FAQ

All Western League cyclocross races are entered via British Cycling.

Races are mass-start events. Race length depends on the category: U6/U8/U10 and U12 races are 15 minutes, Youth races are 30 minutes, Female and Masters 50/60 races are 40 minutes, and the Open Junior/U23/Senior/Masters 40 race is 60 minutes.

League-registered riders are gridded using league rolling average points. Riders from outside the league may ask the organiser for a gridding position based on recent race results, at the organiser’s discretion.

Cyclocross age categories are based on the season starting on 1 September, not the calendar year.

Your category is worked out from your age on 31 December in the year the season starts. For the current season, please check the age-category table on the Resources page.

British Cycling regulations take precedence if there is any discrepancy.

We have riders across a wide range of abilities racing from beginners to national champions. Newcomers are always very welcome.

Ideally a cyclocross bike but many people ride gravel bikes with knobbly tyres these days, and mountain bikes are also fine. Over the years we have seen everything from fat bikes to foldable shopping bikes at events.

Licence requirements depend on the event classification. Check the British Cycling event page before entering.

A provisional race licence is accepted for many cyclocross events, but riders using a provisional licence are not eligible for British Cycling points or ranking points. A Full Racing License may be required for some events or rankings. Non-members may be able to buy a day licence, where allowed by the event classification.

Check the British Cycling event page for your race. The default Western Cyclocross League schedule is on the Resources page and applies unless the British Cycling event page states otherwise.

Arrive at least 45 minutes before your race. This gives you time to sign on, collect or fit your timing chip, warm up, and practise the course if practice is open.

Registration is on the registration page. League registration usually opens about a month before the first race and closes the week before the first race, so the league can prepare chip timing and results.

League scores are calculated from a rider’s or team’s best results in 50% of counting events, plus two additional rides, rounded up.

Races are chip timed using an RFID tag, ideally worn on your left ankle. The chip is detected when you cross the timing mat at the start/finish. Avoid standing near the mat after finishing, as this can cause false readings. Timing is handled by K2 Sports Limited.

Race organisers often need volunteer marshals. Contact the organiser directly if you can help. Volunteers may be awarded average league points.

After racing, you can also help by removing poles and tape from the course and returning them to event HQ after the final race.

The league also needs volunteers for official roles, including British Cycling commissaires.