The race is part of the 2012 Mud, Sweat & Gears Mountain Bike Series. The following information has been taken from the event website to provide an overview of the key points fo younger WSW & T riders who may be interested in taking part in  mountain bike racing.  

The race also includes the full range of adult categories and full details are on the event website (see below).

Race Format/Costs.

Under 12s

Under 12s – Go-ride Racing: 1.5hr professional coaching season with qualified British Cycling coaches followed by a 20 minute race. Great fun!!

All under 12s must be registered and collected by their guardian (over 18 yrs). Guardians must remain on site but are encouraged to take part in the Open category races whilst the under 12s are in their coaching session. The coaching session is not compulsory however, there will be no reduction in price should you choose not to attend.

 Coaching starts 10:00 finishes 11.30.

 Race starts at 12:30 for approximately 20 minutes

Cost £10 (advance online entry) or £15 (on the day)

Juvenile ( 13 to 14 years)

Race starts at 10:04 (male)/ 10:06 (female) for approximately 45 to 60 minutes

Cost £15 (advance online entry) or £20 (on the day)

Youth ( 15 to 16 years)

Race starts at 10:02 (male)/ 10:06 (female) for approximately 45 to 60 minutes

Cost £15 (advance online entry) or £20 (on the day)

Age Categories.  This is age that you will turn in 2012. For example Jack is 14 years old at the beginning of the 2012 season. He turns 15 on the 1st October 2012, therefore he is classed in the Youth category.

Under 12’s – For riders who DO NOT become 13 years old during 2012.

Juvenile – 13 to 14

Youth – 15 to 16

How to Enter

For 2012 MSG are using the British Cycling online entry system. To enter online you DO NOT need to be a British Cycling member however, you will be required to setup an account with British Cycling.

Online entries close on the Tuesday before each race at 11.59pm.

Follow the link here to the event online entry page and then click on the “How to Enter” button on the left hand side of the page. http://www.mudsweatgears.co.uk/

Entry on the day is accepted providing the entry is not full. On the day payments for entries are only accepted in cash as  cheques are not accepted.

Numbers are restricted and on the day entries cannot be guaranteed. Please log onto the latest event news blog or facebook page on the Wednesday before the race to see if on the day entries are available and who has already entered the event.

Pre event information packs will be sent to all registered participants on the Wednesday before the race via e-mail. The packs will contain the format for the day, venue specific information and maps. If you are not pre-registered and would like to download the pre-event information please download it from the latest news blog on the Wednesday before the race.

Tips for first time racers (from the Mud, Sweat & Gears website)

Make sure your bike is in tip-top condition when you arrive on race day, don't forget your helmet (helmets must be worn at all times both during practice and the race), water, tools, a pump and spares. Arrive at the race venue with plenty of time so you're not in a rush to get through race registration, which can get busy. Once you’ve signed on you should fix your race number to the front of your bike using the cable ties provided. Ideally do one lap of the course at an easy pace before your race - this will get you warmed up and also give you warning of any difficult sections.

Get to the start line 10 minutes before the scheduled start of your race and follow the commissaires instructions.

British Cycling Licence.  You don’t need one to race.   You only need a BC licence  if you wish to collect points for your race result. If you do have a licence, you will need to present it at race registration to qualify for points.

Venue: Ickworth House

A Georgian Italianate palace in an idyllic English landscape, explore acres of space, woodland, wildlife, and a stunning architectural oddity, all with a story to match. This is a new venue to the series  and begins an exciting partnership with The National Trust. The grounds at Ickworth House provide large forests and rolling fields which should create a challenge for everyone competing. The course involves wide forest tracks ideal for overtaking and grabbing a quick drink mixed with tight flowing single track through the many trees.

Ickworth House not only provides  a fantastic new race course but also a great family day out with many interesting sights to be seen.

Further Information

For full up-to-date information please see the official series website:    http://www.mudsweatgears.co.uk/

To contact WSW & T Go-Ride Coaches: Email:    go-ride@westsuffolkwheelers.co.uk