Are you the next cycling medalist at Senior Olympics?

Seriously. If you are a local recreational cyclist, ages 50+, and ride your bike regularly, you could be the next cycling medalist at Northern Virginia Senior Olympics on Sunday, September 16. This is the perfect event if you want to experience your first time trial bike race and possibly win a Senior Olympics medal. Last year, with one exception, all of the participants were recreational cyclists.

In fact, at last year’s event, there were a total of 48 unawarded medals between the two cycling events: a 10 kilometer (6.2 miles) time trial and a 20 kilometer (12.4 miles) time trial. There were 36 unawarded medals in the women’s races and 12 unawarded medals in the men’s races. In several age-groups, you just had to show up, ride whatever bike you own, and finish the course to win a medal. No special gear or training required.

Online registration closes on Friday, August 24. Sign up today. There are medals waiting to be awarded in your age-group.

Where is the course?

The course is located around Vint Hill Green, just west of Gainesville, in Fauquier County. It can best be described as a “lollipop.” It is a loop for the first two and a half miles, then out-and-back for the rest of the distance.

Is the course flat or hilly?

The course is flat and fast. The total elevation gain is only 131 feet over 6.2 miles, 262 feet over 12.4 miles. 

What gear do I need?

Race whatever bike you have. It can be a road bike, triathlon bike, beach cruiser, or even an elliptical bike.

If you want to be competitive, the chart below lists the gear that can make you faster. First choice is a skinsuit, followed by aerobars. These two items will cost you roughly $450. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Please leave your audio playback devices at home. This event is run under the rules of USA Cycling and earphones/buds are expressly forbidden. Electric bikes (e-bikes) are also prohibited.

How fast do I have to go in the women's races?

There was only a single competitor in the women’s 55-59, 70-74, and 80-84 age groups. There were zero competitors in the 60-64, 65-69, 75-79, and 85+ age groups. To win a medal in those age groups, you only had to finish the race at your own speed on whatever bike you ride. And, none of the women’s medal winners were competitive cyclists. They were all recreational cyclists. 

How fast do I have to go in the men's races?

There was only a single competitor in the men’s 50-54 age group and only two competitors in the 60-64 age group. There were no competitors in the 85-89 age group. With the sole exception of the winner of the men’s 65-69 age group, who is an active competitive cyclist, the rest of the men’s medal winners were recreational cyclists.

How dangerous is time trial racing?

Time trial racing is the safest cycling discipline. Why? Because this is not mass start or pack racing. No drafting is allowed. Competitors start individually in 30 second to one minute intervals. You are racing the clock, not a pack of other racers.

How much does it cost to enter?

The Basic Registration Fee is $13. A fee of $2 is required for each event. There is an additional fee of $5 per race for traffic control and electronic timing. That is a total of $20 for one race or $27 for both races.

Am I eligible to race?

You must reside in one of the following jurisdictions: Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, or Fairfax or the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, or Prince William, and be 50 years old or older as of December 31, 2018.