Racing in Europe
So, you’ve been riding a while, you’re enjoying the UK handbike scene but you want to take it to the next level… Or maybe you just fancy something a little different… Why not try a race in Europe at one of the European Handcycle Circuit (EHC) events? The beauty of this set up is that it is not controlled by the national governing bodies, but works as an independently run organisation. Unlike the World Championships you do not need to qualify or be invited to attend. Anyone can enter, you don’t have to be an elite rider, just have a handbike and a competitive spirit.
UK-based handcycling is great fun with regular participation events and races and I would always urge new handcyclists to firstly cut their teeth on the domestic scene for a season or two to gain experience, meet other handcyclists and get some good base fitness. However, taking the next step to compete on an international stage can be the most rewarding sporting decision you’ll ever make. With up to 200 handcyclists regularly turning out to race across the various categories, the energy charged start-line pelotons are like nothing you will have ever experienced.
Unlike on the British scene, the high turnout means that, whatever your ability, you usually end up riding the course in a ‘bunch’ - a group of riders working together, taking turns on the front of the pack, to maximise the group’s speed and either catch the bunch ahead, or stay away from the chasers behind. This is hard, fast and tactical at its very best. With your heart pumping and your arms burning you have to make important race decisions - if you find yourself alone off the back of the front pack do you sit up and wait for the riders behind and work with them to catch back up, or do you persevere and go into the red trying breach the gap on your own, but risk burning out and end up going around the rest of the course in 1st gear!
UK-based handcycling is great fun with regular participation events and races and I would always urge new handcyclists to firstly cut their teeth on the domestic scene for a season or two to gain experience, meet other handcyclists and get some good base fitness. However, taking the next step to compete on an international stage can be the most rewarding sporting decision you’ll ever make. With up to 200 handcyclists regularly turning out to race across the various categories, the energy charged start-line pelotons are like nothing you will have ever experienced.
Unlike on the British scene, the high turnout means that, whatever your ability, you usually end up riding the course in a ‘bunch’ - a group of riders working together, taking turns on the front of the pack, to maximise the group’s speed and either catch the bunch ahead, or stay away from the chasers behind. This is hard, fast and tactical at its very best. With your heart pumping and your arms burning you have to make important race decisions - if you find yourself alone off the back of the front pack do you sit up and wait for the riders behind and work with them to catch back up, or do you persevere and go into the red trying breach the gap on your own, but risk burning out and end up going around the rest of the course in 1st gear!
