Race Rules

THIS RACE SHALL BE CONDUCTED UNDER CYCLING NEW ZEALAND RULES

• Riders must complete each stage to be eligible to start next stage.
• The Tour Manager reserves the right to exercise his discretion in cases of misdirection, crashes, and mechanical trouble.

• Roll out 6.610m for U17s.
• Roll out 6.00m for U15s and U13s.
• Wheels must have a min 16 spokes and not have any parts containing exotic materials.
• (U17W may roll out the same as U19W 7.93m)

• Gear checks will be carried out prior to the start of each day’s racing
• Random checking may be done throughout the Tour.
• The first 6 riders across the finish line of each race must present their bikes for scrutineering.

• Numbers will only be issued in exchange for licence.
• Two numbers are to be worn
• One on the left-hand side and one on the centre of the back. See example shown at briefing.

• All roads on the Tour are open.
• Riders are must take strict notice of road patrols and traffic regulations.
• Riders observed continually crossing white centre line when not making progress through the bunch are liable to time penalties fines or disqualification.
• Both lanes are available for sprints at the finish if there is a bunch finish.
• Riders crossing the centre of the road on a yellow line will be disqualified.
• No earpieces are to be worn. (No ipods, MP3s, communications)
• Bad language will not be tolerated.

• All stage finishes will be indicated by a chequered flag, a white line marker across the road and cones on either side of the road.
• There will be a sign displayed at 5km, 3km,1000m and 500m before the finish.
• Primes will indicated by an orange cone with an orange flag.

• Under no circumstances are supporters vehicles permitted to join the race convoy.
• Supporters may pass the race convoy, and stop at a suitable location along the course to view the riders as they pass.
• Park well clear of finishing line

• Riders shall set off at 30-second intervals.
• Each rider shall present at the enrolment checkpoint no later than 5 minutes before the time set for the start.
• The start shall be taken from a launching ramp where available.
• The rider shall be held and then released, not pushed, by the designated "holder".
• The time of any rider reporting late at the start shall be calculated from his scheduled starting time and he shall make a standing start from the place designated for that purpose.
• The start of any rider reporting late shall not adversely effect the start of a competitor making a start at their allotted time.
• The starter will ensure sufficient gap between such riders.

• If one rider is caught up by another, he may neither lead nor follow in the slipstream of the rider who caught up.
• A rider, upon catching up with another shall leave a lateral gap of at least 2 metres between himself and the other rider.
• After 1 km, the rider caught up shall ride at least 25m away from the other.
• If necessary, the commissaire or assistant commissaire shall force the riders to leave the 2 metre lateral gap and the distance of 25 metres respectively notwithstanding the penalties provided for in the Scale of Penalties
• Riders may not help one another.
• Riders may not be given refreshments, other than that which they carry themselves.

• Following vehicles are not permitted to follow riders on the course.

• Refreshments may only be taken in areas set aside for that purpose. Such refreshment areas will be signposted.
• Refreshments shall be distributed on foot only.
• The location is outlined in the stage description
• Other locations may be added where the weather conditions indicate an issue of rider welfare.
• No supplies may be provided during the first 50km and final 20km.

• Riders may receive breakdown assistance from one of the neutral assistance cars.
• Spare wheels are to be delivered to the Neutral support vehicle designated.
• Whatever the position of a rider in the race, he may receive such assistance only to the rear of his bunch, on the Left shoulder of the road.
• Persons riding in vehicles shall not reach or lean out.
• While support teams will endeavour at all times to provide coverage for all riders, there may be times during the event where support is not available. It is advised that you carry a spare tube and pump.
• Ensure all wheels are clearly labelled to ensure prompt return.

• The race is run on a bonus time system. Bonus seconds of 5, 3, 2, 1, will be deducted from aggregate on all stage wins except the prologue.
• There are no time bonuses for the prologue.
• Sprint Ace and King of the Mountains points are 4, 2, and 1.

• All riders in a given bunch shall be credited with the same time when they cross the finishing line.
• Groups will be separated when there is a clear gap of 1 second between riders.
• If the final result is a draw the placing obtained in each stage shall be added and, as a last resort, the place obtained in the last stage ridden shall be taken into consideration.
• In the case of a duly noted fall, puncture or mechanical incident within 3km of the stage finish, the rider or riders involved shall be credited with the time of the rider or riders in whose company they were riding at the moment of the accident. His or their placing shall be determined by the order in which he or they actually cross the finishing line.
• If, as the result of a fall within 3km of the stage finish, a rider cannot cross the finishing line, he shall be placed last in the stage and credited with the time of the rider or riders in whose company he was riding at the time of the accident.

• The race director or commisaires may issue a general warning to all riders at the start line briefing.
• Once a warning is issued either as a general warning or to an individual, a further infringement will result in
  • time penalties,
  • fines payable before the infringer’s licence being returned, disqualification or
  • any combination of the above.
    
    Penalties may be appealled by application in writing with the deposit of $50.00 to the Chief Judge. Appeals must be made within 15minutes of the posting of the penalty on the official notice board.

• All licence-holders shall at all times be properly dressed and behave correctly in all circumstances, even when not racing.
• They shall refrain from any acts of violence, threats or insults or any other improper behaviour or from putting other persons in danger.
• They may not in word, gesture, writing or otherwise harm the reputation or question the honour of other licence-holders, officials, sponsors, BikeNZ, CyclingNZ, the UCI or cycling in general. The right of criticism shall be exercised in a motivated and reasonable manner and with moderation.
• All license-holders shall, in whatever capacity, participate in cycling races in a fair and sporting manner. They shall look to contributing fairly to the sporting success of the race.
• Riders shall sportingly defend their own chances.
• Any collusion or behaviour likely to falsify or detract from the interest of the competition shall be forbidden.