The Race Rules listed here are based on the UCI Mountainbike Regulations. They are included here to provide an overview of the rules, and expand on a few of the more important points. For any technical matters (eg disputes or disciplinary action) with UCI Category events the full UCI Mountainbike Regulations will be consulted. These are available from:
The sport of mountain bike racing evolved from recreational off road riding, where riders must be prepared to reach their goal self supported. BikeNZ/MTBNZ competition events place emphasis on equipment, reliability and individual ability. It is in the spirit of self-contained, self reliant, backcountry cycling that the BikeNZ/MTBNZ competition events are conducted. These rules follow this philosophy.
1. MEMBERSHIP
a) A BikeNZ National licence or Day Membership is required to compete for Island Cup or National Championship rankings in BikeNZ events.
b) Presentation of your BikeNZ licence at race registration is mandatory at the following times:
- If you are competing in the Elite Category at UCI calendar events (for 2010 National and Oceania Championships only)
- To be awarded a podium placing at the National and/or Oceania Championships
c) Any member who allows his/her licence to be used by another person for any fraudulent purpose will have any and all results declared void and may be barred from future events.
2. CLASSIFICATION
a) Age group classification is based on the competitor’s age at 31 December 2010 A Junior or Master rider may compete in the Senior category if they wish.
b) U23 XC competitors can compete in either the Senior category or in the Elite category (on application) during Island Cup events. Elite approved U23 competitors will also compete within the Elite category at National and Oceania Championships.
3. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
a) Every competitor must wear a HARD SHELL helmet that is correctly fitted during practice and racing. Soft-shell helmets are illegal and use of a soft-shell helmet will mean not being able to start and/or disqualification. This includes helmets with cloth covers. Helmets must be worn during official training runs, as well as during competition. DH and 4X riders must wear full face helmets.
b) There is a Protective Equipment Policy for all downhill / 4X riders. Please see separate document for details.
c) A competitor’s footwear must be fully enclosed.
d) Competitor’s bicycles must be in good working order with functional front and rear brakes, capable of skidding the tires.
e) Handlebar ends must be plugged and not have any sharp edges. This also applies to all forms of bar ends. These may be inspected by the event commissaires.
f) We recommend that each cross-country competitor carry:
- At least 500ml of water.
- A tire inflation device, puncture repair kit and spare tube.
- A folding tool set and a chain breaker.
- A small first aid kit.
4. RACING RULES – GENERAL
a) Competitors must complete the entire race (or individual stage) on the same bicycle upon which they started the race/stage.
b) All repairs during an event must be performed by the competitor ONLY unless in the Technical Zone (will be marked). No outside assistance is allowed from any other persons (including competitors).
c) Feed zones – Competitors may only receive food, drink and clean eyewear from assistants within designated feed zones. Food, drink, sponges and glasses must be passed hand to hand. Please note new UCI Rules (4.2.039) now allows physical contact between rider and feeder/mechanic. Only one feeder per competitor is permitted in the feed zone. New UCI rule 4.2.040 no longer permits the pouring of water over competitors heads or bodies.
d) Race numbers must be displayed on the handlebars of the bicycle. Altering, cutting or placing of unauthorised sponsors’ logos on numbers will result in a fine and/or disqualification. Riders whose clothing or equipment bears logos of sponsors who clash with the Event sponsor may be requested to cover or remove the logos for event publicity purposes. This includes photo shoots, prize giving’s and TV/video interviews. Entry to the event signifies acceptance by the rider of this condition. It is the responsibility of the rider to inform his/her sponsors of this condition. BikeNZ will not be liable for any loss, financial or otherwise incurred by any rider who is required to meet this condition.
e) All riders must display their race numbers if riding the course on the official practice day(s) or on race day(s). Downhill riders will not be allowed on the downhill transport unless they have a number attached to their bicycle.
f) No competitors are to use any transport other than the official transport supplied by the race organisers for the official downhill practice or race day(s).
g) Riders must not use offensive or abusive language during the race, act in any anti-sporting manner, be disrespectful to the event volunteers / officials or ignore the race regulations.
h) Riders are not permitted to shortcut the course. The responsibility for following the official route lies with the rider. If you do not follow the official route you will be disqualified.
i) Riders are not permitted to willingly alter the course in any way without first consulting with the race officials. This includes moving rocks, logs, tape or other natural obstacles.
j) Riders must act in a polite manner at all times and permit any faster rider to overtake without deliberately obstructing.
k) A rider’s race ceases when the winner of their class finishes. ie. riders complete their current lap. Lapped riders continue to ride and finish only when the first rider in their class has completed the event.
l) UCI EVENTS ONLY – For Elite XC races, the 80% rule will apply at the discretion of the chief commissaire. If a slower rider is more than 80% of the time it takes the leading rider to complete a lap behind that leading rider at the start/finish line, the slower rider may be withdrawn under the 80% rule.
