Frequently Asked Questions (Latest update 1st May 2022)

• I am currently a veteran but I am 50 during the series, will I go up to Grand Veteran?
• Your category is determined by the age you are at the 1st event (for example May 6th). If you have a birthday during the series that means you could change an age category, I AM SORRY BUT YOU CANNOT CHANGE. You have to stay in the same category for the whole series, however there is nothing wrong in racing the older category from the start.
• I am a 19 year old lady. Do I race the Under 23 category or the ladies category?
• There are 3 ladies categories. "Youth" ladies for the under 16's, "Senior" for the 17  -39 age group and "Veteran" for all the ladies aged 40 and over.
• I don't belong to a club, can I race?
• Yes, the beauty of the FNSS is anyone 12 years old and older can have a go. All you need is a mountain bike, a helmet and the will to have a go.
  
• Do I need a British Cycling race license?
  
• No, we are privately insured so you do not need a license or day membership.
• I have a child who is 9 years old and wants to race, can they compete?
• No. As the races last over a hour this is normally too long for the younger children and the courses are full length & can be quite technical, hence why our age limit is 12 years old.
• I have raced the series in the past, do I use my old number?
• No, a new number is issued every year. Once you have been issued your race number for the current series you keep it for the whole of the series. DO NOT FORGET TO BRING IT WITH YOU TO YOUR NEXT RACE.
• I entered Round 4 online but didn't make it, can I use it to enter Round 7?
• Yes with 48 hours notice AND ONLY if notice is given before the event has taken place not after.
• Do I need to fill out an entry form because I entered online?
• Unfortunately yes. Data protection means that the online entry provider and the payment providers cannot give out your personal details, which are needed by the FNSS to allow you to race. Also by filling out an entry form shows that you have read the race declaration which is required by our insurance company. Every participant must fill out an entry form and hand it in or email it across before they compete in their first race. You will not be given your race number without one. Once you have filled it out and received your race number, you do not need to fill out another one during the same series. It is always an advantage to fill the form out before hand when turning up at the signing on desk, saves everyone a lot of time.
• How do I enter online?
• You simply select the category and event you wish to enter and click add to basket. If you want to enter more than 1 event you just keep adding the events to the basket until you have selected all your events. If you want to enter 2 or more people just add their names in the comments section and their categories they will be competing in. When you go to check out, it does not matter what postage option is chosen as no postage levy will be charged. You will receive a confirmation email of your entry. If the entry is for your first race of the series, please remember to download and either email it or print off an entry form and hand it in to the organiser on the night.
• When do online entries for an event close?
• 6pm on the Tuesday before that Friday's race. So for example if the race takes place on the 24th, entries will close on at 6pm on the 21st.
• Is there any discount for entering more than 1 race at a time?
• Unfortunately not. We are a non profit making organisation ran by riders for the riders. Many of our event organisers race other rounds within the series.
• Is it cheaper to pre enter than enter on the day?
• Yes Pre entry costs £12 and entering on the day is £15 (Unless a Youth then it is £5 for either)
• What time do the races start?
• Generally 7.15pm. Never any earlier but occasionally 5 or 10 minutes later
• How long are the races?
• We run on time lapsed rather than distance or laps. As a loose rule May & August events 45 - 50 minutes plus the leaders final lap and June & July events 55 - 60 minutes plus the leaders final lap.
• Does everyone start / race together?
• No & Yes. No because it is a staggered start. Seniors & Under 23's start first, with a time gap, then Veteran 40+, with a time gap, then all the Grand Veterans 50+ & 60+, with a time gap and then the Youth category and all the ladies categories then start. Yes because at this stag all competitors are now on the course together.
• Can I use a cyclo-cross or gravel bike?
• No. This is a mountain bike series. 26 inch, 27.5 / 650 or 29ers only. Minimum tyre width required is 1.75 inch or 47mm