Road racing is one of the disciplines of the sport cycling that is performed on paved roads. It is the most popular form of bicycle racing with respect to the no. of participants, events, and spectators. Professional racing is very famous in the western parts of Europe particularly in France, Spain, Italy and Low Countries. The sport emerged from recreational racing to professional races in the mid-1980s and spread widely all around the globe though semi-professional and amateur competitions are also organized till date in many countries.
Cycling is administered by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) at the global level, and the body is also responsible for organizing World Championships. Tour De France, the biggest event cycling event, is a three-week long race that attracts more than 500,000 roadside supporters a day.
Competitors ride bicycles over a given distance a quickly as possible. The core objective is to cross the finish line ahead of the competitors.
Single Day Bicycle Race Event
The single day races may be as long as 240 km in the distance. The course may run from place to place or may compose of one or more laps of a circuit. The short circuit races that are commonly held in towns or city centers are called as criteriums.
Time Trials
An individual time trial (ITT) is a race in which the cyclist rides alone on a flat or a rolling terrain, or on a mountainous road against the clock. On the other hand, a team time trial (TTT) incorporates two-man team time trial, is a road based bicycle race in which the teams of cyclists race against the time.
Stage Races
It consists of various races or, or stages that are ridden consecutively. The cyclist whose cumulative time of all the stages is the least is declared as the winner.
Ultramarathon
These are very long single staged events where the race time goes continuously from start to finish. Such a race goes on for several days, and the riders take short breaks according to their schedules. The one who crosses the finish line first is the winner.
Competitors participate as individuals and also in teams along with separate competitions for male, female, and youth, respectively.
Road Racing - Shorts
Tight-fitted, lycra or nylon shorts are worn that are aerodynamic and protects the thighs from rubbing against the saddle.
Road Racing - Jersey
Tight-fitting jerseys made of lycra are worn to absorb perspiration and to let the skin breathe.
Road Racing - Gloves
Riders wear fingerless leather gloves that protect against bumps and reduce vibrations. These can be used to wipe sweat from the face and also avoids injuries to the palm in case of falls.
Road Racing - Shoes
Cyclists wear shoes with smooth, rigid and inflexible cleated soles that are bent slightly at the ball of the foot that keeps the foot on the pedal.
Road Racing - Helmet
Lightweight helmets are worn by riders that offer a minimum wind resistance and are narrower from the back for optimal aerodynamics.
Road-Racing Bicycle
Specially designed bicycles are used in road bicycle racing that takes place on paved roads. These cycles are built to be light, strong and comfortable enough to be ridden for hours.
Time-trial bicycle
The time-trial bicycles are designed for the time-trial racing competition. It’s a competitive cycling sport where an individual goes against the clock without any peloton and pacers.
Here Are Several Basic Techniques That A Rider Must Follow In Order To Maintain A Good Pace All Through The Race Along With His/Her Own Health:-
- The position of the saddle is the foremost important thing that improves the comfort of the rider.
- The rider should keep his/her head upwards with relaxed elbows, shoulders and hands slightly.
- Use and change your gears as you get on the hilly part before getting all the tension on the cogs and chains.
- Go slow first, to go fast later on.
- Always wrap your thumbs if you are riding with your hands on top/flat part of the cycle.
- Focus on the push phase of the pedal as it the point where the rider produces most power.
- Get on the pedals early, and paddle with the feet keeping it flat.
- Do not forget to eat and drink often while riding.
The road cycling races take place on the paved roads that are made of concrete or asphalt.
Commissaire
Majorly two officials are required in cycling to perform the variety of roles which involvessupervising pre and post-race formalities. It also includes briefing the riders and race officials, checking the compliance of equipment with the norms and much more. When sitting with the panel, they serve as a race jury which is chaired by the Chief Commissaire who is responsible for resolving the controversial decisions. The Chief Commissaire is the ultimate authority of the event.
