Pearce Cycles Downhill Series Rider Information

The Pearce Cycles Downhill Series is a regional series (Cat. E) affiliated to British Cycling.  It sits one level below the National Points Series (NPS) so it a good introduction to racing.  You don't need a British Cycling licence to race this series, but we'd recommend you look at the benefits of membership if your participation develops.


HOW TO ENTER

1. Online - You can enter using our website, click on the Event Entries tab on the left hand menu.  Only races which have spaces available will be listed.

2. Paper entry - A pdf entry form is available to download from the bottom of each race page.  Fill it in and pop it in the post with a cheque.  If you want us to send out an entry confirmation, also include a s.a.e with your completed form.  The entry form will only show for races which have spaces available .


ONCE YOU'VE ENTERED

Before race weekend we recommend you check the list of confirmed riders for each event - see downloads 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.


SIGN-ON & NUMBER BOARDS

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

If you took part in the 2007 Pearce Cycles Winter and/or Summer Downhill Series  please bring your old number board to registration when signing on. You can exchange your old race number for a new one at no charge.

*YOU MUST NOT RACE THE 2008 SERIES USING A 2007 NUMBER.*

If you do not have an old number board or are a new competitor you will need to buy one for £2. 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 while riding.  During racing it's used by the timing team as identification - it helps us if you keep it clean!


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 is 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.

SCHEDULE

An event schedule is available as a download at the bottom of each race page.
A two run format with the fastest single time from either run counting towards the result will be used.

The categories run in the following order:
Hardtail, Juvenile, Youth, Junior, Veteran, Women, Master, Senior, Expert, Elite.

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.  The 2nd run start times are re-seeded from 1st run results and will be posted on the notice board.

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

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


AWARDS

Results from best 5 of 6 rounds will count towards final series positions.  In the event of a tie, the final series positions will be decided by the final round result.
Medals will be awarded for individual rounds down to 3rd position.
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 available to British Cycling licence holders.


FACILITIES

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

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

Camping is available on-site.
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.


THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS & HELPERS

Red Rock Clothing - www.redrockwear.com

Raleigh/Quad Technology/High 5 Sports Nutrition - www.raleigh.co.uk
Descent –gear - www.descent-gear.com
Fenwicks - www.fenwicks.info
MSC Bikes - www.mscbikes.co.uk
Burgtec - www.burgtec.co.uk
Five Ten shoes - www.fiveten.com
PPC Image Lab - www.the-ppc.com
Forest Enterprise - www.forestry.gov.uk
Tilhill Forestry - www.upm-tilhill.com
Extreme Medics - www.extrememedics.com
Downton Estate
Janet’s Jacket Potatoes – Catering
Ludlow Air Cadets
Pearce Cycles Race Team
All marshals, sign-on team & course builders
Uplift drivers


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