Lichfield is set to host the 2010 British Schools Cycling Association’s National and Regional Roller Racing Championships.
Friary Grange Leisure Centre will be the venue for the event – and local youngsters are being invited to take part.
Starting at 10am on March 14, the event will see competitors racing against each other to become BSCA National and or Regional champion. Each rider will complete two 500m time trials, with points awarded for their best time. In the final event successful competitors will take part in a 1,000m flying start to find the champion.
Phil Kelly, manager of Friary Grange Leisure Centre, said:
“This is a really exciting event and we hope lots of young people across the district will take part, so make sure you sign up and get on your bike!”
Roller racing is racing a bike on two sets of rollers (much like a running machine for a bike). Races go from 500 metres up to 1,000 metres. The progress of each rider is normally displayed on a large clock with different coloured hands representing each rider. This year’s event will be different as the leisure centre has purchased new rollers which work on a digital display. It is believed that this event will be the first in the UK to use this new modern system.
Mike Taylor, of Bridgtown Cycles – the main sponsor of the event, added:
“We are thrilled to be sponsoring this event which could help develop the cycling talent of the future.”
The championship is split up into age categories for under 8s, under 10s, under 12s, under 14s, under 16s and over 16s. Schools in the district can apply as a team to become National Champions – teams must be three boys or two girls.
For more information and to enter the event, call Friary Grange Leisure Centre on 01543 308842 or visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/rollerracing.