hugely successful Great Britain Cycling Team.
Continued success at the highest level is inspiring a boom in participation across the UK. There have never been more opportunities to ride a bike, be it for fun or sport, and British Cycling is at the heart of this growth.
British Cycling also works hard to represent cyclists’ interests at all levels, including campaigning on important issues including road safety. As a membership organisation, British Cycling provides a suite of benefits and support to its members who currently number over 90,000. All membership revenue is invested back into cycling.
www.britishcycling.org.uk/racesmart
