Race Rules/Regulations

Preliminaries

Clubs must have a copy of their Police race permit at the stage start.
Clubs are to organise corner marshals,placement of signs, KOM and Sprint judges,lead and following cars, and a spares vehicle.

1 General Classification

'A' grade is decided on time, and other grades are decided on points. The overall winner of 'A' grade is the rider with the lowest riding time less any bonus times over the four stages. The overall winner of other grades is the rider with the highest point score (from stage finishes, KOM, and Sprints) over the four stages. In the event that riders at the end of the Tour have equal time or equal points, the rider who first crossed the final stage finish line will be declared the winner.

The winner of 'A' grade is awarded the Tour's perpetual trophy for one year.

2 Time Bonuses and Points, KOM's and Sprints

2.1 A Grade Time bonuses (seconds) and KOM/Sprint points are awarded in the road race stages, as follows:

• Stage finish: 1st = 10, 2nd = 8, 3rd = 6, 4th = 4, 5th = 2.
• KOM: 1st = 5, 2nd = 4, 3rd = 3.
• Sprint: 1st = 5, 2nd = 4, 3rd = 3.

The stage finish does not count for points in the Sprint competition. There are no bonus times or bonus points awarded in the time trial stage.

In the 'A' grade event the KOM's and Sprints receive points for their respective competitions only. These competitions are run separately to the general classification (GC).

2.2 B, C, & Women's Grades

In the 'B', 'C', & 'Women's' grade races KOM and Sprint points count towards the GC.
Points are awarded in the road race stages, as follows:

• Stage finish: 1st = 15, 2nd = 12, 3rd = 9, 4th = 6, 5th = 3.
• KOM: 1st = 3, 2nd = 2, 3rd = 1.
• Sprint: 1st = 3, 2nd = 2, 3rd = 1.
• Time Trial Points: 1st = 15, 2nd = 12, 3rd = 9, 4th = 6, 5th = 3. Riders within 40 seconds of 5th place receive 3 points, within 80 seconds 2 points and all others 1 points.
• The stage finish does not count for points in the Sprint competition.

3 Race Format

3.1 Grades

The Tour is four separate races 'A', 'B', 'C' & Women's grades. Any rider who is caught by another grade is to avoid interfering with riders from that grade by remaining at the rear of the bunch to avoid influencing the outcome of that grade's race. Riders found to be interfering will be disqualified, and not allowed to start in the following stage.

This is a graded event, and if a rider is deemed too strong, by the Race Director, (ie breaks the bunch apart within a few kilometres) for the grade entered they will be promoted to a higher grade. The promoted rider will be given higher grade bunch time and they will forfeit bonuses.

3.2 Teams

There will be a team prize for the best Gippsland Club covering all grades. Points will be awarded to the first three Gippsland riders on each stage in each grade. Points are; 1st rider = 5 pts, 2nd = 3pts, 2nd = 1pt, this applies even if the riders are not placed in the stage. It is not the first three riders from each club, it is the first three Gippsland riders. Please claim your places at the end of the stage.

4 Road Rules and Official Directions

All Victorian Road Rules must be obeyed. Following directions of Commissaires and Officials is essential. A rider who crosses solid or double white lines will incur upto $100 fine, disqualification, and possible suspension from all racing in Victoria for six weeks.

Riders crossing white lines in Sprints or KOM's will forfeit any points won in that particular sprint. Dangerous riding will not be tolerated.

5 Race Finishes

Riders finishing in the top eight places must report their race number to the line judges. Riders must not re-cross the finish line once finished. Riders finishing within five seconds of a bunch will be given bunch time.

6 Failing to Finish

If a rider fails to finish a stage due to accident, mechanical problems, or sickness he/she will be allowed to participate in the remaining stages. They will be awarded the time of the slowest rider. They are to avoid influencing the outcome of that grade's race. Riders found to be interfering will not be allowed to start in the following stage.

7 Time Trial

Riders need to start at their designated time. If a rider misses his/her start, the rider will be slotted in, but no adjustment will be made to his/her start time. The only exception to this rule is a rider who has suffered a mechanical breakdown, and has reported his misfortune to the starting
timekeeper prior to his designated starting time.

8 Punctures / breakdown

A rider who needs to stop during a stage for a puncture or other mechanical failure must immediately use a hand signal to inform other riders and the spares vehicle, and move to a safe position completely off the road on the left hand side. Service will only be given by the spares van on the left side of the road.

9 Spares

A spares vehicle will be provided for 'A' grade only. All riders should carry their own spare tube, pump, tools in case the spares vehicle is not
immediately available.

10 Protest / Appeals

Any rider wishing to lodge a protest must do so in writing to the Race Director within 15 minutes of finishing the stage. The Appeal Board will consist of the Race Director, Host Club representative, and a non-riding delegate from one other Gippsland club.

11 Lead Vehicle

Riders are not allowed to overtake the lead vehicle. Any rider who breaks this rule will be disqualified immediately.

12 Outside Assistance

A rider who receives outside assistance will incur a time and/or point penalty, the severity of which is at the discretion of the Race Director.

13 Following Vehicles.

Non-official vehicles following the race will incur a penalty for their respective rider.

14 Behavior

Urinating in public view will incur $50 fine and possible disqualification. Litter must be placed in bins provided at race venues, or taken home. Persons found littering will be fined upto $50 and / or penalised.