Race Formats
 

Races are held every Sunday morning with 10 to 25+ riders in each of five grades based on ability not age (except in Club Time Trial and Club Championship events). Grades race around a circuit for a designated time, usually 40-80 minutes, depending on the grade, a bell is rung to signal the final lap.

Most weeks we ride graded scratch or criterium races, however to keep things interesting we also occasionally run handicaps and "enduro's", which are up to double the usual race time. In addition the Club Road Championship, Club Time Trial Championship and the Club Track Championship are held annually, the latter at the Dunc Gray velodrome.

See our "program/roster" tab for weekly details.

 
Before the Race
 

Come to the venue well hydrated and fuelled with all the correct equipment (see safety below). You should aim to be at the venue 30-45 minutes before the start. Go straight to the sign-in area and introduce yourself. The Race Secretary will help you take care of the necessary paperwork. The Club Handicapper will then assign you to a grade based on a short discussion of your riding history. Don't be afraid to ask for help, new members are very welcome and we try to go out of our way to make them feel comfortable.

After signing in put on your shoes, helmet etc, mount your trusty machine and go for some warm up laps around the track. Get to know the track as best you can, particularlyﾠthe hills, turnsﾠand straights. Get your lungs working and your heart rate up.

Have a full water bottle for the race. On a hot day bring two so you also have one for after the race.

Be on the start line five minutes before the race and listen to the instructions from the Duty Officer. He will then start grades one at a time.

The Club's racingﾠis covered by accident and third party insurance which requires us to race in accordance with agreed racing rules and protocols. Take the time to familiarise yourself with these before you start racing and refer to them constantly as your experience increases.

  
During the Race
 

Once the race starts where you are positioned in the bunch will depend on personal preference and ability, it will also change during the race. It is often easier to ride closer to the front than at the rear because of the surges and attacks that can occur on hills and bends. However race position preference is an individual thing that will develop and change over time.

Riding in bunches at speed is demanding and requires total concentration. It is most important not to overlap wheels or ride too close to the rider in front. Remember to hold your line, particularly in corners and sprints, and don't cut off other riders. Pay attention and concentrate at all times and you will be fine. If you are unsure of anything just ask a club official or another rider, preferably before or after the race as it can be distracting during the event.ﾠ

Occasionally you will pass or be passed by other grades. Here it is important to keep to one side of the track only. Usually the faster bunch passes on the right. Do not pull in front of another group too soon as your bunch may be up to 50 metres long.

During a race keep alert at all times, keep your eyes to the front and remain aware of your own and other riders' lines.

As you approach your grades designated race time your work is coming to a close and you should be thinking about your tactics for the last lap. The "bell" lap is what you have been working towards. Here it's all about trying to position yourself for the final sprint. If you don't want to participate in the sprint try not to get in the way of others. Once the sprint has started hold your line and do not make abrupt turns. Breathe deeply and hang on as long as you can. Once you have crossed the finishing lineﾠhold your line, don't brake, and keep both hands on the bars. Move off the track as quickly as possible to ensure you don't impede other riders still competing.

If you think you have a top five place, you should claim it with the Duty Officer.

 
After the Race
 

Start your recovery as soon as you finish. Drink plenty of water and refuel.

We have a prize ceremony very soon after the final grade finishes. It is accepted racing and Club courtesy to stay for the presentation and applaud the winners. So stay around after the race, have a cup of coffee and a chat, and compare race notes - that's often half the fun of racing.

 
Safety, Safety, Safety
 

Rider safety is paramount in all our rides. To compete your bike must be road and race worthy with no pumps, lights or other items that could come loose. You must have proper drop handle bars with no missing bungs in the bar ends. Tri-bars are only permitted in individual time trial events. A helmet is compulsory and it must be approved by the Australian Safety Standards Association, with an approved sticker attached.

You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those you ride with.

 
Duty Roster
 

In order to stage enjoyable, well managed races the club relies on help and contribution from all members. Every club member will be assigned to a duty roster to help with the management of one or two races each year. On these days unfortunately you will not be able to race. Your contribution here is vital and it is what makes Waratah races so successful.

 
Training Rides
 

If you're looking to improve your fitness and performance, need bunch riding practice or just wish to spend some more time in the saddle, there are a number of training and social rides available almost every day of the week.

