Overview
Rapha Racing School is a way to help you make the jump from regular rider to race ready. A one-day racing school designed to provide the skills and knowledge for your first foray into racing, from classroom theory to practicing key on-bike skills – including cornering and attacking – in the controlled environment of the Redbridge circuit.
We aim to upskill a cohort of riders to learn essential bike handling skills and build confidence in bunch riding.
Rapha Racing School will take place on Saturday March 14, from 9.30-5.30pm.
Read the schedule and FAQ below for full details.
Hosts
Matt Rowe
A highly experienced performance cycling coach and co-founder of Rowe & King Cycling Coaching, bringing over 20 years of coaching experience across elite, developmental, and recreational levels of the sport.
RCC Athletes
Meet some of our new RCC racers and learn from the best. From world champions to local crit legends, these riders know a thing or two about race craft, and will be sharing their experience and stories.
Styrkr
Styrkr's nutrition range is the culmination of many months of research and development with one clear focus: to help everyday athletes reach their next endurance goal.
Schedule
Scroll across to see what's covered on the day.
Previous
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Introduction to Racing with Rapha
Arriving from 9.30am for coffee and starting in the classroom at 10am with a short introduction racing.
What does it mean to be a racer? What is a racing license and how do you find local races? What actually happens on race day? What are the essentials you need?
We'll cover all this and answer any burning questions you might have before handing over to Matt Rowe for the Racecraft 101 session.
Racecraft 101 with Matt Rowe
Matt Rowe will lead a session on racecraft. Understanding that performance is a potent combination of elements: physical, technical, tactical and more. Physical training will not be covered in detail (but will be in a follow up webinar) to allow an emphasis on technical and tactical abilities.
Technical skill is arguably the most critical skill needed to stay safe in the bunch and not be left behind when things get spicy, so will be covered in depth.
Tactics and strategy can help you win, even if you're not the strongest in the race. Covering race planning, teamwork and etiquette, we'll also explore what it means to race with class and be an exciting rider.
Nutrition with Styrkr
Styrkr aim to improve performance with supplements that are specifically designed to give athletes more energy and combat fatigue, whatever their diet.
Styrkr will share some background into the science of their products and talk about how you can use a simple nutrition strategy to achieve the best effects during training and racing.
From fuelling during training to what to eat and drink on race day, it'll form a framework of how a combination of real food and performance nutrition can help you race your best.
On-Bike Skills
Time to put the theory into practice. You'll be changing into kit and jumping on your bike to get comfortable with riding in a bunch and practicing key skills every racer needs in their repertoire, in the controlled environment of the Redbridge circuit.
Matt and RCC athletes will lead a series of structured skills sessions on the track, including:
- Riding in a bunch (Cornering, when to/when not to brake, climbing, descending)
- Moving up and holding position, saving energy
- Making and following attacks
- Coach-led racing
Follow Up
The program doesn't finish at the end of the day. After the day concludes, you'll have the option to join the Rapha Racing School Whatsapp Community to stay in touch with your new clubmates and plan your first races, sign up to an online webinar focused on training with Matt Rowe, and join regular RCC Training Rides to turn your newly forged skills and motivation into a new habit and lifestyle.
What's Included
What's Included
2.5 Hours Classroom Learning
2.5 Hours On-Bike Skills Workshops
1-Year RCC Membership (£70 on its own)
Styrkr Nutrition Bundle
Lunch
Coffee
Access to follow up RCC Training Rides
Follow up training webinar with Matt Rowe
Access to Whatsapp Community (optional)
Personal accident and bike insurance
What's Not Included
Breakfast
Bike
Cycling kit
Helmet
Travel
Accommodation
Forest Rd, Ilford, Romford IG6 3HP
REDBRIDGE CYCLING CENTRE
Better known as 'Hog Hill' – Redbridge Cycling Centre has long been a staple of the London crit racing scene. Comprising of two loops connected by a descent and the 'Hoggenberg' climb, it's the perfect place to learn and practice race skills.
FAQ
Who is this program for?
Committed road cyclists with base fitness but no race experience. A rider who wants to develop and sharpen racing skills and meet likeminded people to train and race with.
How experienced do I need to be?
This is not a beginner cyclist course, it is for committed road cyclists who want to make the jump into racing.
You should be:
- Clipped in, and own a fully functioning drop bar road bike.
- Riding regularly enough to have base fitness and capacity for efforts/sprints – you should be comfortable holding an effort that feels challenging. Your absolute top/average speed doesn't matter – Racing School is about learning and practicing technical skills in a controlled environment.
- Comfortable with social group riding, and riding near other riders.
- Understand common hand signals and calls (watch this video here for a refresher).
- Understand how to do a paceline/through and off (watch this video here for a refresher).
What do I need to bring?
For the morning session, nothing but pen and paper if you'd like to take notes.
For the on-bike sessions you will need: A fully functioning road bike with drop handlebars, cycling kit (bring a warm layers and a waterproof), clip in shoes, a helmet and gloves.
Do I need any tech like a cycling computer, heart rate monitor or power meter?
No, this program is about racing skills so no tech is needed.
What if I have raced before?
If you have raced before but would like a refresher or to practice skills from coaches and experts, you are still welcome to join, but be aware that some of the information may not be new to you.
Do I have to wear Rapha or be an RCC member to join? Do I have to race for Rapha afterwards?
No, everyone is welcome and you can wear any kit you like. The purpose of this school is to upskill riders and create confident new racers, regardless of affiliation.
Although the school offers a pathway to train and race with the RCC after graduation, this is not mandatory, and you can join even if you intend to race for another team or club, or as a private rider.
RCC membership is included with Rapha Racing School and can be activated and the membership benefits utilised even if you do not race for the RCC afterwards.
Do I need to bring my own food?
Complimentary coffees/tea, lunch and a Styrkr nutrition bundle will be provided. However, we recommend bringing extra snacks to keep you going through the day.
What if I am already an RCC member?
You will receive an activation code that you can use when your existing membership runs out, giving you an additional year of RCC membership.
Are there spaces for underrepresented groups?
We want to help a diverse mix of riders build their skills and confidence to enter the racing scene, so we have ring fenced a number of tickets to ensure underrepresented riders get an opportunity to take part.
What's the cancellation policy?
You can cancel your place for a full refund until March 5th. After this, no full refunds will be issued. You can transfer your space to another rider (please inform us of any transfers so we can collect updated emergency contact details and dietary requirements), or you can request a refund for 50% of the entry fee and retain your RCC membership.
Do I have to join the RCC to take part?
Yes. RCC Membership now includes personal accident and RCC Event cover, which protects you and your bike in the case of an accident. To ensure all riders taking part in Rapha Racing School are covered throughout the event, we will ask that everyone has activated their membership by March 12.
If you are already an RCC member, you're already fully covered, and you can use your activation code to extend your membership for an additional year when your current membership expires.