Time Handicaps
A) For time trials, handicaps are applied after the event factor various ability levels and calculate who has made personal improvements. Riders begin the series of events with no time handicaps. The person’s time handicap is calculated after their first individual 10-mile time trial they participate in.
After each event the handicaps will be applied based on a rider’s recent form and the length/difficulty of the course ridden.
If you are caught drafting, you will be disqualified.
B) For road races, the time handicaps are applied by grouping similar ability riders together and setting them off at timed intervals. In theory, all riders should then come together at the end for a ‘bunch finish’.
The Chief Marshall, Road League Representative and nominated club members will be responsible for group allocation on the night. Please note, for any rider taking part it is unsportsmanlike to:
1. Play down your ability to ride in an easier group and
2. Feign colds/injuries to do same.
We aim to have a balanced, fair race system that encourages all abilities to take part. Manipulating this system is not in the spirit of Dromara Cycling Club.
All participants, marshals and timekeepers sign a Cycling Ireland form on the night.
Points awarded
Road races
The winner receives 50 points, second gets 45 points, third gets 40, fourth 35, fifth 34, sixth 33, seventh 32 etc. The minimum number of points awarded for completing a race is 25. If you take part but do not finish you will be awarded 20 points.
Time trials
The points are awarded on the fastest ‘handicap’ time. The winner gets 40 points, second gets 39, third gets 38 etc. The minimum number of points awarded for completing the distance is 25.
Marshals
Marshals receive 25 points for helping out. This will not depend on the number of participants. Marshals must be aged 18 or over, however junior members can time keep or help out by seeking the Chief Marshall at the event.
Overall
At the end of the series of events, the final point totals will be calculated based on the best 13 out of 16 events. If you want any detail or clarification beyond this explanation, please speak to Darren or another committee member about any of the rules above.
All participants, Marshals and timekeepers sign a Cycling Ireland form with the following disclaimer:
I understand and agree that I participate in this event entirely at my own risk, that I must rely on my own ability in dealing with all hazards and that I must ride in a manner which is safe for myself and all others. I am aware that when riding on a public highway the function of the marshals is only to indicate direction and that I must decide whether the movement is safe. I agree that no liability what so ever shall attach to the Promoter, Promoting Club, Race Sponsor, Cycling Ireland, any Sub-Committee of Cycling Ireland, any Race Official or any Member of the Promoting Club in respect of injury, loss or damage suffered by me in or by reason of the event, however caused.
from Derek Hanna
- You are responsible for your own safety. Obey traffic laws. The road is not closed for the event. You are deemed to be a regular road user.
- Line up at the starting line on the hard shoulder in departure number order. Stay off the travelled part of the roadway.
- Missing your start time means you go last.
- Respect the rights of other road users. Allow plenty of room when passing pedestrians or other cyclists.
- Do not ride with your head down.
- A marshal is on duty to mark the turnaround point and to vouch that riders reach the turnaround point. The marshal is not authorized to advise you on whether you should turn.
- The decision to turn is yours alone. You must check in both directions well in advance of the turnaround point to determine whether it is safe to turn. If in doubt, err on the side of waiting.
- Helmet use is mandatory.
- Warming up on the course after the first rider is away is forbidden. Plenty of room in the opposite direction!
- No drafting is allowed ..ie.. sitting behind another rider.
- Call out your name loud and clear as you approach and cross the finish line.
- Riders shall not approach the timekeepers for times until all riders are finished
Points awarded
| Position |
Time trials |
Road races |
| 1st | 40 | 50 |
| 2nd | 39 | 45 |
| 3rd | 38 | 40 |
| 4th | 37 | 35 |
| 5th | 36 | 34 |
| 6th | 35 | 33 |
| 7th | 34 | 32 |
| 8th | 33 | 31 |
| 9th | 32 | 30 |
| 10th | 31 | 29 |
| 11th | 30 | 28 |
| 12th | 29 | 27 |
| 13th | 28 | 26 |
| 14th | 27 | 25 |
| 15th | 26 | 25 |
| 16th | 25 | 25 |
| 17th | 25 | 25 |
| 18th | 25 | 25 |
| 19th | 25 | 25 |
| 20th | 25 | 25 |
* last updated 14 May 2009
