May 11, 2006 (Toronto, ON) РWith the larger fields experienced at our Road OCUPS, the OCA has produced this communiqu̩ in response to the need to educate the road racing community. This is not just for new racers. Many rules and regulations will be highlighted in this document. All road racing members must understand and abide by them.

To begin, we are going to outline several immediate steps to rectify some of the anticipated problems at future events. Please ensure you read this entire document and pay close attention to the pictures that clearly illustrate how to place your bib numbers.

10% Rule
Our race officials will be enforcing the rule that any rider more than 10% behind the leader will be pulled from the event. These people will be listed in the results as finishing “outside the time limit” (Not a DNF). The number of lapped riders who continue to ride and re-integrate into the various peletons create tracking / results problems. Yes we know Chip timing would speak to this problem, however Chip timing is a controversial issue that can be addressed at another time. (Has to do with event logistics, cost, vehicles and more) The 10% would be calculated based on the lap time of the leader multiplied by the number of laps (during the race) and then calculated on the winners finish time. Some categories will not be pulled (Master Women, Junior Women, Master CD, etc) as there will be too few starters to justify pulling them (need 15 finishers).

BIB Numbers
OCA will replace all issued numbers with new tyvek numbers, at no cost to the members. We are going to order two sets of all numbers and reissue the numbers at upcoming Road OCUPs. If a rider loses their new tyvek numbers, their duplicate set will be issued to them at a cost of $15.00. If this second set of numbers gets lost, forgotten or misplaced, then a new number will issued at another cost of $15.00. We are also going to implement frame plate numbers as a trial for select categories; master women, cadets, and master D.

If Bib number is unreadable, no placing
At the events, if the commissaires and results team are unable to read your bib number, you will not get a placing in the event. See the following pages of this communiqué with respect to proper number placement. You will also see examples of poor number placement. Riders must take responsibility to place the numbers correctly!

Women’s start time change
For all future Road OCUPS, Women will not race at the same time as BCDs. The women will start at the same time as the Senior ? men. MB’s may have their own start time. This is positive because there were no longer nine categories on the road at the same time. Since the senior men tend to stay together, it allows the commissaires the time to track the women which was very difficult before when also tracking Bs, Cs, Ds and cadets.

Commissaires have been taking a lot of unnecessary flak at the events. Our membership must understand that these people are donating an enormous amount of time to ensure safe and fair play. We currently have a shortage of Road Commissaires and its becoming increasingly hard to find new people to step up and officiate. It can be a thankless job and the poor treatment of our officials by a select few does not lend well to future officiating. We ask that all members respect the commissaires. Should you have a complaint regarding the officiating, please do so in writing to the OCA office: events@ontariocycling.org.

Understanding the Organization of Cycling
– Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), International Governing Body
– Canadian Cycling Association (CCA), National Governing Body
– Ontario Cycling Association (OCA), Provincial Governing Body
– Clubs

Racing rules and where to find them:
– UCI — www.uci.ch
– CCA — www.canadian-cycling.com
– Province — www.ontariocycling.org

OCA has some flexibility with the rules, but for the most part, we implement (inter)national rules.

Racing licenses and how they work
Race as a club rider or independent.

The club (or team) listed on your licence is the club whose jersey you must wear in all OCA / CCA sanctioned events. If you are not a member of an OCA /CCA affiliated club (or team), then you must wear a plain coloured jersey that does not display any team/club names or sponsors

Types of licenses
http://www.ontariocycling.org/web_doc/mem_forms/2006_guide_for_selecting_a_race_category.pdf

How to apply for a racing license

<http://www.ontariocycling.org/web_doc/mem_forms/2006_guide_to_completing_your_oca_membership_application_form.doc>http://www.ontariocycling.org/web_doc/mem_forms/2006_guide_to_completing_your_oca_membership_application_form.doc

Racing Classes and age groups
U13 — Under 13 (10-12) as of December 31, 2006 (MINIME)
U15 — Under 15 (13-14) as of December 31, 2006 (PEEWEE)
U17 — Under 17 (15-16) as of December 31, 2006 (CADET)
U19 — Junior (17-18) as of December 31, 2006
Elite — Senior 1/2 (highest ability) — experienced provincial and national level riders
– Senior 3 (lowest ability) — introductory to racing
Master A — Ages 30-39 as of December 31, 2006
Master B — Ages 40-49 as of December 31, 2006
Master C — Ages 50-59 as of December 31, 2006
Master D — Ages 60+ as of December 31, 2006

Please note some groups may be combined at events.

