Question 1

How do I join the league?

Accepted Answer

To join the league you first need to join British Cycling and take out a race license;(https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/membership/article/mem-st-Racing-Licence-Prices-0-Need-a-Racing-Licence--0) as well obtain indoor track accreditation*

There are a number of routes you can gain your accreditation, such as at Lee Valley VeloPark,(https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/velopark/track-cycling/accreditation) another indoor velodrome, or through British Cycling’s Go-Ride cluster sessions. Whilst many outdoor velodromes offer accreditation schemes, we require riders to have some experience of riding on an indoor velodrome before you can race in the league.

Once you have these two items in place, you can join the league using the link here (https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/club/profile/7062/london-youth-track-league#join)or via British Cycling’s website. You will not be able to access a race night until you have membership in place first.

*New for 2025/6 - Group 3 does not require you to have completed your accreditation, but you do need to have some indoor track experience (eg been to some cluster, club or city academy sessions)

Question 2

How does the league work?

Accepted Answer

The league is based on a rider accumulating points for each race.

There will be multiple races for each group every league night. The points are award from 1st down to 8th (10,8,6,5,4,3,2 & 1 points).

At the end of the series there will be a podium for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for each group; the three with the highest points total. In the case of riders with equal points, we will work out the number of 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc. places gained from a rider in a race format to determine a finishing order.

Question 3

Are the groups based on youth licence category?

Accepted Answer

No, the groups are based on ability and race experience. The LYTL is not an open event, but a closed event. This is the reasoning behind the membership; this enables the league to have ability groups as per British Cycling track regulations.

When entering you will be asked to choose which group you would like to ride in, although we may need to move you if required. You can also move groups if you feel like you have chosen the wrong one in the first weeks! If you're not sure what group to race in, please ask your club or BC coach for some advice!

The groups are:
 • Group 1 - Mostly Youth A Boys. Strong Youth B boys with race experience may also find this group appropriate. Junior women and Youth A girls may also choose to race in this group
 • Group 2 - Mostly Youth B Boys. Youth A Boys who are new to track racing, and strong second year youth C riders may find this group appropriate. 
 • Group 3 - Mostly Youth C Riders. Youth B riders who are new to track racing may find this group appropriate.
 • Group G - Youth A & B Girls. Strong Youth C Girls with race experience may find this group appropriate. Junior women (3rd or 4th cat only) may also choose to race in this group if desired.

Question 4

My licence category changes from the 1st January, does this mean I can change my gearing within my current group?

Accepted Answer

No, even though you may be in the next youth category as per your licence change from the 1st January, the group maximum gear will remain the same to the end of the series. This will ensure there is fairness across the series.

Question 5

I am struggling in my group. I am finding it difficult to hold a wheel and am getting dropped after a couple of laps.

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry. If you are finding it difficult within your allotted group we can move you down a group. We want you to enjoy your racing and race within a bunch to develop your track craft.

Question 6

I have entered a race night, when will I know if my race entry has been accepted?

Accepted Answer

Entries are set to be accepted straight away, so you should receive an email from British Cycling confirming your entry a few minutes after you checkout on the BC website.

Question 7

When do race entries open?

Accepted Answer

Entries for league events will be open on the British Cycling website at least four weeks before race night. You can view the exact dates on our events page!(https://lytl.co.uk/events)

Question 8

When does sign-on open and close?

Accepted Answer

Sign-on opens at 6.15pm on a race night. There is no set closure time for sign-on. We appreciate you may be travelling some way to the venue and traffic issues are hard to predict. If you are running late and can let us know we can hold your place for you if required!

Frequently asked questions