Nebraska Cycling News

Now that we're a few months into the season, it is time to review some of the important things you should be doing before, during and after your event to ensure your racing experience is a good one. 

Now that we're a few months into the season, it is time to review some of the important things you should be doing before, during and after your event to ensure your racing experience is a good one. 

BEFORE THE RACE

Pinning On Your Number

Before you pin on your number, know which side it needs to go on and in what position (high on the back, under your arm, etc.) on your jersey. Oftentimes, an example jersey is hanging in the registration area. If in doubt, ask.

Also remember that folding, trimming, crumpling or defacing your number is a violation of USCF rule 1K4b:

1K4(b). Riders shall place their numbers as prescribed by the officials and in such a way that they are visible when the rider is in a racing position. Hip numbers shall be attached securely at least at the four corners and no accessory may cover them. If shoulder or frame numbers are provided, they too shall be placed as prescribed. Numbers may not be folded, trimmed, crumpled, or otherwise defaced. [Replacement of the numbers at riders' expense if noted before the start, otherwise warning or relegation.] 

Know The Course

Whenever possible, do a pre-race course inspection by car or bicycle. This familiarizes you with the terrain, potential safety hazards and finish venue. Remember, USCF rule 103 states:

1O3. Rules and Course. It is the rider's responsibility to familiarize himself with the rules of the event and the race course before the start of the race. Riders may not take any other route or short cut [disqualification; 30 days suspension if apparently deliberate and the rider crosses the finish line]. 

Check Race Numbers/Categories

If you are racing in a combined field (women with juniors, masters with category 4, etc.), it might serve you well to know the competitor numbers assigned to each category. This is particularly helpful when a rider or bunch of riders try going off the front. Knowing if you are specifically competing against them might change your decision on whether to chase them down.

The registration staff can usually answer questions about rider category numbers. Asking one of the race officials is another option. 

Properly Label Your Wheels

Whether you are racing a criterium or a road race, when you get a flat tire, you'll want to find your spare wheel fast. Labeling your spare wheels with a brightly-colored index card or a rather large sheet of paper will make them easier to spot. Don't worry about the size of the label - it will be removed before you get going again. Just make sure the label is fastened to the spokes or wheel securely enough to survive being tossed in with a couple dozen other sets of spares.

Information on your wheel label should include your rider number and last name, at a minimum. 

 Wear Your Helmet Properly

It is not enough to just have your helmet on your head anytime you are on your bicycle at a USCF event. You must also have the chinstrap fastened. This year, riders who don't abide by the helmet rule face disqualification and a $20 fine.

Here's the rule:

    1K1. Helmets. At all times when participating in an event held under a USA Cycling event permit, including club rides, any rider on a bicycle or motorcycle shall wear a protective, securely fastened helmet that satisfies the standards specified in USA Cycling Policies. (See Policy I, Sections 1 and 2.) [disqualification and a $20 fine for failure to wear or for removing such a helmet during a race. The fine is also applicable if the rider is not racing, but is participating in the event as described below]. "Participating in an event" means riding a bicycle in the vicinity of a race at any time between the beginning of registration and the last awarding of prizes. 

DURING THE RACE

Pull Off To The Right

If you are in a road race and you have a mechanical difficulty, drop to the back of the field and pull off to the far right side of the road - or onto the shoulder. Follow vehicles are instructed by the race officials to perform all service on the side of the road, so stopping in the middle of the road presents an immediate safety hazard. 

Be Aware Of Your Place

A pack of 15 or more riders sprinting toward the finish line is often an official's nightmare. But you can do your part to help sort out the order of finish by noting which rider was ahead, next to, or behind you. Photo-finish cameras are good, but sometimes riders are shielded by another in a full-width-of-the -road sprint. Knowing your position relative to other riders will help your case if the officials ask for riders to come forward and help determine their placing. 

Don't Sit Up At The Finish

Most of the time, your race number will be pinned onto your jersey in a position where the photo-finish camera (and the officials) can read it while you are racing. Often this means it is under your arm on the side panel of your jersey. So when you sit up as you cross the finish line, your number becomes obscured, either by your arms or by your position on the bicycle. So resist the urge to sit up as you cross the finish line, particularly if you are not sprinting for a place.

AFTER THE RACE 

Don't Cross The Finish Line Twice

Resist the temptation to roll through the finish line against the race course, or to cross the line a second time after you have already finished. Not only can it confuse the race officials, but also you might be assigned a lower place, having been scored as a finisher twice. 

Pick Up Your Primes

Primes, unlike the official results, can be handed out immediately after a race. So as soon as you have completed your cool down, proceed to the awards stand or stage to pick up your prime. Unclaimed primes are a race promoter's best friend. 

Double Check Protested Results

Race results are subject to protest up to 15 minutes after they have been posted. If you are aware of a protest being made, it is a good idea to hang around the results area and double-check the results after they have been re-posted. The re-posted results might adversely affect your placing. So don't wait to be surprised when the prize money and awards are being handed out. By that time, it's too late.