Technical Advice For Road Races
As we approach the first races of the 2016 Road Racing season, some will be competing in a race for the first time while others may not have the appreciation of the immense workload race organisers take on to make their event as professional as possible. Below are 10 points that can be of use to road race competitors as the College of Commissaires clarify certain regulations that may be open to interpretation that will help avoid any hassle or penalties and enable them to concentrate on the race itself:
1. Be on time for event registration and sign on. Sign on will close at least 15 minutes before the start. Visit event websites and social media pages for up to date information.
2. Be aware of the Cycling Ireland Technical Rules and Regulations and the associated repercussions for contravention of these.
3. Riders are issued with two back numbers by Cycling Ireland for one day races. The positioning of these numbers are outlined in the Cycling Ireland handbook (both on the back pockets of the jersey side by side). The amount of delay and frustration that a results crew can endure because of riders not displaying their numbers correctly due to Gilets and extra garments covering their numbers is unfair as they try to complete a job and end up having to resort to process of elimination in trying to identify riders with covered numbers. So please either have the numbers pinned to the outermost garment for the time of year or be prepared to lift the garment to display the numbers for the race officials.
4. For National Federation Races, the use of Disc Brakes is currently prohibited. The UCI have authorised their use as far as UCI Continental Teams only and have not been authorised for widespread use as of yet. Commissaires will be checking bikes prior to race start to ensure bicycles are not equipped with disc brakes.
5. The disposal of litter is still a contentious topic and an area that is damaging the image of cycling. If it can be taken out of your pocket there is no reason why it cannot be put back in the pocket again or shoved up the jersey to deal with later by handing into the team car. The image of cycling relies on an improvement in the behaviour in this area.
6. Respect and give way to other road users whilst warming up around the start area. This is critical to the image of the event in the organisers local area and cycling in general.
Allow the motorcycle marshals to pass by. If you see that they are struggling to pass the peloton, rally your fellow cyclists to ensure everybody gives them the gap they need to get by and move ahead to their next junction to assist with your own safety. Failure to do this will only result in problems for you further down the road.
7. Cycling Ireland clarified in 2015 how cameras attached to the bicycle or helmet during competition is prohibited due to them being a non-essential piece of equipment, continues to be the case for the 2016 season.
8. Riders must wear their club clothing (jersey & shorts) as registered with Cycling Ireland and which forms part of the clothing database available at www.cyclingireland.ie
9. One Event Licences are once again available until April 1st and will be available again from August 1st until the end of the season. It is the event organisers responsibility to obtain the correct paperwork from Cycling Ireland to administer one event licences.
10. Finally, the Race Staff, Organisers, Commissaires and marshals are present at an event on a voluntary basis to assist with your enjoyment of your sport. Please afford them with the courtesy and respect as outlined in Cycling Irelands code of conduct available on www.cyclingireland.ie
If riders do not adhere to any of the above throughout the course of the race, they may face penalties as outlined in Cycling Irelands Scale of Penalties which can include Warning, Relegation, Time Penalty, Fine or Disqualification.
Safe Racing.
College of Commissaires
Cycling Ireland.