VETS LEAGUE

Running on the evening of the 2nd Saturday of every month from April to September, our racing league for Vets puts riders through their paces with a different mix of events every round. The League will take place over 6 rounds with racing officially starting in April. Riders are split into 3 ability based Open categories, with enjoyable, inclusive and competitive racing for women aged 30+ and everyone aged 40+. The League serves as a great test for established racers, but also aims to help introduce new riders into racing as part of our track pathway.

Jan’s Cafe will be open throughout for hot and cold drinks, and snacks.

Racing is free to watch at Herne Hill Velodrome and for spectators there’s no need to book in advance. Join us this summer at the track to enjoy some top notch live racing!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHAT YOU NEED TO RACE

Race Licences
All racers will need to have either a full, provisional or day licence issued by British Cycling in order to race.

British Cycling Race Membership includes a provisional race licence. You can purchase a full racing licence in addition to a Silver or Gold Membership.

If you are racing in the A category, hold a Bronze membership, or are not a member of British Cycling you will need to purchase a licence on the day at sign-on (the cost will be between £5-£10, as detailed here)

A category riders racing on a provisional or day licence will not be awarded British Cycling ranking points in any qualifying races.

Track Accreditation
All riders must have either a UK Track Accreditation (Lee Valley Stage 4 or equivalent) or an HHV Race Accreditation.

Session experience
We ask that all riders either have previous experience of track racing or have been attending our Intermediate Training or Race Training sessions. Not sure if you’re ready to race? Just ask the coaches

Your own bike
All racers need to have their own bike or a season-hire bike.

RACING CATEGORIES

Vets League is split into three ability-based Open categories for everyone aged 40 and over, or turning 40 in 2024. In the B & C category entries are open to women aged 30 or over, or turning 30 in 2024.

A category – Fast racing for our top riders who have been training hard and want a tough work out. British Cycling ranking points are awarded in qualifying results/races.
B category – Medium speed racing for local-level racers.
C category – More entry level racing for newer, older, or less fit racers.

We ask that racers select the category which is most appropriate for them, however we reserve the right to change a rider’s category if we deem it appropriate to do so. If the entries for your chosen category are full on any given night, please do not enter another category

We do allow riders to move up (or down) to another category during the season.

To know if it’s appropriate to move up to the category above, we recommend using the following criteria: In order to move up a category, riders will need to have won and frequently scored top 3 positions in a variety of races, over a number of weeks, using a range of tactics (eg. Scoring from bunch sprint / Scoring from a breakaway / Scoring from a solo attack) before they are ready to move up. Particularly from the Cs to the Bs

TIMINGS, ENTRY & COSTS

The league runs on the evening of the 2nd Saturday of every month from April - September. A special additional team event is scheduled for the afternoon of 29th of June - the inaugural Chris O’Hearn Memorial Trophy.