Robin Kelly takes the final stage of the Ballinrobe Two-Day 2012 (Photo: Conor McKeown). The pace can change rapidly in races and newcomers need to familiarize themselves with some of the points in this story before they set out on their 2013 racing campaign.
Ahead of the opening race of the 2013 domestic season in Co Kildare this coming weekend, the secretary of Cycling Ireland’s college of commissaries, Gary McIlroy outlines some useful points for beginners and those familiar with the racing scene.
As the road racing season is fast approaching and the first open road race takes place in Leinster this weekend, Cycling Ireland is reporting a significant increase in licences compared to this time 12 months ago, with around 8,000 members already registered across all disciplines.
There will be many newcomers to road racing so this is an opportunity to make competitors aware of a few things from an administration and safety point of view. Many of you who have already raced will likely also benefit from reading this piece.
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ADMINISTRATION
You will all have been issued with Cycling Ireland licences and back numbers.
While the backlogs that existed in previous years are virtually non existent now, if you have not yet received your licence, print off the licence page from www.cyclingireland.ie showing that your licence has been paid for and is awaiting distribution.
Please sign the back of your licence before travelling to your first road race. The licence is not valid until your signature is on the licence. Be aware of your category and know which queue to be in at the sign on desks. This will speed up the sign on process.
You have been issued with two back numbers as standard. Similar to all professional races you see on TV, BOTH back numbers must be worn at all road race events. They must not be trimmed or mutilated in anyway. Failure to follow this will result in permission to start being withheld and if noticed at a finish, may result in a competitor not being eligible for their prize and being relegated.
The numbers are to be positioned as per the diagram below. This is to assist with photo finish kit and judges & commissaires being able to identify you.
An example of wearing the numbers correctly can help identify riders at the finish
ONE DAY LICENCES
If you have not applied for a Cycling Ireland licence, a one day licence is available at road race events up until April 1st. There has been confusion over one day licence fees in previous years so to clarify what is in the Cycling Ireland handbook:
| ONE DAY LICENCE FEES € | Cycling Ireland Members | Non-Cycling Ireland Members |
|---|---|---|
| Senior and Veteran |
€10 |
€20 |
| Junior |
€10 |
€10 |
| Leisure |
€0 |
€10 |
| Youth (Born after December 31st 1996) |
€0 |
€5 |
| ONE DAY LICENCE FEES £ STG | Cycling Ireland Members | Non-Cycling Ireland Members |
|---|---|---|
| Senior and Veteran |
£9 |
£17 |
| Junior |
£9 |
£9 |
| Leisure |
£0 |
£9 |
| Youth (Born after December 31st 1996) |
£0 |
£5 |
Commissaires may charge a deposit on back numbers in addition to the one day licence fee which they loan out to you for the duration of that race. These numbers must be returned after that race and the deposit will be returned. The one day licence grants you temporary membership of Cycling Ireland for that one event. You will still have to pay a sign on fee to the race organiser to compete in that event.
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RANKING POINTS
A reminder that as of the 2012 Cycling Ireland AGM, a number of changes in relating to grading and points allocation took effect.
- Anybody with points from 2012 will not be starting this season with a halved total and will be continuing on from the total received at the end of the 2012 season.
- Points have increased from 8points to 1point for road races in the 50km-100km bracket and from 10points to 1point in the 100km+ bracket. All other points remain the same (e.g overall at stage races, National Championships)
- A grading amnesty is still currently open until April 1st. Application for an upgrade for the new season can be made through www.cyclingireland.ie and will only be eligible for the first application this year.
RACE SET-UP
Anybody and everybody involved in organising a road race is to be afforded the utmost respect - from the race organiser, to the officials, commissaires (referees), judges, both motorbike marshals and static marshals.
All of these people and beyond have very important roles in the group effort that brings you the sporting event in which you are participating. These roles are voluntary and it is only until the day comes that you may find yourself in one of these roles that you realise the amount of work that goes on in the background.
LEAD CAR
This is the officials’ eyes ahead of the race to warn of any approaching vehicles or obstructions on the course. In the event of the race route being blocked this will allow the race to be stopped before meeting the blockage abruptly. You also NEVER pass this car.
Lead car and motorcycle at Gorey 3 Day
MOTO COMMISSAIRE
This is a commissaire (referee) on a motorbike and acts as any other commissaire but
can more easily move with the riders. On narrow roads you may even find that this person acting as a moto marshal and can easily provide advice and instructions on the race situation or on possible obstructions on the road ahead. He may get caught within the bunch and will ride and move as a cyclist until such time they can safely move away. If you hear single soundings of a horn, please make room as it is important that they and moto marshals get back in front of you to provide a safe passage for you. They are normally very experienced so there is no need to be nervous in this situation.
Moto commissaire Phil O Brien provides an escort at Junior Tour of Ireland 2012. Note second motorcycle marshal further behind making his way through. Listen for the horn sounding. It may also be an official car or team car attempting to pass also so make room for them.
Moto marshal passing the bunch. The sooner they get through, the safer the race will be.
CHIEF COMMISSAIRE
The overall ‘manager’ of the race. This person is normally in radio contact with all vehicles and is in charge of their movements. They keep the timing of breakaways, with an assistant commissaire calling time check points that are landmarks on the route. This is also the person who has the authority to impose penalties for any racing infringement. They represent Cycling Ireland and report back on the overall conduct of the race. They ensure that the riders are racing to the rules of the road as well as the rules of road racing under Cycling Ireland regulations. The commissaire will normally be assisted by assistant commissaires who will report back any infractions they may see either during the race or during a finishing sprint.
Riders should know the rules of the sport in which they participate. These rules and regulations can be found at www.cyclingireland.ie
Commissaires discuss the events of a road race and decide on any necessary action that may be required.
An Assistant Commissaire observing the course of a race. He also controls the team cars behind
FIRST AID
Hopefully you will not have to see this at any stage in 2013. Under Cycling Ireland regulations first aid is mandatory at all open road races. This may come in the form of volunteer organisations with an ambulance, or qualified professionals without an ambulance but with full medical bag. A road race will not be permitted to take place without first aid cover so you will always see this in place.
First Aid on hand for Ryan Mullen Junior Tour of Ireland 2012.
Conclusion
There are a number of boxes that will have to be ticked in relation to administration before competing in an open road race in 2013. Be aware that the pace does change quite regularly and rapidly in open road races; normally for cornering but sometimes for no reason at all so always be alert for that. If you see a potential hazard that may cause a crash or damage to a bike, call it. After all each and every competitor is responsible for their own safety and of those around them.
Show respect for each other out on the road and also for all the volunteers that will be in place on the day, whatever the weather, to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable race. A thank you afterwards to some of these people can go a long way.
Stay safe and enjoy what should be an exciting year for Irish cycling.
Gary McIlroy
Secretary
College of Commissaires
Cycling Ireland
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