What to do when you get to a race:

When to arrive: 1.5 hrs before the start.
Locate race registration table
Fill out waivers and sign in (even if you have preregistered)
Find out if race is running on schedule.
Find out where and what side to place your race numbers. (Do not fold the numbers to reduce their size) See communiqué for more details.
Find out information on the course.
Ride the course if possible. (Do not ride the course if a race is in progress). Varies by course and organizer, make sure to double check and not wear your number if you are permitted.
Find out where the start and finish are located.
Are there Junior or Cadet gear checks, when and where? What is a gear check and how is it done common gear ratios that are typically ok. See Gear Restrictions for more details.
Is there a feed zone, where and when?

Race organization: How it works:

Race Organizer

Responsible for putting the event together including registration, course setup, volunteers and much more

Chief Commissaire and other officials

Officials assigned by the OCA to enforce the racing rules at the events.

Volunteers

A critical part of the race organization. Without them, there would be no race. Generally can be found marshalling or working registration.

Line up at the start:

Riders may be called to the line by name.
Officials usually check race numbers
Race starts with a countdown.
Commissaire will give last minute pre-race instructions. It is the rider’s responsibility to listen and understand these instructions.

Post race

Report to the commissaire for a gear check if required.
Check for final results. Notify officials politely if there is an error. You have 15 minutes to file a “protest” after the results have been posted. Otherwise they are final.
Present yourself at the podium when called. You need to wear your team uniform/no hats or sun glasses for podium ceremonies.


Gear Restrictions for Riders Under 19 Years of Age
The international governing body for cycling is the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).The UCI rules are the basis for the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) Rule Book (http://www.canadian-cycling.com/e2/rulebook/index.htm). The UCI has specific limits on the gears used by young riders in road events. The main reasons for restricted gearing are to prevent injury and to encourage development of good pedalling technique (although this is subject to great debate!).

Since 2004 the OCA has enforced gear restrictions for young riders at all OCA sanctioned races. For the Junior (U19) category the restrictions are defined by the UCI. For all other riders (cadets (U17), U15, U13, U19 riders racing Senior etc) the U19 gear restrictions will be applied. This means that bikes for all riders under 19 year of age riders will be checked before and after every race to insure that they are not using illegal gears. Please note that the OCA strongly advises that all young riders chose their gearing with care. It is ultimately the responsibility of the rider to use the proper equipment.

2.2.024 For Junior Men and Junior Women, the authorized maximum chain gear ratio is 7.93 metres.

What does this mean?
When the bike is in the largest gear (big ring on the front, smallest gear on the back) it must travel less then 7.93 m when the pedals are turned exactly one full circle. This is tested by doing what is called a “roll-out”. At the race, the commissaire will shift your bike into the largest gear available (biggest front, smallest back), and then roll it backwards watching one pedal. When the pedal goes around exactly one time, the distance will be marked. If it is more than 7.93 meters the bike will be illegal, and you will not be able to ride. At the end of the race the same check will be done, and if your bike fails, you will be disqualified.

So how do I comply?
The best way to insure that you bike will pass the test is to make sure that your “big ring” has 52 teeth, and that your smallest rear gear is 14 teeth. This combination is by far the most commonly used and will be very convenient if you need help with a flat or require other mechanical support during a race. These are standard parts that are readily available from your local bike shop, and should be provided at no extra cost on a new bike.

