The Rules of the Road Race

Can you ride on a bike path during a race? Who is to blame if riders stack up on sharp corner in the final metres of a race? Is it ok to cross a level-crossing if the gates are still open?

Some of the rules have changed for 2016 and for all the rest it’s impossible to remember all the UCI rules, they take enough enough space on a hard drive yet alone your own memory. What’s a rider to do?

Well these rules cover everything from BMX and frame design to media accreditation or World Tour team licence applications, the kind of things that no racer need worry about. So what in-race rules are there to remember if you’ve got a number on your back and your feet clipped into the pedals? Here’s a handy list of do’s and don’ts for racers…

Chapter 1

1.1.002: remember to apply for a valid racing licence in January

1.1.042: you need your team’s permission to enter a local race solo

1.2.019: don’t enter a forbidden or unsanctioned race, check if you want to ride a gran fondo

1.2.022: if you’re suspended, you’re not allowed to enter zones at races closed to the public

1.2.030: no betting on the sport

1.2.047: if you start a race it is assumed you read the roadbook and race manual and accept any additional race rules contained within

1.2.063: if the race is unsafe then complain to the organiser as the UCI is not responsible for race safety

1.2.064: study the route before the race as you are expected to know it. You cannot take short cuts

1.2.064: you can use a cycle path or pedestrian track by the road if it’s safe to do so

1.2.079: don’t be violent or take actions to harm the image of the sport whether you’re at a race or at home

1.2.080: be sporting and fair

1.2.081: you can share the work in a breakaway but cannot collude to fix the result of a race

1.2.082: you shall be held responsible for the accidents you cause

1.2.083: don’t carry glass containers

1.2.107: the time gap between groups is measured between the back wheel of the first group and the front wheel of the second group

1.2.108: complete the course under your own steam, you can’t accept pushes from the crowds nor travel in a team car, even for one metre

1.2.109: you can cross the finish line on foot as long as you have your bike with you

1.2.112: if you win a prize or an award you must attend the podium ceremony

1.2.113: wear your team race kit on the podium

1.3.001: have a safe bike that meets the UCI rules

1.3.026: wear shorts and shorts sleeves, no sleeveless tops allowed

1.3.030: your rain jacket has to be transparent or matching the team kit

1.3.031: wear a helmet

1.3.033: you can’t wear non-essential items for performance gains like compression socks

1.3.034: wear only your approved team kit in a race

1.3.054: if you have a leader’s jersey you may wear matching shorts

1.3.055: if you have a leader’s jersey and the race doesn’t provide a skinsuit for a TT you may wear your own team-issue kit

1.3.080: remove your race number if you drop out of a race

Chapter 2

2.2.008: unless the event bears your name you must seek UCI approval before riding a gran fondo

2.2.010bis: you can be excluded from a race if the organiser doesn’t like you but have the right to a hearing

2.2.018: the UCI is not responsible for defects in the course or accidents that may occur

2.2.024: race radios are can be used in all WorldTour, .HC and .1 races for men and women

2.2.025: don’t litter, use the waste zones if provided

2.2.026: wear two race numbers for a road race, one is fine for a time trial

2.2.027: have your number on your bike too

2.2.030: if you’ve quit the race don’t cross the finish line. Use the broom wagon unless you’re ill or injured

2.3.009: show up in time for the race and be sure sign on or you may not be allowed to start

2.3.012: you can share a bottle or food with someone from another team but don’t give them a wheel or your bike

2.3.014: if you’re lapped on a finishing circuit you can carry on but don’t interfere with the race

2.3.027: normally you can’t take food on climbs and descents, nor in the first 50km nor the last 20km

2.3.029: you’re only allowed mechanical help from your team, the neutral service or the broom wagon

2.3.030: in the event of a mechanical, don’t hang on to the team car but stop by the side of the road

2.3.034: stop at a closed level crossing and the same if the lights flash or bells sound

2.3.036: sprint straight and don’t endanger others

2.3.039: the time cut is normally 8% of the winner’s time but may vary

2.3.040: if you finish in a group you’ll all be credited with the same time

2.6.018: if you’re leading a jersey competition in a stage race you should wear the jersey

2.6.026: if you drop out of a stage race normally you can’t resume racing elsewhere until that stage race is over

2.6.027: the three kilometre rule usually applies with three kilometres to go

That’s it, follow these summary guidelines and you’re good to go. Of course there are some unmentioned ones like you may draft another rider and other obvious rules like don’t dope should go without saying. The ones above should help anyone avoid time penalties and fines.

You’ll note the changes with race radios allowed and the revision for 2016 that once again allows riders to use paths by the road in races as long as it’s not dangerous, an ambiguous rule. Also the level crossing doesn’t have to be closed, it’s enough for the lights to flash and alarm to sound for the crossing to be considered closed. Finally the onus is on the race organiser to ensure a safe course and riders to check out the route and already this season accidents have occurred because this didn’t happen.

If you want the main rules they are in Part I and Part II of the rulebook on the UCI’s regulations page. Be sure to download the latest version if you rely on them.