The Thursday evening handicap road races that have become a mainstay of the West Midlands racing calendar return again in 2024, with nine races planned between May 9 and July 11, and sponsorship from Jacob Tipper Performance Coaching. As well as the overall, there will be prizes for women, three categories of veteran, and juniors. 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 a race. TheSSSCCRRL 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. Last year’s overall winner was veteran Eddy Corbett of Bridgnorth CC, from junior Ethan Campbell of Newport Shrops CC.
League road races take place every Thursday night at 7pm, from May 9 to July 11 2024. Races are run on a handicap basis over a distance of approx 35 miles. 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; group one is for beginners, women and vets. 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 there are awards for women, juniors and vets as well as the overall.
Advance online entry to the series is via the league website, costing £150 for 9 races, with reduced rates for women and juniors; entry on the night is available but is walk-up only and costs £30 per race, meaning there is a substantial saving for those who pre-enter the whole series. Staggered payments are available either via BC website or PayPal.
Midlands Thursday Handicaps 2024
May 9, Newport Shrops CC, Charlton/Admaston
May 16, Black Country CC, Huntington
May 23, Wolverhampton Wh, Huntington
May 30, Mid Shrops Wh/Paramount, Leighton
June 6, Stourbridge CC, Enville/Bobbington
June 13, Bridgnorth CC/Clee Cycles, Enville/Bobbington
June 20 – no race
June 27, SSSCCRRL committee, Pattingham
July 4, Halesowen A & CC, CharltonJuly 11, Wrekinsport, Charlton