Road and Criterium Racing

A complete guide to getting on the start line

Road and criterium racing in the UK is governed by British Cycling. While it can feel complicated at first, once you understand the basics - licences, categories, equipment and entries - it becomes very straightforward. This in depth guide covers everything you need to know before turning up to your first race.

1. British Cycling membership & race licences

To race road or crit events in the UK, you’ll need to be part of British Cycling (BC).

British Cycling membership

British Cycling membership is the starting point. Membership gives you:

  • Insurance cover

  • Access to BC-sanctioned events

  • A provisional race licence by default

Most riders racing in the UK are BC members, either through an individual membership or via a club.

Race licences

There are three common ways to race:

  • Full Race Licence
    Required if you want to:

    • Earn licence points

    • Hold and progress through race categories

    • Compete consistently throughout the season

  • Provisional / Day Licence
    Often available for entry-level races and first-timers.
    Useful for trying racing, but:

    • You usually won’t earn points

    • You may be restricted to certain categories or race types

For most people planning to race more than once or twice, a full race licence is recommended.

British Cycling – Membership & Racing Licences

2. Race categories & how progression works

UK road and crit racing is category-based, designed to group riders of similar experience and ability.

Common senior categories

  • Fourth Category – entry level (most first races)

  • Third Category

  • Second Category

  • First Category

  • Elite – national-level racing

Most new riders start in Fourth Category races.

Points & upgrades

  • Points are earned by finishing in the top places of eligible races

  • Accumulate enough points within a season and you’ll be upgraded to the next category

  • Higher categories unlock:

    • Longer races

    • Faster fields

    • National and regional series events

Race listings will always state which categories can enter — always check before signing up.

British Cycling – Road Race Categories & Points

3. Finding and entering races

Where to find races

Most UK road and crit races are listed on the:

  • British Cycling Events Calendar

  • Local club or regional association websites

Entering a race

  • Entries are usually online

  • Many races sell out, especially crits and popular circuits

  • You’ll need:

    • Your BC membership number

    • Your race category

    • A valid licence (or confirmation you’ll take a day licence)

Once entered, you’ll receive:

  • Race confirmation

  • Sign-on details

  • Start time and race HQ information

4. Road vs Crit racing – what to expect

Road races

Longer distances (often 60–120km depending on category)

Open or closed roads

Tactical, endurance-focused racing

Neutralised starts are common

Criteriums (Crits)

Shorter races on closed circuits (industrial estates, city centres, purpose-built tracks)

High intensity, repeated accelerations

Ideal for first races due to:

  • Shorter duration

  • Clear course layout

  • Spectator-friendly format

5. Bike, kit & technical regulations

Bikes

Standard road bike required

Must meet British Cycling technical regulations

Bike must be safe and in good working order

Key equipment rules

TT bars or clip-on aero extensions are not allowed in mass-start road or crit races

Helmets are mandatory at all times

No headphones or audio devices

Riders must wear pinned race numbers as instructed

Gearing & equipment checks

Most events won’t enforce gearing limits for senior categories

Commissaires may perform bike checks before or after races

British Cycling – Technical Regulations & Rulebook

3. Finding and entering races

Where to find races

Most UK road and crit races are listed on the:

  • British Cycling Events Calendar

  • Local club or regional association websites

Entering a race

  • Entries are usually online

  • Many races sell out, especially crits and popular circuits

  • You’ll need:

    • Your BC membership number

    • Your race category

    • A valid licence (or confirmation you’ll take a day licence)

Once entered, you’ll receive:

  • Race confirmation

  • Sign-on details

  • Start time and race HQ information

First Race

Check List

As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm