One lap Intro race at XC NPS 8..should we ?

[shane]

From Richie Byrne of EPICmtb

It has been mentioned to me on several occasions about Sports this and bangers that, and the gap from beginner to Sports is huge..and from what i've seen over the years..its true to an extent..
One of the reasons an Intro Category hasn't been used is manpower and hassle.
Considering the amount of times organisers have attempted a Fun Category, and 4 people have turned up..
But i think with the explosion of riders using Ballinastoe, that maybe it would be worth having one last go at it.
The Entry would be minimal.
One day Licencers only.
No prizes just your lap time posted.
What do people think..bear in mind..theres no sense in seasoned racers responding..they have forgotten what its like to really suffer and struggle around one lap.
I am aware too of Sports riders dying out the back on 2 laps.
So I'm looking for new people or people who've never raced.
This is the last NPS of the year.


regards

Richie

[Faro]

Hi

Think I probably fall into this category so here’s a comment, think it would be a good idea, it would be good in the sense that it my allow new racers the chance to actually race against other novices, learn new trails and provide a stepping stone to sport. I have met a lot of new racers in Sport who are usually towards the tail end but may be put off by the fact that Sport although intended for people starting is actually quiet competitive, beginners get destroyed in this category so probably don’t come back for another go. If there was a good entry and at a similar level it would be worth a go. Probably suit people that rid the trails but never raced or first year racers, promoted as a taste of racing by taking part or even as a “fun class” (I use the word cautiously). You know when it’s time to progress up so no point in making it a very competitive category.

It would also be beneficial to beginners if the club riders brought this group on or gave some idea of how progress can be achieved to the next category. Clubs and Seasoned racers tend to forget that new riders are totally green to even the format of a race, we want to progress but the current format does not really provide the support or information for this to happen. This category could be a good opportunity to promote the sport, racing and clubs.

On the down side, if you show up and end up racing against 3 other people it will a waste as its better to start out in Sport against 40 to 50 racers and learn something and get a bit of a push than to pedal around alone. Think to be a success you need to attract a good entry.

[RichieH]

Richie – did my first race on Sunday and really enjoyed it! Anything that encourages people to take part is definitely positive but I think the trick here would be to ensure that if the extra category is added it doesn’t simply remove the weaker riders from sports and therefore give bangers a reason to stay rather than moving up. It should be for total beginners only.
Looking forward to Epic's NPS.

[Richie Byrne]

well I can only hope that people can be trusted to remember that this is not a new category, its just an end of season outing for new people who haven't raced before ever to have a go.
I have extremely good recall of riders.
I'd be fairly certain if I'd seen them before.
Its like this..theres no trophy ( could be a lie !! )
and people can see what their lap time is and compare themselves to the Sports.
people are naturally anxious about their ability, so I think its only fair that we give them an opportunity to have a way of testing themselves
Richie