Rubis Jersey Town Criterium
Rubis Jersey Town Criterium, a British Cycling registered town centre closed roads criterium series on a 1.2 mile course through the streets of St Helier.
The Series is a unique chance for competitors to race against riders from the UK, France and Jersey for British Cycling points and cash prizes. There is also road race event for further British Cycling points.
The races take place in May around the town centre streets of Jersey's capital, St Helier.
What is a town criterium?
It's a cycle race along a short technical circuit on closed roads. Unlike the smooth surface of an Olympic velodrome, the racers will have to contend with varied road surfaces, raised crossings and manhole covers - all adding to the thrill of the race. The racers will ride in groups for up to 30 laps of the 1 mile circuit around the centre of St Helier. This makes it a better race to watch than the likes of the Tour de France because you can see the race develop from a single vantage point.
Like last year, you are free to walk around the outside of the course to cheer on the riders as they sprint along the straight sections, or tackle the tight corners. There will be special crossing points with marshals where you can safely cross the course and watch a race from the other side. While this type of race is popular in France, it's rare in the UK which makes these races in St Helier all the more special.
The Course
The criterium course is 1.2 miles long, starting outside the Parish Hall on York St, and is ridden in a clockwise direction:
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After the start in York St there is a sharp right into Union St. Then it is straight onto Burrard St. by the traffic light in the distance.
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Straight into Burrard St from Union St, and then along to the right turn into Halkett Place just before the Blue Building.
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After the right turn from Burrard St, the course continues along Halkett Place and up the slope at the far end, then a right turn into Hill St (at the yellow and green poster)
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After the right turn from Halkett Place, Hill Street becomes Mulcaster St, with a right turn at the far end into Conway St.
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After the left turn from Conway St, the course goes along Broad St, with a right turn at the far end into York St and the finish.
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All roads will be closed to traffic and crossing points will be marshaled. There will also be barriers to keep spectators back and protect the riders from the 'street furniture'.
A map of the course can be found at www.jerseytowncrit.com
World Human Powered Vehicle Association World Championship
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In 2010, recumbent cyclists were vying for the world championship title as the event was held in Jersey for the first time. Competitors from 20 countries rode their hi-tech bikes which have aerodynamic covers.
Riders for the recumbent event included current world champions Steve Slade (England) and Barbara Buatois (France), 2008 world champion Claire King and the runner-up Erik Marynissen. |
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Other Races
In addition to the Criterium series on the Sunday VSJ also staged a 90km Road Race on the infamous Watersplash circuit. Entries welcomed from the following categories: Elite / 1st Cat, 2nd Cat, 3rd Cat.
Race 1: 90 Kilometers
Race 2: 56 Kilometers
These events will also be open to local riders and visitors to the island:
Hill climb
TimeTrial
Circuit Race
200m Sprint
For further race details please contact Jersey's Cycling Clubs.
