Bec Road Race 2024 - In danger of being cancelled due to low rider numbers

*** Sunday 28th May 2024 Update ***

"With two weeks to go before the race we now have 44 riders entered. In order to get a few more riders on the start list the closing date for entries has been pushed back until Friday 3rd May 2024. Please spread the word, and encourage your team / club mates to get their entries in over the next few days. Thanks"

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This year's National B Road Race promoted by the Bec Cycling Club scheduled to run on Sunday 12th May 2024 on the Ladies Mile and Crowborough courses in East Sussex, may not run due to low rider numbers. With just over a week until the closing date for entries, there are only 15 riders entered!

"Rider numbers have been down year on year since the pandemic, and riders are certainly entering later and later but this is the worst year we've had. This time last year we had almost 50 riders registered! " - James (event organiser).

We're asking all riders to spread the word and encourage clubmates to enter to ensure the event can still go ahead.

The race takes place on some of the most challenging roads in Ashdown Forest, including the great climb of Marden's Hill, which makes for a challenging ride for all. The 74-mile course starts in Groombridge (HQ - TN3 9QY) where the riders complete 10 laps of the Ladies Mile Circuit. There's then a short linking section before 5 laps of the Crowborough Circuit. The finish is on a long steady hill leading up to the high point in Ashdown Forest. 

Entry to the race is via the British Cycling website. ENTER HERE

"Pre-pandemic we had a long period of full fields, but over the last few years like most promoting clubs we've struggled to get the numbers back up. Last year's race started with 70, including a lot of the best Elite and 1st Cat riders in the country. It was an exciting race won by Alex Richardson (Saint Piran) "  - James (event organiser)

The Bec Cycling Club has been promoting races for many many years. As well as this National B open road race we promote a 10 and 25-mile Time Trial, and the infamous Bec Hill Climb at the end of the season.

"Costs are certainly an issue with races these days. This year's race will set riders back £35, and probably much more when petrol and equipment are factored in. This is a massive increase over the years our club has been promoting this race. Other event costs go up year on year and these days the race needs 70+ riders to break even, once overheads are taken into consideration. But the Bec Cycling Club are committed to local events, and we can take a small hit to get through the difficult years if need be" - Shaun - (Bec Club Captain).

"With three weeks to go before the race, there's lots of organising to be done. As well as most of the club who drive in the race convoy, marshall or run the HQ, there are 10 AMS, 4 NEG and various BC officials who work on the event. Pre-race notices go out on the course next week, and race signs/equipment need to be collected. On top of that, there's always the worry around road works and last-minute changes. But without a lot more riders we just don't have a viable race! " James