edinburgh rc cycling club

Road and Track

Whether you are an experienced racer or a novice looking for an introduction to competitive cycling, Edinburgh RC has something to offer you:

Racing

Perhaps you're wondering whether to try racing? Trust us - it's the most fun you can have on two wheels! Edinburgh RC have a long tradition of competition success, including Scottish and British championship medals. The club has a large number of members regularly racing at all levels of competition, from novice to expert, and several qualified cycle coaches. If you are new to cycle racing we can help introduce you to this exciting sport. The club leads regular weekly training rides for those interested in racing.

Time trialling

In a time trial, riders compete compete against the watch. Normally, a time trial is a solo competition, but some races are for teams of 2 or more riders. The winner is the fastest rider over a set distance, or the rider who covers the greatest distance in a fixed time. The most popular time trial distance is 10 miles. You do not need any special equipment to take part in a time trial - any sort of bike will do. Edinburgh RC have a long tradition of success in time trials, and our members are regular competitors in the Scottish time trial series. ERC run a weekly club 10 mile TT from May to August. Riders of all abilities take part, and this is is an ideal introduction to cycle racing. Anyone is welcome to turn up on the night and have a go! Check the What's on? page for details.

Road racing

In a road race, all the competitors start together, and the winner is the first rider to cross the finish line. Road racing is tactical, fast paced and exciting, with riders making attacks and forming break-away groups as they attempt to outwit the other competitors. A road race will often finish in a dramatic bunch sprint. Edinburgh RC regularly field some of the biggest team entries in Scottish road racing, and the club promotes the local Cycling Scotland road race series. Although road racing may appear daunting to newcomers, handicap road races provide a good introduction to the sport. In a handicap road race, riders are grouped by ability, slower groups starting with a time advantage over the faster groups.

Track racing

Track Racing encompasses many different disciplines and offers something for everyone. There is a weekly track league at Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh on Tuesday nights, from April to September. The informal and safe environment of the track league makes it an ideal place for your introduction to racing, with enthusiastic volunteers always ready to help newcomers. ERC is one of the best represented clubs at track league and championship events, reflected by the Scottish championship medals won by our club members. Track racing requires a special type of bike, but the East of Scotland Cycling Association has a number of bikes available for hire via our club track co-ordinator. The club also have a selection of track chainrings and sprockets, aerobars and various disc and aero wheels for hire.

Bute time trial image by ufopilot

Ingliston circuit race and track images by Camilla Adams