For the Ulster Cyclo-cross series, cyclo-cross bikes must be used in the cyclo-cross races – Senior A’ men, Senior B’ men, Women’s CX race. Mountain bikes only for the Men’s MTB support race and Women’s MTB support race. For the youth races (Under 6s up to Under 16s) either a cyclo-cross bike or a mountain bike can be used.
Below is a summary of the rules and regulations governing taking part in cyclo-cross racing.
(extracted from the Cycling Ireland Technical Rules 2014)
FROM CHAPTER T9 – CYCLO CROSS
ARTICLE 1 – CATEGORIES
1. Irrespective of the category designated on a riders licence, for the Cyclo Cross season riders shall compete in the category they would be allocated from 1st January in the following year.
ARTICLE 2 – COURSE
14. The pit is the only part of the circuit where riders can change wheels or bicycles.
Refreshments can also only be taken on from the pit lane with the exclusion of the first and last lap.
20. A rider arriving at the end of the pit and deciding that he wishes to change his wheels or bike must proceed to the next pit.
21. A rider may only enter the pit lane at its designated start and may not move between race lane and pit lane.
22. The exchange of wheels or bikes between riders is forbidden.
23. All riders must start with one foot on the ground. Riders causing a false start may be disqualified.
28. Only bikes described in the UCI Equipment Section as “cyclo cross bikes” may be used in the National Cyclo Cross Championships. (see note below)
APPENDIX AT.4 – SCALE OF PENALTIES FOR RACE INCIDENTS
47 Non-regulation exchange of material -> Disqualification
48 Riders failing to respect the starting order -> Moved to rear of Starting Grid
49 Lapped riders continuing after having been told by a race official to stop -> Disqualification
50 Unauthorised refreshments ->Disqualification
APPENDIX AT.2 – EQUIPMENT
The UCI Equipment Regulations are mandatory for all Cycling Ireland, Track, Road and Cyclo Cross Races. These can be viewed on the UCI website. www.uci.ch . However the following synopsis is issued as a guide to competitors in the setting up of their bicycle for competition.
1. The bicycle is a vehicle with 2 wheels of equal diameter. The front wheel shall be steerable; the rear wheel shall be driven through a system comprising pedals and a chain.
2. Wheel diameter may vary between 55cms and 70cms including the tyre. For cycle-cross the width of the tyre shall not exceed 33mm, and it may not incorporate any form of spike or stud. For massed start road races and cycle-cross races, only wheel designs granted prior approval by the UCI may be used. Wheels will have a minimum of 12 spokes. Spokes can be round, flattened or oval provided that no dimension of cross section exceeds 10mm. However standard (traditional) wheels which have 16 metal spokes or more are not subject to UCI approval. Notwithstanding spokes may be round, flat or oval provided that no dimension of their cross section exceeds 2.4mm. The rim section must not exceed 2.5cm on each side.
3. The weight of the bicycle shall not be less than 6.8 kilograms.
4. The rider shall assume a sitting position on the bicycle. This position requires that he be supported solely by the pedals, the saddle and the handlebars.
5. The bicycle should have a handlebar, which allows it to be ridden and manoeuvred in any circumstances and in complete safety.
6. The bicycle shall be propelled solely, through a chainset, the legs moving in a circular movement.
7. All bicycles shall have their wheels securely fastened to their frame and tyres, if of tubular construction, secured firmly to the rims by tubular cement or similar means.
8. Handlebar ends shall be plugged not merely covered by tape.
10. It is recommended that the sprocket be secured by a locking device on a bike used for track racing.
11. Bicycles used for road racing shall be fitted with a freewheel and two independent brakes in good working order with their brake levers securely fastened to the handlebars.
12. Pumps, spare tyres and race computers must be securely fastened. All other equipment not essential for racing purposes must be removed.
13. When a rider is found to be using a machine, which in the opinion of the Chief Commissaire presents a danger to himself or others he shall be withdrawn from the race by the Chief Commissaire and reported to Cycling Ireland.
14. It is the responsibility of the competitor and/or the parent or guardian in the case of competitors under 19 years of age to ensure that for every race held under Cycling Ireland regulations the bicycle to be used is in a safe condition.
15. The peak of the saddle, whose length shall be between 24cms and 30cms, shall be a minimum of 5cms to the rear of a vertical line passing through the bottom bracket axle. This restriction shall not apply to a bicycle to be used for flying lap, flying 200m, team sprint, sprint races, kierin or track time trials up to 1km, (nor for morphological reasons). However in no circumstances shall the back of the saddle extend in front of a vertical line passing through the bottom bracket axle.
16. In road, cyclo-cross and track sprint races, only traditional type of handlebars may be used. The point of support for the hands must be positioned within the area defined as follows: Above – by a horizontal line passing through the horizontal plane of the saddle top. Below – by the horizontal line passing through the highest point of the two wheels. Rear – by the axis of the stearer tube. Front – by a vertical line passing through the front wheel spindle.
The distance between the vertical line passing through the bottom bracket axle and the extremity of the handlebars may not normally exceed 75cms for morphological reasons this may be extended up to 80cms. The limits set above, below and rear in rule AT2.16 remain as defined. A support for the elbows or forearms is permitted.
18. Morphological reason is defined as everything to do with the size and limb length of the rider relative to saddle position. A rider satisfies this criteria if the point of the knee when in a pedalling position is behind a vertical line passing through the pedal spindle nevertheless any rider availing of the morphological dispensation must advise the Commissaire at registration. Similarly for the position of add on bars relative to the 75/80cms dimension the angle between the forearm and the upper-arm must not exceed 120 degrees.
19. Any device added or blended into the structure, that is designed to decrease or which has the effect of decreasing resistance to air penetration or artificially to accelerate propulsion such as a protective screen, fuselage form of framing or the like shall be prohibited.
20. The use of Radio Links or other means of Remote Communication with or between riders is strictly forbidden in all Cycling Ireland Races.
