Club news - 29/3/8
Interview with 2008 London Rollerski Series director Chris Richards

This year's London Rollerski Series, begins on 11th May. Thanks to the energy and initiative of race director, Chirs Richards, numbers have been growing steadily in recent years and this season's series promises to be as exciting and innovative as ever. Chris has granted us an exclusive interview as he prepares for the upcoming races -

1. Rollerski racing seems to have caught on in London over the past few years. What's the appeal?

It's fun! Being able to carry a winter sport into the summer gives it a whole extra dimension. You don't have to worry about getting cold, or using the right wax, or catching a plane to the race venue. We have an excellent venue at the Hayes cycle circuit which is a 1.5km, 6m wide smooth tarmac road circuit which we have to ourselves on race days, so what's not to like?

2. How much does it help cross-country skiing and racing on snow?

Racing is always good for giving a skier a goal and a challenge, whether on snow or tarmac. As skiers develop their skills, the transition between tarmac and snow becomes easier. All the top skiing nations use roller skiing to supplement the snow training, so if it's good enough for them........ I think the four hour event is really good preparation for a loppet as it prepares the body for the longer distance and it comes in October, just before the snow season. Other events act as very good interval training. There is nothing like a race to raise the effort levels above that which can normally be achieved in training.

3. What are your personal highlights of the racing year?

The snow races such as the Masters and the Loppets are for me the highlight of the whole year, but the roller ski races come a close second.
The one hour race in July is one of the British Roller Ski series, so it attracts a sizeable field from the whole country, and we quite often get overseas competitiors too.
To race hard for an hour is a good test of a skier, but as with the other races we have a shorter distance option for those who don't feel ready for that

4. What do rollerski racers have in common?

They are rather a diverse bunch really. Our racers cover an age range from teenagers to pensioners. Some are seriously competitive athletes, others just like to enjoy a decent workout. Some only do one technique - classic or free, though we encourage our skiers to do both. The main thing they have in common is a love of the sport.

5. Do you have to be really fit or experienced to take part?

Not at all. The race venue at Hayes cycle circuit is really safe. There are turns and gradients but nothing too technical and there's plenty of room to pass so skiers of different speeds can share the track without difficulty. We usually combine the race with a training course, so skiers have a chance to develop their techniques as well as have some fun in the race. As I said, there is always a short distance option 5 - 7.5km for those who don't fancy the full distance.

6. What in particular should we look forward to this year?

We try and put lots of variety into the programme, so no two races are the same. The one hour race should be good, and if you like the longer distances we have the four hour into which we are thinking of introducing a 42k (marathon) option.
One of my favourite events is the sprint relay. We start with a one lap (1.5k) time trial, then match up the skiers in teams of two, who then ski three laps each, alternating. It's fast and lively, and very good interval training!

7. Where do you see British rollerski racing in 5 years time?

It has the potential to grow considerably: there are large numbers of Brits who go to the loppets (often 100+ at the Engadin Skimarathon), and the army cross-country ski races but who as yet don't think of roller ski racing. Also, London continues to attract lots of people from the top skiing nations. The club has members from Poland, Norway, Germany, Czech Republic, Russia, and I'm sure there are plenty of others who probably haven't realised there is a Nordic skiing scene in London.

The Olympics have currently deprived us of one of our London venues: Eastway, but this will shortly be replaced with an excellent new track in NE London. There is a new track in Kent which sounds very promising so the prospects are good. The challenge is to improve the publicity so that more people are aware of what is available.

London races -

The Series is run by the London Region Nordic Ski Club, one of the UK's largest ski clubs.

Hillingdon Cycle Circuit is on Sprinfield Road, near J3 of the M4 - see map.

For a detailed list of UK rollerski races, go to our race calendar, or the London Region Nordic Ski Club calendar for further details of the London races.

You can email Chris on sch.richards@virgin.net