If you are over 30 and fancy racing against your own age group, in women's specific events, then the Masters National Track Championships might be for you.
Don't be put off by the title, these championships are just about the most welcoming and friendly competition you could ever wish to ride and allow women to compete in 5 year age groups, from 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49 and 50 plus. As such they offer a unique opportunity for you to be competitive regardless of your age.
Personally, I rode these championships after riding track for just 6 months and had so much fun I have already put my money down to do it all again.
If you are not very confident, or have only limited experience riding fixed wheel, then you can opt for the solo events; 500m TT or the 2,000m pursuit, where you will have the track almost to yourself and then you can lap up the camaraderie between events.
For those who are looking for some international competition, these championships are a great way to get a flavour of the races and put down some personal bests in advance of the World Masters Track Championships at Manchester in September.
The organiser, Graham Bristow, ensures that the distances are exactly the same as those raced at the World Masters and there is full electronic timing and commisaires from the BCF. Essentially it is run like a major championship, but still retains all the friendliness of a local track meeting and complete strangers help each other out with kit, tools and gears.
I cannot emphasis enough how encouraging everyone is and what a fabulous experience the championships are. Last year 22 women entered and there was some excellent racing, so let's make it a bumper year in 2006.
There are five events: Sprint, Points, Scratch, Pursuit and 500TT with a Masters National Championship jersey and gold medal for the winner in each age category.
Dates to note
- National Track Championships - Gosling Stadium, Welwyn - 7-9th July 2006,
www.mntc.org.uk Entries close on 16th June
- World Masters Track Championships - Manchester - 11th to 16th September 2006
www.cyclingmasters.com
