The popular Thursday evening handicap road races that have become a mainstay of the West Midlands racing calendar are back in 2023, with nine races planned between May 11 and July 13, and sponsorship from Jacob Tipper Performance Coaching. As well as the overall, there will be prizes for best woman, veteran and junior. The series is now available to enter here http://www.sssccrrl.co.uk/enter/
The league is run by Staffordshire and South Shropshire Cycling Clubs who each take a turn in running an evening race. The SSSCCRRL started out as a training league, but different riders use it for different purposes – from the hardened racer who is using it for training, through to the beginner who is trying to get some experience.
League road races take place every Thursday night at 7pm, from May 11 to July 13 2023. Races are run on a handicap basis over a distance of approx 35 miles for Road Races & 1hr for Circuit Races. Courses are typically “rolling” and include some that are not used for weekend races.
Riders are started in up to five different groups based on ability, with the “slowest” going off first. This makes these races a really good entry point into road racing for beginners or for those returning to the sport. All riders who finish a race are placed and will have a position in the overall league table. There are awards for women, juniors and vets as well as the overall.
Online entry to the series is via the British Cycling website, costing £150 for 8 races; entry on the night is available but is walk-up only and costs £25 per race, meaning there is a substantial saving for those who pre-enter the whole series.
The races are open to riders of all categories from all clubs, but there may be preferential entry for riders from organising clubs if the races are over-subscribed.
More information and race calendar here: http://www.sssccrrl.co.uk
Midlands Thursday evening handicap Calendar for 2023
11th May Charlton Circuit: HQ Allscott Heath football club, Shawbirch Road,Telford TF6 5EQ
18th May Bobbington Circuit: HQ Wolverhampton Airport, Bobbington, Stourbridge DY7 5DY
25th May Sywnnerton circuit: HQ Swynnerton village hall ST15 0RB
1st June Charlton circuit: HQ Allscott Heath Football club, as above
8th June Bobbington circuit: HQ Wolverhampton Airport as above
15th June Leighton circuit: HQ Leighton Village Hall School Lane SY5 6RN
22nd June No race
29th June Huntington circuit: HQ Penkridge Cricket Club, Cannock Road Pillaton ST19 5RZ
6th July Sundorne circuit, Shrewsbury: two one-hour races, each for two groups.
13th July Charlton Circuit: HQ Alscott Heath football club as above