Here are some of the common road race formats and the key terms in each.
Road Handicaps
These races are started with riders in groups of like ability. The slowest riders (limit markers) set off 1st followed progressively by the quicker riders, with the fastest riders starting last.
For example if you had 5 groups you may start like this:
1. 'Limit' 10:00am, 2. 'Group 2' 10:05am 3. 'Chop' 10:10am 4. 'Block' 10:15am 5. Scratch 10:20am
The fastest riders are called the ‘scratch’ riders. The group in front of the scratch group is called the ‘block’, as these riders are squeezed in-between the fastest 'scratch' riders and the next fastest group. Sometimes the next fastest group is called chop.
The time gaps are designed so that in ideal circumstances all groups arrive at the finish together with the scratch riders arriving tired fro chasing hard to catch the other groups, but if strong enough, in a position to win. On rare occasions the handicapper may underestimate riders in the front groups and they may hold their advantage to the end.
It is a race in which any rider can combine with other riders to optimise their chance in the race. It is quite acceptable to ‘sit on’ an overtaking rider or group of riders as they have caught you and must be faster or stronger than you. Working well together with the riders around you is critical to your chances of being there at the finish.
The winner is the first rider across the line.
Graded Scratch Road Races
In Graded Scratch races riders are grouped in grades of like or similar ability. Grades set off at intervals and riders can only race against other riders in that grade.
If a rider or riders are caught or catch riders from another grade then in no circumstances can they combine and must keep separate.
Places are judged for each separate grade.
Road Time Trials
This type of race is a race against the clock, with riders setting off at 30 or 60 second intervals. It must be ridden as an individual effort and no drafting is allowed.
Criteriums
These are multi lap races ridden on circuits of approx. 800m-2km. Each grade has a set time and then a number of laps to ride. As for graded scratch races, no joining in with other grades is permitted.
Track Racing
Track racing is undertaken on a banked track or velodrome during summer. Races are short and fast with cyclists typically competing in a variety of events during the evening. There are hundreds of track race variations including scratch races, points races, pursuits, madisons, sprints and time trials.