White Rose Youth League Website

About the League

The White Rose Youth league was established in 2006 with a series of 9 events on the newly resurfaced and remodelled Richard Dunn Circuit at Odsal, Bradford. The league expanded in the following year with a pilot 4 events at the Go-Kart track at Wombwell.

In 2012 it is proposed to hold 8 league events the Richard Dunn Centre and a further 8 at the new circuit at Forge Valley School, Sheffield, culminating in the Yorkshire Region Youth Circuit Race championships which will be held in August. There will be a separate points competition for each circuit/venue.

Format

The entry fee for each race is £5. When riders arrive on race evenings they must sign on, pay their entry fee, collect a race number and have their gears checked, there is more information about this in the gearing section of this site.

The races follow the same format at both Bradford and Sheffield venues:

At each race the younger riders (under 14 and younger) will start with a one lap time trial. Riders are held in a starting position and counted down until it’s time to go, it’s then them against the clock! Riders are set off at timed intervals and their finishing time recorded.

Once the time trials are completed each age category competes in separate circuit races. Starting with the youngest, each age group completes a designated number of laps with all the riders starting together. Once the winner has completed the race everyone finishes after they cross the finish line. The number of laps raced in each category can vary depending on weather conditions and daylight. Typically the youngest under 10’s would race for around 15 minutes with the oldest under 16’s racing for 40 minutes.

Points are awarded to the riders based on their positions in the time trials and circuit races. Two separate leagues are run based on the Bradford results and the Sheffield results. At the end of the series prizes as well as winners yellow jerseys are awarded to the best placed riders in all age categories for both series.

Useful Information

Cycle racing is great to take part in and we like to see all ages and abilities racing in a safe environment.

British Cycling asserts that the wearing of a correctly fitted hard shell helmet conforming to a recognised safety standard is recommended for all of its competitive events. You will need a suitable helmet and ensure that the straps are tight and your helmet fits correctly. Your bike will need to be in good safe working order and have good brakes and tyres.

Cycling shorts and jerseys are great to race in and provide comfort. Track mitts are advisable and protects the palms in case of a fall. On colder nights dont forget to bring full finger gloves and a long sleeve jersey. Arm and knee warmers are ideal for the cooler races. In the event of rain, a racing cape will come in handy to warm up in.

Most riders have clippless pedals. These are like a ski fixing and are only suitable for riding in. For younger riders flat trainers are ideal but make sure the laces are tied to avoid the chain.

Sunglasses offer good protection from insects and dust. Please be aware that when the sunlight fades darker glasses may not be the best way to see the wheel in front! if the light is fading or it is wet yellow or clear lenses are perfect.

A good way to warm up before a race is to use rollers or a turbo trainer. These can be brought to races and used pre race as the circuit is often being used by another age group.

Some older youths bring spare wheels in the case of a puncture or mechanical failure. This is fine but please make sure you report to a Commisaire before you do anything to fix your problem.

If you are unsure about what you need on race night please ask at one of the races, there are plenty of people on hand to help you out.

Contacts

For all Wednesday League Events
Regional Development Manager – Peter Root
Click here to email

For all Saturday Events
Yorkshire Regional Events Officer – Peter Sutton
Click here to email

Website Design & Updates
Marc Etches
Click here to email

WRYL Chairman – Paul Banks
WRYL Vice Chairman – Marc Etches

For further information visit the White Rose Youth League Website