The forthcoming Cycle Show (ExCel, London, 14-16 October) won’t just be about looking at shiny stuff – you can actively participate in actual cycle sport too. BM readers may be disappointed to learn that there’s no actual mountain bike racing (Docklands being a little short on off-road terrain) but you can always have a stab at the Cycle Show Criterium on Sunday 16 October. It’s 20 laps of a 1.5km circuit around the ExCel complex. Obviously you’ll need a road bike, but with a total prize fund of £2,500 you might be able to go fast enough to afford a new one…

There are men’s and women’s races at noon and 1pm respectively, and the entry fee is £15. Which looks very reasonable since it includes entry to the show (which’d be £10 in advance or £12 on the door otherwise). Want to enter? You’ll need a standard British Cycling Road and Circuit entry form and a cheque for £15 payable to “SCRL”. Send both those things to 115 Foxley Lane, Purleigh, Surrey, CR8 3HQ by Tuesday 11 October and keep your fingers crossed – it’s first come, first served.

There’s even an active competition that doesn’t require you to venture outdoors, and could win you a two grand road bike. The Tri-UK Duathlon Challenge will be running over all three days of the show, and involves 6km on a turbo trainer and 2km running on a treadmill. The fastest man and woman will each receive a shiny new Fuji Team SL road bike.

There’s no entry fee, just head to www.cycleshow.co.uk and register for a place. You’ll need to buy an entry ticket to the show to get in, of course – tickets are available from the website or the ticket hotline (0870 126 1786). Then show up with suitable clothing and footwear and see how you do…