Tour of Anchorage Rules

 

Pack rules - Riders can draft with anyone in the "group" that they start with, even if they are in different "divisions."  If groups are small we will combine divisions to make for a practical and fun race, several divisions may be combined into one big group at the start of a race.  Even though you will be scored separately within your division, you can still draft off anyone in the group you start with.  You cannot draft off another group that you did not start with. For the TOA most all divisions will go out separately.  If this is the case you can ONLY draft with the division you go out with.

 

Support Vehicles – No support vehicles on the courses at any time.  This means no cars following racers supporting them with splits, food items etc.  We've had some dangerous situations in the past when supporters inadvertently get in the way of racers and other motorists.

 

Aero Bars – Aero Bars are NOT allowed in any TOA races except for the individual Time Trial events.

 

Helmets – Helmets must be worn in all events including warming up (except when warming up on a stationary trainer).

 

Timing – please assist the race director by calling out your bib number when crossing the finish line.  With Crits and Road Races please try and pay attention with who is immediately in front of you and then assist the race director afterwards with details on your finish.

 

MANDATORY Racers Meeting – MANDATORY Racers Meeting’s will take place approximately 10-15 minutes prior to each race start, located close to the registration area.  Please be prompt so all races may start on time.  Rules will be discussed in detail regarding the specific event.  It is your responsibility to know and understand all race rules.

 

Results – Results will be posted as soon as possible after the conclusion of each event and posted near the registration area.  Results will also be posted at the next day’s event for the prior day’s race.

 

Volunteers – it takes a lot of good volunteers (including the ABC board of directors) to make these events a success.  Please take time to thank them and share with them any suggestions or ideas you may have to make these events more successful.

 

Race Divisions – The men's and wopmen's divisions will consist of Expert, Master (40+), Master (55+), Sport, Beginner and Junior.  All Masters will race together but will be scored separately.

 

Free Lap Rule-  Riders shall normally cover the entire distance of a race, regardless of mishaps, and must
make up any distance lost on their own ability, unless a free lap is granted for mishaps
according to the following provisions:
1. Free laps shall be granted only in circuit races and criteriums held on a course of 3
miles or less, and only if specifically announced prior to the race.
2. One free lap may be granted for each given mishap. Consecutive free laps shall not
be permitted.
3. Free laps shall not be permitted within the last 3 laps of a race.
4. In order to be granted a free lap, a rider must report to a designated pit area, to be
identified prior to the race. To access the pit area, a rider may continue riding
forward on the course, cut the course, and/or dismount and proceed on foot
backward on the course. At no time shall a rider ride backward on the course.
5. There shall be a race official stationed in the pit area to determine if a rider’s mishap
is legitimate, and if the rider is entitled to a free lap. If it is determined that the rider
is not eligible for a free lap, the rider must make up any distance lost.
The pit official shall keep a written record, when practical, of each rider who
attempts to take a free lap, including the rider’s name, race number, description of
the mishap, and other relevant information. Failure to record this information shall
not prevent the race director from taking action against the rider as circumstances
permit.
6. As an alternative to the preceding provision, the race director may elect not to place
an official in the pit area, and instead may require riders to observe the honor
system. If no official is present in the pit area to determine the legitimacy of a
mishap, a rider who continues in the race after a free lap may be subject to a time
penalty, relegation, or disqualification if subsequent information is verified that
establishes that the mishap was not legitimate, or that the rider violated any other
provision of this rule.
7. A rider who is granted a free lap shall return to the race in the position held at the
time of the mishap. A rider who was in a group shall return to the rear of the same
group. Rolling starts shall not be permitted.
8. If a rider is not able to rejoin the race within one lap, the rider may rejoin the race
with any group after the free lap, except that the rider is not permitted to rejoin and
assist with a breakaway group. The rider shall finish on the same lap as the other
riders, and shall be given the time of the last finisher plus 30 seconds.