Part 5
Mountain Unicycling: Cyclocross
5A Overview
5A.1 Definition
Cyclocross is a multi-lap event featuring cross country trails, grassy fields, pavement, and natural and man-made obstacles where dismounting will be necessary. A typical lap length is between 1 km and 2.5 km. All riders race for approximately the same length of time, with faster riders completing more laps than slower riders.
5A.2 Rider Summary
This section is intended as an overview of the rules, but does not substitute for the actual rules.
- You must wear shoes, knee pads, gloves, and helmet.
- Be aware of the rules regarding passing, dismounts, illegal riding, and protests.
5B Competitor Rules
5B.1 Safety
Riders must wear shoes, knee pads, gloves/wrist-guards and a helmet (see definitions in chapter 1D.1).
5B.2 Unicycles and Categories
The host or event director may establish categories based upon ability. The categories should be named accordingly, if used: Beginners, Intermediate, Expert. Expert is the only category which decides the overall champion.
Categories should not separate competitors by any kind of unicycle setup (wheel size, crank size, gearing, etc.).
5B.3 Rider Identification
Riders must wear their race number(s) fixed at the four corners, clearly visible on their chest and, when required, on their back so that it is visible during the race and as the rider crosses the finish line. Riders must use the officially provided race number unmodified in any manner. Numbers should not be folded, trimmed, or otherwise defaced. Referee approval must be sought to modify a number plate if it cannot otherwise be attached securely due to hydration pack, rider physique or posture when riding. Lost or damaged race numbers must be replaced with approval by referee. Riders who lose or damage their race numbers during a race will not be penalized. Additionally, riders may be required to wear a chip for electronic timing.
5B.4 Protests
Protests must be filed on an official form within two hours of the posting of event results. Every effort will be made for all protests to be handled within 30 minutes from the time they are received.
5B.5 Event Flow
5B.5.1 Starting
There will be a Le Mans style start. Unicycles will be lined up in a designated area away from the riders near the lap/finish line. Riders will line up behind an additional line and then be required to run to retrieve their unicycle when the race starts. They will then need to mount their unicycle to ride. Riders must be mounted within 10 meters after crossing the lap/finish line.
5B.5.2 Passing
An approaching rider needs to alert the slower rider of their intentions to pass. Special care at international events should be taken due to language differences.
5B.5.3 Dismounts
Upon dismounting there are no restrictions about passing riders. Dismounted riders may run with their unicycle. Courtesy is expected to avoid accidents, but the running unicyclist does not have to yield to riding unicyclist.
5B.5.4 Illegal Riding
Riders cannot cut the course around the obstacles. They may ride through the obstacle section if possible or dismount and run with their unicycle. By definition, the majority of riders should not be able to ride or hop the obstacle section. Riding or hopping through the obstacle section should not damage or break the obstacle.
Unicyclists must attempt to ride at least 50% of the course on each lap. This is to avoid someone running the entire race carrying or pushing a unicycle without riding it. A racer in violation will be warned by a racing official. Failure to heed the warning will result in a disqualification.
5B.5.5 Finishes
Riders can cross the finish line mounted, as well as walking or running.
5C Judges and Officials Rules
5C.1 Cyclocross Director
The Cyclocross Director is the head organizer and administrator of cyclocross events. With the Convention Host, the Cyclocross Director determines the course, obtains permits, interfaces with the community, and determines the system used to run the event. The Cyclocross Director is responsible for the logistics and equipment for all cyclocross events. With the Referee, the Cyclocross Director is in charge of keeping events running on schedule, and answers all questions not pertaining to rules and judging. The Cyclocross Director is the highest authority on everything to do with the cyclocross events, except for decisions on rules and results.
5C.2 Referee
The Referee is the head cyclocross official, whose primary job is to make sure the competitors follow the rules. The Referee makes all final decisions regarding rule infractions. The Referee is responsible for resolving protests.
5C.3 Officials Can Compete
The Referee may not compete in any competition where they may be required to make a decision. The Cyclocross Director may compete, as long as the race course has been announced early enough that the Cyclocross Director does not have an advantage from knowledge of the course.
5D Event Organizer Rules
5D.1 Venue
It will be a multi-lap event featuring a bit of cross country trail, grassy fields and natural and man-made obstacles where dismounting will be necessary. Courses should be designed such that the course does not favor any type of unicycle. A course should have no fewer than two and no more than six obstacle or barrier sections where riders normally dismount and run with the unicycle. The starting and finishing stretches shall be free of obstacles within 10 meters. The course should be designed to avoid bottlenecks and give riders enough room to pass each other, especially after the start.
It is suggested that the length of the course not be much shorter than 1 km in length and no longer than 2.5 km in length. Organizers should keep in mind that most of the course should be visible from several vantage points.
5D.2 Officials
The host must designate the following officials for each cyclocross race:
- Cyclocross Director
- Referee
5D.3 Communication
The cyclocross event is exempt from the rule about early publication of course details. This is because the cyclocross course is typically set up immediately before the race.
5D.4 Age Groups
- Scoring will be based on age groups in accordance with rule 1C.8.
5D.5 Course Availability for Practice
The cyclocross course must be available for practice at least one hour immediately prior to a cyclocross event. This will ensure that course setters do not have an advantage over other riders, and may compete.
5D.6 Race Configuration
It is suggested that the Expert race be close to 45 minutes in length and the Beginner/Intermediate race be close to 30 minutes in length. Using the time from the top rider’s first two laps, the referee will determine how many laps could be completed in the desired time limit (e.g. 45 minutes). From this point on, the number of remaining laps (for the leaders) will be displayed and this will be used to determine when finish of the race occurs. A bell will be rung with one lap to go.
Lapped riders in the race will all finish on the same lap as the leader and will be placed according to the number of laps they are down and then their position at the finish.