Australian Veteran Cycling Council Inc. Racing Rules and Regulations
1. Eligibility
To be eligible to compete in any event run under the Jurisdiction of the
AVCC, the competitor must be a financial member of a State/Territory body affiliated to the AVCC and must be covered by a racing insurance.
2. Age Qualification
Membership of the AVCC is accepted on the 1st January of the year in which a male reaches 35 years of age, or a female 30 years of age.
3. Misconduct
A competitor who is guilty of misconduct, disobeying an official, using undesirable language, striking or attempting to strike another member during the progress of an event, or at a place where the event is being conducted, shall be suspended, or fined, or both.
4. Judging
The finish of a race shall be judged by the first part of a bike that reaches an 'Imaginary' line approximately 343mm above a finish line.
5. Flags
A black and white chequered flag shall denote a race finish. A red flag denotes danger and cyclists must stop if directed by the official displaying the flag. If a red flag is displayed from an official vehicle in a controlled race, no cyclist may pass the vehicle until the flag has been withdrawn.
6. Equipment and Clothing
a) Race numbers must be prominently displayed at all times. Numbers must not be folded or damaged in any way and must be returned after the finish.
b) An approved and securely fastened helmet must be worn at all times while riding.
c) Competitors should be neatly attired at the start of a race and at after-race presentations. Racing jerseys must be designed so as to cover the upper arms and shoulders.
d). Only dropped handlebars sanctioned by the UCI shall be permitted in
races while Tri bars and 'Spinaci' bars shall only be used in time trials. Handlebar ends must be plugged.
e) It is an offence to compete on any bicycle unless it is mechanically sound and maintained to the highest safety standards. 'Singles' must be securely glued to the rim and road bicycles must be equipped with two efficient, independent brakes.
7. Mechanical Mishaps
a) If a mechanical mishap occurs (a puncture, machine damage or a fall) approaching the finish of a race, the competitor may run with or carry the bicycle over the line and still qualify for a finishing prize.
b) In a criterium race, if a mechanical mishap occurs, (a puncture, machine damage or a fall) time out shall be allowed. The race referee shall determine the duration of the time out and the information conveyed to the competitors before the race. A competitor taking time out will not be allowed to gain advantage in terms of placing in the field when re-entering the race.
8 General Racing Rules
a) All competitors are expected to abide by the State/Territory traffic laws which include keeping to the left of the carriageway on open roads and not crossing double white lines. Competitors should avoid unnecessarily obstructing other traffic.
b) Dangerous riding will not be tolerated. Competitors shall not suddenly switch position, brake quickly, look behind, remove hands from the bars, or behave in
any way that the referee deems to be dangerous.
c) At any time during a race that a sprint occurs the sprint rules shall apply whereby sprinting riders shall keep to a straight line over the final 200 metres. Anyone suddenly veering, pushing or pulling, or in any other way causing dangerous obstruction shall be penalised.
d) Competitors who receive outside assistance during a road race, such as holding onto or receiving pace from a moving vehicle or from non or retired competitors or who receive refreshments or bike assistance (unless specifically sanctioned beforehand by the race referee) shall be disqualified.
e) A competitor who is lapped or caught by another grade other than his/her own in a scratch race must not interfere with, or assist any other competitor nor participate in any sprints. The lapped rider must give way to the passing rider or group. It is a serious offence to sit in a bunch or share pace once lapped.
9. Penalties
a) Any riders breaching the above general racing rules shall be liable for a fine, disqualification, suspension or any combination of the three at the discretion of the referee.
b) Any competitor fined by his/her club or State/Territory body shall not be permitted to compete in any race under any body affiliated to the AVCC until such time as the penalty or suspension has been finalised.
c) Penalties shall be set by the relevant State/Territory body. In AVCC championships the penalties of the promoting State/Territory body shall apply.
d) Appeals against a referee's decision shall be made in writing within thirty minutes of the decision being announced to the competitor. The process for appeals shall be determined under the rules of the State/Territory body involved.
10. Prizes & Positions
Competitors who believe they have qualified for a prize shall claim their placing's with the claims stewards immediately after the finish. Prizewinners shall attend prize-giving ceremonies unless they have been granted dispensation by the race organiser.