Refereeing Road Races

Types of Road Races

Point to Point

Starts at one point, ends at another (although the end could be the same spot as the start).

Circuit Races

• Riders cannot ride with competitors on different laps
• If there is more than one race occuring, riders mix with or race with riders in other categories
• All riders must complete this full distance of the race
• The circuit should be at least 3 mile long
• The course should not cross itself

Stage Race

• A sequence of road races in which accumulated time determines results
• Normally includes teams and individual competitions
• Riders must complete each stage to begin the next stage

Roles

Chief referee

The chief referee will over see all aspects of the race and assign duties to assistant referees.

Follow vehicle referee (assistant referee)

The follow vehicle referee acts as the eyes and ears of the chief referee while out on the road.

Most of the time, the referee will be driving the vehicle behind the pack. In larger races, a driver may be assigned to the referee. It is the referees responsibility to take charge of the vehicle and agree with the driver on how they will react to instructions. The driver be responsible for the road safety of the vehicle.

The referee will manage the logistics of the race while on the course including coordinating (often via radio) with lead vehicles, support vehicles, caravan vehicles, and other vehicles (such as press and spectators).

The follow referee will also be responsible for enforcing rules during the race. This is to ensure fairness and safety. The referee will not eject riders from the race without the approval of the chief referee. The exception is when the chief referee pre-authorizes ejection for the violation of some rules (such as center-line violation).

Important Aspects of Road Races

Types of Road Usage

Closed course

A closed course is a course that is completely closed to all civilian traffic. This allows the riders to race with the full use of the whole rode without worrying about running into oncoming cars.

A closed course is pretty much non-existent in OBRA (or anywhere else in the U.S.).

Rolling enclosure

A rolling enclosure takes a great deal of cooperation from local police and sheriff. It involves having police drive a mile or so in front of the race to stop all traffic and move them off the course until the caravan has moved through. Another officer at the back of the race allows cars to resume. They also stop traffic from the rear from move forward to the race.

Partial enclosure

A single police officer is at the head of the race to notify traffic that the race is coming. Traffic is not stopped and riders do not have the whole road.

No closure

Riders must stay to the right of the centerline. They must obey all traffic regulations.

Centerline Rule

The chief referee should make sure that all referees know how the centerline is to be enforced. It must also be clearly explained to the riders before the start of the race.

Edge of the world system

This is a strict form of centerline enforcement. If a rider goes over the centerline for any reason, they are immediately disqualified with no excuses accepted. Once the race begins, the official is literally forced to abandon discretion and remove violators, regardless of mitigating circumstances. Violations must be handled firmly and directly.

Standard centerline rule

• Do not penalize riders when they are forced over the centerline and immediately return to the same position in the pack. The rider does not overtake other riders.
• If turns are marshalled, where traffic is held, it may be permissible to allow riders to swing wide over the centerline to make the turn safer.
• Do penalize if a rider over take another rider on the wrong side of the centerline.
• Do penalize a rider hangs over the centerline to stay in the draft.
• Severe attacks over the centerline should be delt with firmly and (if possible) immediatly. In this instance, riders, will attack under the assumption that some riders won't follow over the centerline, this giving the attack a greater chance of success.

Rider Support

All rider support is done on the right side of the road to the rear of the group. Service is always done at a standstill. Support vehicles may not pace riders back up.

Neutral

Neutral support means that there is a support vehicle that is unattached to any specific team or rider. This support will stop for any rider that needs service, without favoritism. Riders wheels can be used in neutral support, but riders should know that they may not get their own wheel if they request one.

Team Support

Team support vehicles can be part of the caravan. If a rider experiences a problem, their team support vehicle will handle any service. The support vehicle may not pace the rider back up.

Wheels-in/Wheels-out

This is very much like neutral support. Only rider that put wheel in will get wheels out. The wheel they get will be the same wheel that they put in.

Radios

OBRA officials use radios during races to communicate with the start/finish lines, and to communicate with the race caravan. Radio should be set to channel 3-15.

Dead air during the race is a good thing.

Tips for radio usage

• Use titles, not names. E.g. "Cat 4 official", "Cat 4 support"
• Keep the radio out of the wind
• Don't start unnecessary conversations
• Use the radio to inform the start/finish line, and corner marshals of the approach of the racers
• Use the radio to help move civilian traffic safely around the race
• Use the radio to give instructions to other vehicles in the caravan

Feeding / Feed Zones

Feeding can occur in a couple of ways:

• At a specific feed zone
  • From the right hand side only
  • Handed up from team members or from neutral feed (is available)
• From support vehicles
  • This is often done with neutral water during very hot races.
• Exchanges between riders

The Race Caravan

The chief referee will decide on the structure and composition of the race caravan.

A typical caravan would be structured like this:

• Lead Vehicle
• Comm 2 (optional)
• Pack
• Comm 1
• Neutral Support
• Team Vehicles (optional)

Caravan Management

All vehicles are under the control of race officials. During the race, the official can reposition vehicles in the caravan as needed.

As a general rule, a break must be well established before vehicles are allowed into the gap. Typically, this should be over a one minute gap. If a gap drops below 30 seconds, all vehicles should be cleared out of the gap.

Traffic Management

Cycling officials have no authority beyond the bicycle race itself. At no time can you direct vehicles to violate the law.

Civilian traffic will often build up behind the caravan. It is important to keep the race safe at all times, while trying to maintain good will with other users of the road. Where is is safe, legal and reasonable, vehicles behind the caravan can be directed around the. This will require communication between you lead vehicle and you rear-most vehicle in the caravan.

Civilian traffic can be dangerous to riders and can interrupt or affect the outcome of the race. This can often happen if a vehicle gets between a pack and a break.

Spectator traffic that is associated with a team can be dealt with more harshly. After a warning, penalties can be given to the rider or the team of the specator.