Your first road race in Qatar - Frequently asked questions
If you are new to bike racing or new to bike racing in Qatar, this page will give you some idea of what to expect. Most importantly, reading this page will help you to keep racing safe for yourself and others.
Why race?
Racing is thrilling. In a bunch of 30 to 40 riders you'll be moving faster than you've ever been before, then add to that the tactical elements: Staying out of the wind behind other riders to conserve energy; avoiding the back of the group where the effects of changes in pace can be most extreme; and, if you are trying to reach the podium, plotting to make the right move at the right time. It's a physical challenge with the excitement of gamesmanship.
Is racing safe?
What makes racing thrilling brings inherent risks. Falls can happen but are not inevitable. Everyone can contribute to a safe race. Here's how.
The fundamental etiquette of racing is pretty much the same as that of a group training ride, so If you normally ride solo, you should take part in some group rides to get the feel of close-proximity bunch cycling.
Look ahead of you. What are the riders at the front doing? By not looking only at the wheel in front you can anticipate changes in speed and direction.
Overlapping your front wheel with the rear wheel ahead is a big no-no. If that rider changes line and clips your wheel, you will fall, possibly bringing down others behind and it will be your fault. Don't suddenly brake, change direction or jump onto another rider's slip stream without checking it is safe to do so. Leave the barging to the pros - they have the bike handling skills and experience. They also have the scars to prove it!
In the shelter of the pack, you'll be riding at higher speed than you are used to. The bunch will go into a turn or roundabout faster than you might normally attempt. At this point, braking, or failing to 'hold your line' is particularly hazardous so you should practice:
The fundamental etiquette of racing is pretty much the same as that of a group training ride, so If you normally ride solo, you should take part in some group rides to get the feel of close-proximity bunch cycling.
Look ahead of you. What are the riders at the front doing? By not looking only at the wheel in front you can anticipate changes in speed and direction.
Overlapping your front wheel with the rear wheel ahead is a big no-no. If that rider changes line and clips your wheel, you will fall, possibly bringing down others behind and it will be your fault. Don't suddenly brake, change direction or jump onto another rider's slip stream without checking it is safe to do so. Leave the barging to the pros - they have the bike handling skills and experience. They also have the scars to prove it!
In the shelter of the pack, you'll be riding at higher speed than you are used to. The bunch will go into a turn or roundabout faster than you might normally attempt. At this point, braking, or failing to 'hold your line' is particularly hazardous so you should practice:
- Get on the drops before the turn to keep centre of gravity low
- Press your body weight down on the bar on the left side when turning left and vice versa for right
- Look ahead to where you want the bike to go
Do I need to be fast?
Fast is relative! Qatar's standard of racing is lower than that of more established cycling nations, making it more accessible too.
Exactly how fast you need to be is very hard to state. If you can ride in a group at 30 kph, you'll be probably be fast enough. The average race speed will be faster than this because strong riders at the front are sheltering everyone behind. Races can also have slow periods where nobody is willing to take on the pace. An attack, where someone tries to escape from the bunch, produces a rapid acceleration and it is often in these moments that the group splits. This is part of the fun of racing and the only way you'll find out if you are fast enough is to try it.
Exactly how fast you need to be is very hard to state. If you can ride in a group at 30 kph, you'll be probably be fast enough. The average race speed will be faster than this because strong riders at the front are sheltering everyone behind. Races can also have slow periods where nobody is willing to take on the pace. An attack, where someone tries to escape from the bunch, produces a rapid acceleration and it is often in these moments that the group splits. This is part of the fun of racing and the only way you'll find out if you are fast enough is to try it.
Do I need to do special training?
No. But it could help. One difference between your group rides and a road race is the sudden acceleration as someone attacks. At these moments, it's no longer the average speed that matters but your top speed and how fast you can accelerate. Training including repeated short sprints will help you to not get 'dropped'. If you want to be the one making the attacks, you'll train to hold high speed for a kilometer or more. And of course those long Friday group rides will give you the endurance to still feel fresh at the end of the race - ready to sprint for victory!
Also remember that there is a strong tactical element to road racing. The internet and YouTube are full of advice on road race and crit tactics, this is a good start but the only way to learn race-craft is to race, so when you are confident riding in a bunch just come and do it.
Also remember that there is a strong tactical element to road racing. The internet and YouTube are full of advice on road race and crit tactics, this is a good start but the only way to learn race-craft is to race, so when you are confident riding in a bunch just come and do it.
What is a crit?
Road racing comes in these forms:
- Road races : bunch races over longer distances
- Time trials : solo efforts against the clock, no drafting allowed
- Criteriums or 'crits' : short races over a multi-lap course, often for a fixed time rather than distance.
A crit is therefore a road race in miniature and usually competed at a higher pace. A crit will be described as, for example, Forty minutes + two, the 'two' being two laps at the end of a fixed time. The commissar will indicate the final laps. - Australian Handicap race : the field is split into groups of a similar standard who work together to chase down those starting ahead of them. In a perfect handicap, everyone would reach the finish at the same time. Handicaps are ideal races for beginners as the collaborative aspect is more like a group ride, even if ultimately it turns into a race.
What category should I enter?
Most races are ability graded, roughly corresponding to the ride groups, so Men A would be at Terminatorz level, Men B and Women A at 35z or faster 32z level and Men C/Women B for slower 32z and 30z. If you don't already ride with one of the QCR groups then use the ride descriptions to gauge where you should be. If in doubt, go for the lower grade for your first race then ask to be regraded if you are clearly out-classing those around you.
Do I need a race licence?
A race licence is required but for most races a one day licence can be purchased. Full QCF membership (including annual licence) is required to participate in the league and Qatar National Championships. More about this
Am I insured/is my bike insured?
No. Racing is at your own risk and you should read and understand the disclaimer that you will sign on entering the race.
Are there any youth or women's races?
Thanks to the efforts of some great individuals, racing in Qatar has come a long way in a short time and racing numbers have grown commensurately. In 2015 the first women only crit was held around the Lusail race track and initiatives like this will ultimately bring more women out to race. You'll find women racing at every event, with their own categories integrated into open races. e.g. Women B category races with Men C.
There is no minimum age for participation and the Qatari national junior and cadet teams also participate in the open races. It is left to parents and coaches to to decide when their charges have the fitness and skills required. Of course, awareness of how to make a safe race is particularly essential for this group.
Races for younger children are starting to appear. Many mountain bike races and some road races have an accompanying kids race.
If there isn't the kind of racing that you want, why not organise something? Qatar is a blank cycling canvas awaiting your creation!
There is no minimum age for participation and the Qatari national junior and cadet teams also participate in the open races. It is left to parents and coaches to to decide when their charges have the fitness and skills required. Of course, awareness of how to make a safe race is particularly essential for this group.
Races for younger children are starting to appear. Many mountain bike races and some road races have an accompanying kids race.
If there isn't the kind of racing that you want, why not organise something? Qatar is a blank cycling canvas awaiting your creation!
Do I need to be in a club or team?
There are teams here, who may work together but it is equally possible to race as an individual in all categories.
When are the races?
The season is between September and May each year. See the calendar
What else do I need to know?
If the answer to your question isn't covered here then get in touch.