These include:

  • Dad's Army: 8.00 am Tuesday and Thursday; starts and finishes Mona Vale Rd, St Ives (carpark opposite Stanley St.); 52km through Terry Hills, Akuna Bay and Duffy's Forest.
  • Grandad's Army: Same as above but starts at 7.45 am.
  • Greatgrandad's Army: Same as above but starts at 7.30 am.
  • Parramatta Park: Weekdays at 5.45 am; two bunches: one fast and the other speechless; run by the Parramatta club.
  • Homebush: 6.00 am Tuesday and Thursday; Olympic Park train station; 45 minutes of high speed fun; five self-selecting bunches to suit all levels; run expertly by Lidcombe-Auburn but all clubs welcome; expect large bunches in summer.
  • Homebush: 7.00 pm Tuesday and Wednesday; carpark Olympic train station; 7 km circuit; high intensity. This ride only operates in winter.

 
 

We encourage and welcome all new riders. Racing is fun, it's healthy, it's social and it will open up a whole new world of excitement and enjoyment.

 
Pointscore Competition Policy
 

The Club runs a point score competition each year from the first week of February to the last week in November. The club endeavours to ensure that the overall value of prizes in the point score competition, awarded to Waratah members, will be at least $2,000.

Points are awarded for entering designated races with extra points being awarded to place getters. With several provisos, the number of points awarded shall be as follows:

First

7

Second

6

Third

5

Fourth

4

Fifth

3

The provisos are:

2.

1. If there are less than five participants in a race, the only points to be awarded will be 3 points for the winner. If there are five to seven riders, the only points to be awarded will be 7 points for the winner and 6 points for second.

2. Riders who are eligible for promotion to a higher grade because of their performance, and who are not promoted for any reason, are not entitled to be awarded more than 2 points in a race, even if they finish in the first five places. These riders will be requested not to contest the sprint.

The point score season commences on the first Sunday in February and concludes on the last Sunday in November each year.

So that those who undertake race administration duties are not disadvantaged, the duty officer, duty helpers and commissaire for each race in the point score competition will be entitled to be awarded their average year to date points. Those who undertake these duties may apply to the race registrar to ensure they have been recorded as a volunteer on the relevant race day.

The point score competition includes the following races:
Criterion and Graded Scratch races

If a Club member enters an open race sanctioned by Cycling New South Wales on a day that a point score race is conducted by the club, then that member can apply to have sign on points awarded in the point score competition. Applications for these points can only be made within two weeks of competing in the open event.

Point score prizes will be presented at the Club Christmas Party.

 
Grading/Handicapping Policy
 

The club handicapper is responsible for assigning grades and handicaps to all riders competing in club events.

Currently, for normal race days, the club has grades A to F.

The movement of riders both up and down grades is encouraged. This is necessary to ensure enjoyable, competitive riding with the correct balance between grades. It recognises that a rider's performance will usually vary over time depending on training levels and personal circumstances.

General grading guidelines used by the handicapper are as follows:

If a rider is placed in the top three positions 7 times or if they win 3 events within a six month period or since the start of the current point score series (whichever is the longer), they become eligible for promotion and will be moved to the next higher grade.

Riders eligible for a lower grade are those dropped from the bunch on 3 or more occasions or those riders who consistently place in the last third of the field. These riders are expected to move down.

Riders who 'ride down' from their allocated grade will not be entitled to receive more than two points in the point score competition.

Non Waratah riders will be allocated a grade by the handicapper taking into account their own club grade and the strength of that club. A new riders grading will be reassessed after their initial ride.

For "open invitation" events run by the club, where stronger, fitter riders are competing, grades may be adjusted by the handicapper.

For "handicap" events where riders start alone or in groups, the handicapper will determine positions based on recent performance.

Riders are encouraged to volunteer to progress to higher grades if they feel ready. On the other hand if you are back from time away or injury please discuss your situation with the club handicapper. Moving down a grade will often make your riding more enjoyable for everyone.

All grading decisions are at the discretion of the handicapper.

  
Duty Helpers
 

The responsibilities of Duty Helpers.
In order for the club to continue to conduct safe and timely races it is vital that Duty Helpers understand what's required of them and act accordingly. The following is a brief outline of what is required each week.

- If you are unable to attend you must notify the Duty Officer early in the week preceding so alternative arrangements can be made. No shows are severely frowned upon!

- You should arrive at the race venue at least one hour before the starting time to help unpack the van and lay out the course. This is absolutely vital at the Homebush and Dragway circuits, where set up is more complex and time consuming.

- During the race one duty helper will be required to act as spotter calling groups over the walkie talkie as groups approach the straight.

- All duty helpers must be prepared to stay after prizes are awarded to re-set the course and help pack up the van. It is not the responsibility of the van driver to pack up the van, this is the duty helpers responsibility.

There may be times where it's possible for one or two duty helpers to also ride, however this must be discussed and agreed in advance with the Duty Officer.

For the club to continue to conduct safe and enjoyable racing it is important all members are prepared to play some role in the running of events.