5. REGISTRATION FOR EVENTS / SIGNING OFF
a) Downhill
Riders must register on the official practice day. No new entries will be accepted on race day. On The Day entries close at 3.00pm on practice day.
b) Cross Country
Riders must register on race day.
5. DNF
If you are pulling out of a race (DNF or Did Not Finish), you MUST sign off as DNFed at the timing caravan. This is to ensure that everybody is accounted for at the conclusion of the race. If you DNF and fail to sign off then you may be disallowed from competing in further races.
UCI RACES ONLY – In a FEED ZONE:
YOU MUST:
To enter the feed zone assistants must have a feed zone pass and display it at all times. The pass will be issued to riders when they register. Only one feeder per competitor is allowed.
YOU CAN:
Hand up food, drink or eye wear to a competitor. This is hand to hand only. This must be done from the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the Competitors / Feed Zone.
YOU CAN NOT:
Place water bottles on to the bike or Camel Baks on to the rider. These must be handed to the rider. Food or other items must also be handed to the rider. Do not put these into the rider’s mouth or the pockets on the rider’s shirt.
Give tools or spares to the rider
Hand sponges, wet towels etc to the rider. If additional cooling is required, the rider may be handed an open drink bottle so as to pour water over themselves.
Pour or spray water over the rider
Spray chain with oil or water etc.
Feed from any position other than the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the feed zone. This allows those riders not wanting a feed to pass through the feed zone unimpeded.
Loiter in the feed zone, unless you are feeding / about to feed a competitor. After feeding a rider the feeder must move clear of the feed zone, allowing plenty of room for other feeders.
Bring tools, bikes, spares, etc into the feed zone
Run in the feed zones. This helps in preventing collisions and interference with other feeders. You must be stationary when feeding your rider.
PENALTIES
Failure to comply with the above requirements may result in the feeder being removed from the feed zone and the rider may be penalised and/or fined.
ANTI DOPING
Please be aware the all race licence holders are subject to drug testing to ensure competitions are fair and riders are free from the use of performance enhancing drugs. As a licenced rider, you could be tested at any time. Further information on Anti Doping can be found on the BikeNZ website.
MARKING
Markers or tape will indicate the route to be followed, showing changes of the course, intersections and all potentially dangerous situations. Markers will be places at frequent intervals along the course to confirm to the rider that he/she is following the correct course.
Each intersection will be marked by an arrow placed 10 m before the intersection. Another arrow will be placed at the intersection, with a third placed 10 m after the intersection to confirm the correct route. An X sign will be positioned within easy eyesight to mark the wrong direction
In all potentially dangerous situations, 1 or more arrows will be placed in a downward pointing position. These arrows should be positioned 10 – 20 metres before the obstacle and at the obstacle itself. Two or more downward pointing arrows mean a more dangerous situation. Three or more downward pointing arrows means a most dangerous situation, proceed with caution.
Downhill and cross country courses use the same system of marking. Signs used are as per the UCI Regulations.
MTBNZ is a member organisation of: Gold Supporters:
Race Rules 2010 (NZ MTB Cup etc)
The Race Rules listed here are based on the UCI Mountainbike Regulations. They are included here to provide an overview of the rules, and expand on a few of the more important points. For any technical matters (eg disputes or disciplinary action) with UCI Category events the full UCI Mountainbike Regulations will be consulted. These are available from:
The sport of mountain bike racing evolved from recreational off road riding, where riders must be prepared to reach their goal self supported. BikeNZ/MTBNZ competition events place emphasis on equipment, reliability and individual ability. It is in the spirit of self-contained, self reliant, backcountry cycling that the BikeNZ/MTBNZ competition events are conducted. These rules follow this philosophy.
1. MEMBERSHIP
a) A BikeNZ National licence or Day Membership is required to compete for Island Cup or National Championship rankings in BikeNZ events.
b) Presentation of your BikeNZ licence at race registration is mandatory at the following times:
- If you are competing in the Elite Category at UCI calendar events (for 2010 National and Oceania Championships only)
- To be awarded a podium placing at the National and/or Oceania Championships
c) Any member who allows his/her licence to be used by another person for any fraudulent purpose will have any and all results declared void and may be barred from future events.
2. CLASSIFICATION
a) Age group classification is based on the competitor’s age at 31 December 2010 A Junior or Master rider may compete in the Senior category if they wish.
b) U23 XC competitors can compete in either the Senior category or in the Elite category (on application) during Island Cup events. Elite approved U23 competitors will also compete within the Elite category at National and Oceania Championships.
3. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
a) Every competitor must wear a HARD SHELL helmet that is correctly fitted during practice and racing. Soft-shell helmets are illegal and use of a soft-shell helmet will mean not being able to start and/or disqualification. This includes helmets with cloth covers. Helmets must be worn during official training runs, as well as during competition. DH and 4X riders must wear full face helmets.
b) There is a Protective Equipment Policy for all downhill / 4X riders. Please see separate document for details.
c) A competitor’s footwear must be fully enclosed.
d) Competitor’s bicycles must be in good working order with functional front and rear brakes, capable of skidding the tires.
e) Handlebar ends must be plugged and not have any sharp edges. This also applies to all forms of bar ends. These may be inspected by the event commissaires.
f) We recommend that each cross-country competitor carry:
- At least 500ml of water.
