Blog by Club Secretary Tony Marlow

May I wish all of our members a rather belated happy healthy new year

The season will soon be with us and the mild winter enjoyed so far has resulted in lots of miles and fit riders – good results will be expected!

The full programme of club time trials is in place starting at the end of March although the first two events clash with the Majorca trip. Any member not competing who is free on Tuesday evenings is very welcome to come and assist with the event as time keeper’s assistants and marshals are always needed.

For new members not too familiar with the governing body’s rules for race clothing the full details are in the annual handbooks. However for events under British Cycling rules an official Mercia jersey or skinsuit is required to be worn. The clubs clothing design and colours are registered with British Cycling, being for Mercia members use only, and it is a requirement in competition that they are worn. There is also a requirement to wear an approved crash hat.

The rules re clothing in time trials under CTT rules are more relaxed – club clothing can be worn or any other plain clothing – clothing showing a trade name is not allowed unless it is the official club clothing. Crash hats are recommended and some clubs do insist on their use in events which they promote.

I am very pleased to welcome Anne Staley as a member of the Mercia. Anne is a registered club coach and has a wealth of experience of working in cycling with juniors. The Mercia officials have recently met with officials from the local council and from the British Cycling development team to discuss becomes a Go Ride approved club. We have decided to apply to British Cycling to become approved and are in the process of doing this. Mercia CC will be running events for juniors and also a basic introduction to cycling course with assistance from British Cycling and the Local Council cycling development team. The club has two club coaches and will appoint a Child Welfare Officer who has to become approved - additionally, helpers will be appreciated when we do start to run events. Officials and helpers will need to be CRB checked but this will be free to members.

This is a very exciting prospect for Mercia. Looking at other clubs who have taken this opportunity they have seen a growth in their junior members.

Watch this space for more news when the process of becoming approved has moved on.

Best wishes
Tony

Posted by Richard Knott on Wednesday, January 18, 2012