Pearce Cycles Downhill Series Rider Information

The Pearce Cycles Downhill Series is a British Cycling Regional A Ranking Series.  It sits one level below the British Downhill Series (BDS) so is a good introduction to racing.  You don't need a British Cycling licence to race our series, but we'd recommend you look at the benefits of British Cycling membership if your participation develops.

A full list of dates and venues is available here


HOW TO ENTER - 2013 ENTRIES WILL OPEN ON FRIDAY 1ST FEBRUARY AT 9AM

Online - You can enter using our website, here's step by step guide.

1. Firstly either login or register on our website in 'My Account'  (there's also a link at the top right of the website itself).  If you've already registered but can't remember your password you're able to reset a new password.
2. Once logged it, click on the Event Entries tab on the left hand menu of the website.  Click on Pearce Cycles Downhill Series.
3. Select which races you'd like to enter.  Only races which have spaces available will be listed.
4. Fill in, or update your rider information and tick box to show you've read the declaration, and T&C's. 
5. Continue through payment section to complete entry.
6. Once your entry has been accepted the order status will show 'completed' in 'My Account' 

In the shop - Paper entry forms will be available at the shop to fill in.
By telephone - Please ensure you have your rider details and card details to hand.

Entry fees: Each round costs £60.00, with the expection of Rhyd-y-Felin which is £65.00.  Full payment is required at time of booking.

Each race is limited to 330 riders.  There will be a rider limit per category, once that limit is reached the category will no longer show in the online category list. Please enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.


ONCE YOU'VE ENTERED

Before race weekend we recommend you check the list of confirmed riders for each event.  This list is updated regularly and displayed as a download at the bottom of each race page.  Make sure your name is listed and that all your details are correct.  Please inform us of any errors.

Refunds & Cancellation policy

Cancellations made up to seven days in advance of each race will be eligible for a refund, however a cancellation fee of £10.00 is chargeable.    Please call us if you need to cancel and have your card details to hand as we'll need them again to complete a refund.

Please note that your entry is not transferable to another rider.  If you can't race, let us know to receive a refund.  We'll then take the next rider off the reserve list.

Should the race have to be cancelled for any reason, at the organiser's discretion entry fees may be returned less any costs incured.  In the event of a race being cancelled at short notice we'll post a message on our Facebook and Twitter pages aswell as our own website.  It's certainly not the norm, but 4ft of snow on the Saturday night did once cancel a Winter Series race!

Emergency contact numbers for checking are 07860 655852 or 07969 789419.


AT THE RACE - SIGN-ON & NUMBER BOARDS

Before you start riding you must sign-on in the registration marquee - this shows us that you've arrived to race and ensures that you're covered by our insurance.

You will collect a new number board when you sign-on at your first event of the year.

All riders under 18 years MUST have a parent or responsible adult with them when registering on the day. The parent/responsible adult will be required to sign the declaration on the sign-on sheets in order for the U18 rider to collect their numberboard and race.

*YOU MUST NOT RACE THE 2013 SERIES USING A NUMBER FROM A PREVIOUS YEAR.*

If you lose or forget your race number at further races a replacement will cost £5.  You must have a number fitted to your bike at all times - during racing it's used by the timing team as identification so please start with it clean!.  Do not cut down or alter your number board with personal stickers etc.


RIDER ETIQUETTE

Racing is run to British Cycling regulations which can be found here

With 300+ riders at each race the course can become congested at times.  To minimise delays and for your safety it's important that you:

• comply with any instructions given to you by a race marshal
• do not stop and block the course
• if you need to stop for any reason move off the course and outside the tapes so as to not impede other riders
• if caught by a faster rider please try and give way at the earliest opportunity.

HELMETS & BODY ARMOUR

We don't have any specific requirements for protective items or clothing other than what is required by British Cycling (see conditions below)

Compulsory	A suitable full-face helmet in good condition
Highly recommended	Back, elbow, knee & shoulder protection Thigh padding Shin padding Long pants Long sleeve shirt Long finger gloves

EVENT SCHEDULE

An detailed event schedule is available as a download from the bottom of each race page.

Friday	PM	Course marked for inspection Camping/set-up area open
Saturday	9.00am - 5.00pm 10.00am - 4.00pm	Registration for practice and race  Course open for practice
Sunday	8.00am -10.00am 8.30am -10.30am 11.00am > 5.30pm approx	Registration for race Course open for practice Timed runs Podium presentations

You must complete at least two full practice runs during the Saturday or Sunday morning practice session.  Failure to do so, may mean you're stopped from racing.

A two timed run format will be used with the fastest run time from either run counting towards the final result.

The category running order is as follows:
Juvenile, Youth, Junior, Veteran, Master, Women, Senior, Expert, Elite. 
Unsure what category to race in?  more info>

There will be 30 second gaps between each rider and 2 minute gaps between each category.  Allow plenty of time to get to the start - you will be penalised if late!

Individual 1st run start times will be posted on the notice board in the registration marquee on Sunday morning.  After the 1st run, if there is time there will be a break, otherwise 2nd runs will follow immediately.  2nd run start times are re-seeded from 1st run results and will be posted on the notice board.

All results are posted on the notice board in the registration marquee.


AWARDS

Medals will be awarded for individual rounds down to 3rd position.

Series points will be awarded at each round down to 50th place in category.
Points from your best 6 from a maximum 8 runs will count towards final series positions.  In the event of a tie, the final series positions will be decided by the 2nd run result at the final round.

Trophies, product and cash prizes are awarded for series winners to 5th position where applicable on a pro-rata basis of 1 prize per 5 qualifying competitors, unless the race organiser decide otherwise.

National Ranking Points are also available to British Cycling licence holders.


PHOTOGRAPHERS

In line with the recommendation within British Cycling's Child Protection Policy, we request that any person wishing to engage in any video, zoom or close range photography should register their details with us in advance or at registration on the day, before carrying out any such photography.  *See registation form at top of this page.*


FACILITIES

For Bringewood / Hopton & Bucknell
Ludlow Tourist Information Centre for accommodation advice: 01584 875053

The Baron of Beef in Bucknell (approx 1/2 mile from Bucknell venue) has a certified campsite with electric hookup.  Tents & caravans are £9.00 per night, electric hookup is £3.00 per night.  Tel: 01547 530549

For Rhyd y Felin
Oswestry Tourist Information Centre: 01691 662488
Bala Tourist Information Centre: 01678 521021

Camping is available on-site at each venue from Friday evening.
Hot and cold refreshments will be available from Saturday 9.00am.
There will only be water provided for washing.  We recommend you bring enough drinking water with you.  The caterers will sell bottled water.
Basic chemical toilets are available.
Dogs strictly on leads at all times.


THANKS TO OUR 2013 SERIES SPONSORS


THANKS TO OUR SUPPLIERS & HELPERS

Forest Enterprise - www.forestry.gov.uk
Tilhill Forestry - www.upm-tilhill.com
Downton Estate
Janet’s Jacket Potatoes
Ludlow Air Cadets
Pearce Cycles Race Team
All marshals, sign-on team & course builders
Uplift drivers


OLD RESULTS ARCHIVES

Full category results are available below.

2006 Races
2007 Races
2008 Races
2009 Races
2010 Races
2011 Races
2012 Races
2013 Races

If you have any queries or need more information please contact us