Rules

Series ranking allocation

• Riders can only contest a single category within an event.
• Riders allocated points are not transferable between race categories.

Bike requirements

• All bikes must have two working brakes, one front and one rear.
• All bikes must be fitted with handlebar plugs.
• All bikes must have a maximum wheel diameter size of 29 inches.
• All bikes are subject to random inspection throughout the course of an event and those bikes not meeting the above requirements will be forfeited from immediate competition and not allowed back into competition until deemed satisfactory by a race official.

Clothing requirements

• Full-face helmets with a fixed non-detachable mouth-piece are mandatory at all AusCycling sanctioned events
• Bicycle helmets that satisfy the current Australian or equivalent international standards are compulsory in all AusCycling sanctioned events.
• Helmets must be fastened at all times whilst on a bicycle.
• Helmets must be in good condition and fit for purpose.
• Helmets used in MTB events that use public roads must be approved by Australian Standards only.
• All helmets used will be inspected for compliance as determined by the presence of an appropriate compliance sticker.
• Closed toe footwear must be worn at all times while practicing and competing in AusCycling sanctioned events.
• Singlets must not be worn while practicing or competing at AusCycling sanctioned events.
• Helmet, chest and similarly mounted cameras are permitted if they do not compromise the riders safety or mandatory safety equipment in any way (i.e. mounts must not be drilled into helmets). The use of such devices is ultimately at the discretion of the Chief Commissaire.
• Riders are not permitted to wear headphones or other similar music/communication devices during practice and competition.
• A jersey or shirt covering the elbows must be worn as a minimum. 3/4 length jerseys are acceptable.
• Knees must be covered by full-length trousers and/or self-fastening knee or knee/shin guards expressly designed for off-road cycling.

Items compulsory for under 17 and under 15 riders

• Full-finger gloves must be worn.
• Full length jersey – jersey must cover elbows at all times.
• Knee pads and elbow pads must be worn.

Items recommended by AusCycling for all riders

• Neck brace expressly designed for off-road cycling.
• Back and shoulder protection expressly designed for the purpose.
• Full finger gloves.
• Elbow protectors and/or long sleeve jersey to the wrist.
• Goggles expressly designed for the purpose.

Race plates

• Competitors must securely fasten the number plate supplied on the front of the bike.
• Riders are not allowed to cut, bend, fold or otherwise modify the race plate without the express permission of the Chief Commissaire.
• No stickers, written text or other forms of advertising are to be placed on the number plate without the express permission of the Chief Commissaire.

Practice

• All riders on the course during an event must be registered participants.
• All riders on course during an event must have an event number plate specific to the event attached at all times.
• No practicing is permitted on a course while a race is being conducted.
• A compulsory practice run must be provided which all riders must complete before the qualifying run.
• A mark or sticker is to be placed on the rider’s number plate after the completion of a run during compulsory practice.

Racing

• Riders must complete the entire distance of the race or as directed by Race Officials.
• Riders must finish with their bicycle at hand.
• The riders finish is defined by the moment the leading edge of the front wheel crosses an imaginary plane rising vertically from the finish line drawn on the course surface.
• The responsibility for following the official course lies with the rider.
• A rider is not permitted to take any shortcuts or to omit a circuit or take other advantage of a similar nature against opponents.
• If a rider exits the intended course for any reason, they must return to the course at the same point from which they exited. The Chief Commissaire will however, decide if any advantage was gained if the return to the course is different from the exit.
• Riders must act in a sporting manner at all times and shall permit any faster rider to overtake without obstruction at the earliest opportunity.
• Any walking or running of the course is carried out in deference to any riders still riding their bicycles.
• A rider may only change his/her bike between races.
• A rider must not use offensive or abusive language, act in an un- sportsman like manner, be disrespectful to the officials or ignore the race regulations.
• Riders must respect the countryside and ride only on the official course.
• The rider must avoid polluting the area and must not leave any waste or litter.
• No glass containers of any kind are permitted on or near the race course.

At the event

• A rider must act in a sporting manner at all times and must permit any faster rider to overtake without obstructing.
• If a rider exits the course for any reason, he/she must return to the course at the same point from which he/she exited. If the president of the commissaires’ panel deems that the rider gained advantage, the rider is disqualified (DSQ).
• The riders must respect nature and must make sure that they do not pollute the course venue.
• Anyone who is found to have altered the course has his/her accreditation removed or, in case of a rider, is disqualified (DSQ).

All participants, including competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators are expected to comply with the AusCycling Policies and Rules when involved with AusCycling sanctioned events.