With the school summer holidays now in full swing British Cycling has today extended its support for clubs and event organisers planning cycling competitions for kids.

Over the past decade HSBC UK Go-Ride Racing has provided a safe and enjoyable introduction to racing for thousands of young riders, and a great way for clubs to showcase  the great coaching that takes place in their sessions week in, week out.

Clubs registering a Go-Ride Racing event with British Cycling will receive: public liability insurance for the event; access to staff support; promotion of events through our online event calendar and social media channels; and prize packages including trophies, medals, and certificates.

In addition to this, any races registered to take place from August 17 - September 30 will receive a £20 Evans voucher for their club.

Six-time Olympic gold medallist, Sir Chris Hoy, said:

“I’ve got a huge debt to all of the organisers and volunteers who give up their time and put on all the races I competed at over the years. People give their time because they love the sport and they want to see other people enjoy it too.

“For any kids who are interested and maybe have a passion for cycling and want to take it a little bit further, I’d say that a great way into competitive cycling is through a HSBC UK Go-Ride Club, where they will teach you all of the skills and things you need to know to get the most from cycling competitively.

“I learned so much from it, as much about losing as about winning, and that you can’t win all the time, and when you did have a fall you can always bounce back from it. But I also learned that if you do work hard the results do eventually come and you do see an improvement – so stick with it and keep having fun!”

British Cycling lifted the suspension of cycle sport events on August 1st after receiving Government approval on its safety action plan for the sport. Guidance for event organisers on running events in a Covid-secure manner can be found in The Way Forward – Planning a safe return to cycle sport events.

Go-Ride Racing events are not restricted to the usual technical rules and regulations which apply to the cycling disciplines, giving organisers greater flexibility to modify their event, making it safe and engaging for all involved. The events can also be officiated by a Level 2 Coach rather than a Commissaire.

British Cycling’s Cycling Delivery Director, Dani Every, said:

“We know that thousands of kids across Britain will be spending their summer holidays out on their bikes exploring with friends, and discovering what we hope will be a life-long passion for our sport.

Through HSBC UK Go-Ride Racing events our clubs provide a safe, welcoming environment for riders of all abilities, and while some will go on to race at a higher level, the most important thing is that all will enjoy the experience and personal challenge, meet new friends and have a great time in the process.

“The smaller scale of Go-Ride Racing events means that fewer adaptations are required for them to be delivered in a Covid-secure manner, and with our guidance and staff support, the school holidays are a perfect time for clubs to start.”

Racing events can help increase a club’s membership and offering, rapidly develop riders’ skills, increase confidence and interpersonal skills, and raise funds for club activities. If you have any questions about setting up an event, contact clubs@britishcycling.org.uk.