The UCI and Cross

More specifically Part 5. Adam and those folks who are sort of tied to the UCI prolly know this chapter by heart. hell maybe even contributed to the writing of it.

As good students of our sport, it is imperative that we all understand and know these rules.

Sure, a local non-UCI race may deviate with in reason. But only within the scope that USAC will allow (assuming then again that the race is sanctioned by the USAC folks).

Course
5.1.012 A cyclo-cross course shall include road, country and forest paths and meadowland alternating in such
a way as to ensure changes in the pace of the race and allowing riders to recuperate after difficult
sections.
[2nd paragraph abrogated on 1.08.00].
5.1.013 The course shall be usable in all circumstances, whatever the weather conditions.
Clay or easily flooded areas and agricultural land should be avoided..
5.1.014 A maximum of 5 events may be run on one course on the same day.
(text modified on 1.09.04).
5.1.015 The organiser must take steps to avoid damage to the course by spectators.
Before the start of each race, the organiser must check the condition of the course and carry out any
repairs required.
For the UCI world championships and UCI world cup events, a parallel course is required for sections
of the course which deteriorate easily.
(text modified on 1.09.99; 1.09.03; 1.09.04).
5.1.016 From the start of the race onwards, the course may not be ridden by anyone other than the riders in
the race.
The organiser must provide at least 4 crossing points for spectators on the course. The crossings
must be marshalled on each side.
(text modified on 1.09.04).
5.1.017 The course must form a closed circuit of a minimum length of 2.5 km and maximum 3.5 km, of
which at least 90% shall be ridable.
(text modified on 1.09.99; 1.09.04).
5.1.018 The course must be at least 3 metres wide throughout and clearly marked and protected on both sides.
The use of dangerous items along the course, such as fencing wire (barbed or otherwise) and metal
stakes (including those used for advertising banners) is forbidden. The course must also be kept away
from any item which presents danger to the riders.
(text modified on 1.09.99; 1.09.04).

There there are a couple more good bits:

Call-up zone
5.1.019 An assembly area for starters (call-up zone) shall be provided and marked off behind the start line
(see Diagram 1).
Eight lanes with a width of 75 cm and a length of 10 m shall be marked out on the ground at right
angles to the start line in order to facilitate organising the riders into starting order (see Diagram 1).
(text modified on 1.09.99; 1.09.04; 1.09.06).
Start section
5.1.020 The start section must be on firm ground, and preferably on surfaced road. It must have a length of
at least 200 metres and a width of at least 6 metres. It must be as straight as possible and not
include any descent. The first narrowing or obstacle after the start section may not be abrupt, it must
be such as to allow all the riders to pass easily. The first corner must be greater than a right angle.
(text modified on 1.09.03; 1.09.04; 1.09.06).
Finish section
5.1.021 The finish section must run straight for at least 100 metres. The width must be at least 6 metres for
UCI world championships, UCI world cup events and events in class 1, and at least 4 metres for
other events. The section must be flat or uphill.
(text modified on 1.09.04; 1.09.06).
Obstacles
5.1.022 The start and finish sections must be free of obstacles.
(text modified on 1.09.04).
5.1.023 The course may include no more than six obstacles. Obstacle shall mean any part of the course
which is likely to require riders to dismount.
The length of an obstacle may not exceed 80 metres. The total length of obstacles may not exceed
10% of the course.
Descents of flights of steps may not be used.
(text modified on 1.08.00; 1.09.04).
5.1.024 The course may include a single section of planks. This obstacle must consist of two planks placed
4 metres apart. The planks must be solid for their entire height and not made of metal. They must
have a height of 40 cm and extend the entire width of the course. In races for juniors men and
women, it is recommended that a parallel course avoiding this obstacle should be used.

In the event that the course is abnormally slippery, the plank section must be removed on the decision
of the president of the commissaires' panel in consultation with the organiser and, should he be
present, the UCI technical delegate or the cyclo-cross coordinator.
(text modified on 1.08.00; 1.09.03; 1.09.04).
5.1.025 The course may pass over bridges or footbridges as long as they are at least 3 metres wide and
have protective barriers on both sides. Bridges or footbridges shall be covered with an anti-slip surface
(matting, mesh or anti-slip paint).
In addition a separate footbridge for spectators must be provided.
(text modified on 1.09.99; 1.09.04).

And ya know. I've worked the pit at a few races locally (Nats and C1 and C2 events last season) and there ain't a single venue that seemed to come close to the organization and layout specified/recommended here in Chapter 5.

Seriously. Honestly the pit boxes and pit entrance at Nationals was pretty insane. From looking at the layout hitting pit lane should not entail deviating from the racing line at all.

That impression is supported by most races on the DVDs from euro land i've been seeing. Yes. There are different ones. and here in the USA there are comparably few Pit mechanics even for the Pro Ranks. But still... give that layout a look. If ya ain't brining a wrench it no matter much. Ya gonna rely on finding your pit bike yaself/pit wheels or rely on "neutral support" to get it done.

I'm not meaning to rile up any promoters. JJ and Jack and the crew did an awesome job at Sucker Brook. And as promoters i'm sure people have made them aware of ways to improve the course for next year and we will continue to see that venue grow to be the HUGE event that it deserves to be. Just think a bit out loud about course design and stuff.

At least withing the scope of the UCI ranges... how does the USAC version stack up (Chapter 5 again)? Well for one. There is no mention of cancelation of a race.

Everything else is pretty close or identical.

Anyway.

Enough technical musings for one afternoon.

And keep in mind: 90% of a cross race is riding your bike.
Getting fast on the barriers and all that don't do you jack if ya can't hang when it comes time to pedal.

go ride ya bike
G