The other way to pass the test is to “block out” some of the gears on the back. If you have a 52 tooth “big ring” on the front you must block off all gears smaller that 14 on the back. If you have a 53 tooth “big ring” you must block off all gears smaller than 15 in the rear. The best way to do this is to adjust the limit screw on your rear derailleur to prevent the use of the smaller gears. Some commissaires may also require you to make the illegal gears unusable by wrapping them with tape and/or cable ties. Remember that your bike will be checked after the race — if the adjustments slip during the race, or if you get a spare wheel that has different gearing you could be disqualified.

Special Note for Younger Riders
The CCA Rule Book states that gear restrictions may be applied to younger riders as follows:

Under 17 6.94 metres or 52 X 16 chain rings
Under 15 6.00 metres or 45 X 16 chain rings
Under 13 5.60 metres or 42 X 16 chain rings
These restrictions will not be enforced in Ontario. Riders entering races in other provinces may find that these restrictions are enforced there. This is especially true for cadets (U17) who travel to Quebec for major races as part of OCA development projects. If you plan to race outside of Ontario make sure you find out if gear restrictions are enforced, and that you have the correct equipment on your bike.

Rider Do’s and Don’ts when Starting Racing.
New riders are often viewed with some suspicion by more experienced riders in our local training races. They are suspicious of your abilities and skills as a new rider. You have to earn their respect. You will be racing in the same pack with riders with considerable experience in some cases.

Things to do in a race
1. In corners, follow the rider in front of you through each corner. Do not take your own line through a corner
2. Watch what is going on with other riders in the pack in front of you. Keep your view at hip height so that you can see ahead.
3. Look before you move
4. Keep your head up. You will crash if you ride with your head down.
5. If people give you advice, be polite. They are trying to help you
6. Older riders expect that younger riders will be courteous and respectful of their elders. How you are viewed by others is important. Earn that respect with courtesy.
7. Be predictable. Ride a straight line at all times. If someone says you are squirrelly, that means you are erratic in your ability to ride a straight line.

Things not to do in a race
1. Do not pedal through corners even if others do it. Coast the corners. Inside pedal up, weight on outside pedal.
2. Do not pass other riders in the inside of corners even if you see others doing it.
3. Do not even think of moving anywhere on the road without looking first.
4. Do not mouth off at other riders. You are representing a club and sport and you can hurt potential sponsorship for yourself and your club by behaving badly. You will also lose any respect that other riders in the pack may have for you.
5. Do not change or urinate in public. Cycling, unlike many other sports, is held outside in the community. Communities frown upon seeing public urination in their neighbourhoods and we run the risk of not being invited back to the same venue in future years. Remember we are guests. Racers caught exposing themselves in public will face disqualification, fines and/or suspension.

Cycling is one of the few sports where young development athletes compete in the same groups as older experienced athletes. Most older riders are very supportive of younger riders. Many started where you are starting and they know it is not an easy sport to do. This sport is like a family. You may be criticised by other family members. All new riders are a work in progress and the experienced riders know and understand that.

Number Placement

Incorrectly-placed and/or crumpled numbers cannot be read by the camera, making results tabulation long and difficult. Have mercy on the officials and volunteers. They are working long hours for little or no pay.

Placement: Pin a number on the side facing the camera at the finish line with the “OCA lettering” lettering running alongside your spine. Place the numbers on your side, not up on your back or your shoulders. When tucked in an aero-position, the number reads right side up, horizontally. See diagrams below:

For those categories using frame numbers in addition, use the zip ties to place the number in the nook between the top tube and the head tube. Sitting up at the finish line makes for difficult number reading.

Some people place their numbers properly while others put them on the wrong side of the finish line cameras. (Note the third place rider with no visible number)

Notice the racer in the foreground. This person put their jacket over their number and still expected to be recorded in the results.

This person put their bib number upside down.

Below are good examples of proper bib number placement. Proper bib number placement is essential for the commissaires and results team to produce accurate results. Remember if the commissaires and results team are unable to read your bib number, you will not get a placing in the event.