Categories
Women
Adult Women (U19/Elite/Masters) are separated into Grades A/B/C/D which takes into account their fitness, bike and bunch riding skills. If you are unsure about where you might be, experienced racers are usually helpful in helping you asses your current level. Failing that you can contact the club, and together we can discuss.
Juniors
Juniors, as well as being split by male/female, are graded according to their age on Dec 31 2023. Additionally, their gearing is limited to a maximum distance per pedal revolution. (more below)
| Under 11 | 9-10 years old | 5.5 meters |
| Under 13 | 11-12 years old | 5.5 metres |
| Under 15 | 13-14 years old | 6.0 metres |
| Under 17 | 15-16 years old | 7.0 metres |
Equipment
If you haven’t raced before, or competed in a multi-event tour, it would be challenging to figure out all the “stuff” you should bring. Let’s start with the essentials:
Road Bike
There are a surprising amount of regulations when it comes to defining what is a road bike, and if you really want to get lost in the weeds then you can refer to the AusCycling Technical Regulations. What it boils down to is a road bike, in working order, that is not a danger when riding in a group.
This means that Time Trial bikes, or Aero Bars, are not permitted. Nor are e-bikes for obvious reasons.
Juniors need to have their maximum gearing limited to the distance mentioned above, and it will be checked by officials on the day. This is done for safety and fairness. Reach out if you are unsure about how to accomplish this.
Helmet
Any helmet that meets the Australian Standard will do, as long as it still has the approval sticker inside, and is not damaged.
Clothing
A sleeved jersey and shorts, plus enclosed footwear are the minimum requirements. One-piece skin suits are allowed, but technical aides like compression clothing are not.
Racing License
An existing Race license from a UCI-affiliated body is a requirement. If you don’t already have one then they can be purchased from AusCycling. There are monthly plans and 4-week trials available.
Optional
The following are not required, but may assist your race:
Water or Sports Drink
Sunglasses and gloves
Food and snacks
Sun protection if sunny
Warm clothes if not
Spare tube and pump
Course
The layout used for the Time Trial and Road Race is 3km in length. It features some slow and high speed corners, and a very short climb. Wind is also often a factor at this venue.
| Grade | Time Trial | Road Race Distance | Criterium |
|---|---|---|---|
| U13 | 1 lap | 5 laps – 15km | 5 mins |
| U15 | 1 lap | 10 laps – 30km | 5 mins |
| U17 | 1 lap | 15 laps – 45km | 5 mins |
| Women C & D | 1 lap | 10 laps – 30km | 5 mins |
| Women A & B | 1 lap | 15 laps – 45km | 5 mins |
The criterium is a short 4-corner course around the race village.
Event Rules
Points are awarded for each of the three events, with the final tally deciding the results of the tour.
All three events must be started in order to be eligible for final results.
In the event of a tie in points, placings will be decided on the results of the individual time trial.
Tips
Hi, I’m Keely and I’ve got a few tips if it’s your first time!
- If you need to get anything fixed on your bike, it’s best to talk to your local bike shop at least a week or two before the event. Sometimes they need to order parts.
- You don’t need to have toe clips or clipless if you’re not comfortable, flat pedals are fine.
- The most common mechanical problem during a race is a tyre puncture, bring a spare tube and a pump so you can still finish the rest of the day.
- Suitable clothing for hot or cold can make all the difference between a great day and a miserable one.
- The right food and drink is also important to feeling good and performing well. Try out any new foods when your training in case it doesn’t agree with you.
- Training with a group is great for building experience being close to other riders. Try out different positions within the group too, like being on the front or sheltered from the wind.
- Think about the 3 events and how you might approach each, some need a long sustained effort and others are high effort for a short time.
- Everyone starts somewhere, more important than your result on the day is that you started!