- A tire inflation device, puncture repair kit and spare tube.
- A folding tool set and a chain breaker.
- A small first aid kit.
4. RACING RULES – GENERAL
a) Competitors must complete the entire race (or individual stage) on the same bicycle upon which they started the race/stage.
b) All repairs during an event must be performed by the competitor ONLY unless in the Technical Zone (will be marked). No outside assistance is allowed from any other persons (including competitors).
c) Feed zones – Competitors may only receive food, drink and clean eyewear from assistants within designated feed zones. Food, drink, sponges and glasses must be passed hand to hand. Please note new UCI Rules (4.2.039) now allows physical contact between rider and feeder/mechanic. Only one feeder per competitor is permitted in the feed zone. New UCI rule 4.2.040 no longer permits the pouring of water over competitors heads or bodies.
d) Race numbers must be displayed on the handlebars of the bicycle. Altering, cutting or placing of unauthorised sponsors’ logos on numbers will result in a fine and/or disqualification. Riders whose clothing or equipment bears logos of sponsors who clash with the Event sponsor may be requested to cover or remove the logos for event publicity purposes. This includes photo shoots, prize giving’s and TV/video interviews. Entry to the event signifies acceptance by the rider of this condition. It is the responsibility of the rider to inform his/her sponsors of this condition. BikeNZ will not be liable for any loss, financial or otherwise incurred by any rider who is required to meet this condition.
e) All riders must display their race numbers if riding the course on the official practice day(s) or on race day(s). Downhill riders will not be allowed on the downhill transport unless they have a number attached to their bicycle.
f) No competitors are to use any transport other than the official transport supplied by the race organisers for the official downhill practice or race day(s).
g) Riders must not use offensive or abusive language during the race, act in any anti-sporting manner, be disrespectful to the event volunteers / officials or ignore the race regulations.
h) Riders are not permitted to shortcut the course. The responsibility for following the official route lies with the rider. If you do not follow the official route you will be disqualified.
i) Riders are not permitted to willingly alter the course in any way without first consulting with the race officials. This includes moving rocks, logs, tape or other natural obstacles.
j) Riders must act in a polite manner at all times and permit any faster rider to overtake without deliberately obstructing.
k) A rider’s race ceases when the winner of their class finishes. ie. riders complete their current lap. Lapped riders continue to ride and finish only when the first rider in their class has completed the event.
l) UCI EVENTS ONLY – For Elite XC races, the 80% rule will apply at the discretion of the chief commissaire. If a slower rider is more than 80% of the time it takes the leading rider to complete a lap behind that leading rider at the start/finish line, the slower rider may be withdrawn under the 80% rule.
5. REGISTRATION FOR EVENTS / SIGNING OFF
a) Downhill
Riders must register on the official practice day. No new entries will be accepted on race day. On The Day entries close at 3.00pm on practice day.
b) Cross Country
Riders must register on race day.
5. DNF
If you are pulling out of a race (DNF or Did Not Finish), you MUST sign off as DNFed at the timing caravan. This is to ensure that everybody is accounted for at the conclusion of the race. If you DNF and fail to sign off then you may be disallowed from competing in further races.
UCI RACES ONLY – In a FEED ZONE:
YOU MUST:
To enter the feed zone assistants must have a feed zone pass and display it at all times. The pass will be issued to riders when they register. Only one feeder per competitor is allowed.
YOU CAN:
Hand up food, drink or eye wear to a competitor. This is hand to hand only. This must be done from the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the Competitors / Feed Zone.
YOU CAN NOT:
PENALTIES
Failure to comply with the above requirements may result in the feeder being removed from the feed zone and the rider may be penalised and/or fined.
ANTI DOPING
Please be aware the all race licence holders are subject to drug testing to ensure competitions are fair and riders are free from the use of performance enhancing drugs. As a licenced rider, you could be tested at any time. Further information on Anti Doping can be found on the BikeNZ website.
MARKING
Markers or tape will indicate the route to be followed, showing changes of the course, intersections and all potentially dangerous situations. Markers will be places at frequent intervals along the course to confirm to the rider that he/she is following the correct course.
Each intersection will be marked by an arrow placed 10 m before the intersection. Another arrow will be placed at the intersection, with a third placed 10 m after the intersection to confirm the correct route. An X sign will be positioned within easy eyesight to mark the wrong direction
In all potentially dangerous situations, 1 or more arrows will be placed in a downward pointing position. These arrows should be positioned 10 – 20 metres before the obstacle and at the obstacle itself. Two or more downward pointing arrows mean a more dangerous situation. Three or more downward pointing arrows means a most dangerous situation, proceed with caution.
Downhill and cross country courses use the same system of marking. Signs used are as per the UCI Regulations.