Australian Veteran Cycling Council
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.
- Riders will not be permitted to start in races, nor racing licences issued to those seeking membership, if bicycle safety standards as set out by the AVCC, are compromised.
- All State/Territory championships, national championships and open events shall be controlled by AVCC accredited Referees.
2. Age Qualification
Membership of the AVCC is accepted on 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, urinating in public, 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 343 mm 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is displayed from an official vehicle in a controlled race, no cyclist may pass the vehicle until the flag has been withdrawn.6.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
- 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.
- An Australian approved and securely fastened helmet conforming to standard AS/NZ/2063 must be worn on the head at all times while riding. Australian approved teardrop helmets cannot be used in road races but shall be allowed in road time trials and track time trials and pursuits.
- 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.
- Only equipment sanctioned and approved by the A.V.C.C. Inc. shall be permitted in races under its patronage. The bicycle shall be a conventional triangular frame made from materials suitable for bicycle construction. The maximum length shall not be more than 185cm. and a width of 50cm. Either 650cm, or 700cm wheels, and drop handlebars shall be used.
- For Road events two efficient hand brakes with freewheel multiple gear shall be used; Spinacci and Tri bars are not to be used.
For Road Time Trials it may have either a fixed wheel or freewheel system, standard time trial handlebars with handlebar extensions and elbow rests.
For Track racing, in Sprints and Scratch races it shall have a fixed rear wheel. In Time Trials and Pursuits freewheel multiple gears, handlebar extensions and elbow rests may be used.
Flat Bars (Mountain bike style) shall not be permitted in any of the aforementioned disciplines. Handlebar ends must be plugged. - 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.
- Only conventional racing machines as described in rule 6(d) shall be used in AVCC events and no unfair aerodynamic advantage associated with a bicycle shall be allowed, nor any modifications or construction allowed that jeopardize safety.
- Bicycle gear and brake controls may be modified to accommodate individual needs, however, modified controls will be mounted on conventional handlebars on a conventional bicycle.
7. Mechanical Mishaps
- 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.
- 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 and must report to the referee to re-enter the race. Any rider who has been lapped by his/her own grade shall withdraw from the race at the showing of two laps to go board, or at the discretion of the referee. No rider shall take assistance from any grade other than his/her own. In the event of a breakaway lapping their grade, the sprint for minor places will be at the discretion of the referee.
8. General Racing Rules
- 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.
- Dangerous riding, including the practice of saluting by removing one or both hands off the bars at a finish, will not be tolerated and the referee shall discipline any rider whom he/she deems to be guilty of this practice, or any other act that endangers other riders or road users.
- At any time during a race that a sprint occurs the sprint rules shall apply whereby sprinting riders shall keep to a straight line. Anyone suddenly veering, pushing or pulling, or in any other way causing dangerous obstruction shall be penalized.
- 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.
- 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.
- Officials and riders are deemed to be always under control of the race referee from the time that he or she enters, and remains present, in the event precinct.
9. Penalties
- 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.
- Any competitor fined by any 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 finalized.
- Penalties shall be set by the relevant State/Territory body. In AVCC championships the penalties of the promoting State/Territory body shall apply.
- 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.