Bec CC roller meeting, 15 March 2018-Report by Alaric Lester

 Roller racing is a slightly obscure branch of our great sport. Bikes are ridden on top of three suspended drums connected to a large odometer. Much of the competition equipment was made in the 1950s and ‘60s. With short distances and no frontal wind resistance, the fastest riders reach speeds of well over 100 km/h.

© Sue Landy 2018

In the ‘80s and ‘90s, the big event was Bec CC’s Grand Prix of London, run by the legendary Ron Beckett, which drew in riders from across the south east. Interest waned after the millennium, though, and competition rollers went into storage. I was delighted, therefore, when the Bec dusted off their rollers last year. I first tasted roller racing more than 30 years ago and love the thrill, the atmosphere and the intimacy of indoor competition at close quarters. It is also a privilege to ride the Bec’s Barelli competition rollers, which are among the fastest in the country.
I took Sue Landy and Nigel Tamplin along for the Bec’s 15 March meeting at the Sutton & Epsom Rugby Club. Sue was a little nervous about trying it out, but when I explained to her at length how I had gone to the effort of setting up a Merckx track bike just for her, she felt obliged to give it a try. Emotional blackmail works a treat sometimes. She was also relieved to hear that riders have two holders each, making the racing nice and safe. Nigel had been off the bike for a while, so the evening was more of a recce for him. He helped with holding duties and keeping the bar in business.

© Ben Harris, B Harris Photography 2018

11 riders of varying ages and ability lined up in front of a small and friendly audience. The racing was over four events: 250, 500, 750 and 1000 metres. The 250 and 500 are over in a flash; the 750 and 1000 take a rider deep into anaerobic threshold territory. A couple of riders sensibly gave the latter events a swerve.

© Ben Harris, B Harris Photography 2018

The competition is serious during the few seconds of intense effort, but light-hearted the rest of the time. Riders can find themselves shouting encouragement one minute, holding a competitor the next and riding eyeballs out the next, before collapsing into a chair in preparation for the next round. Having an audience just a few metres away provides instant feedback and keeps anyone from slacking off.

© Ben Harris, B Harris Photography 2018

© Ben Harris, B Harris Photography 2018
How did we do? Sue did fantastically for a first-timer more used to long-distance sportives, riding very smoothly and setting some creditable times. As the first woman to ride since competition was reinstated, she also set current-day records at all distances. I managed to draw on my experience to win all four distances, also setting current-day records, but I suspect they will be blown away once some quick younger riders come along. All in all, a great evening’s racing for HSLCC, and a highly enjoyable one to boot.

The Bec’s next event is on 18 October. Sue has the rollers bug and will be back for more. Nigel was enthused and I suspect he is already in training for the event. It would be great to have more HSLCC members along with us then. Whether you compete or just come along for the atmosphere, you are guaranteed a very different cycling experience from the norm.


A full set of photos from 15 March is available at bharrisphotography.co.uk.
This report first appeared on Strava in March 2018.