Mass-start road races
All riders start together and the first across the line wins. Riders finishing in the same group are usually given the same time, so the sprint decides placing but not always the general classification.
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INDIVIDUAL · UCI · CFI
Cycling
Competitive cycling spans road racing, track racing on a banked velodrome, mountain biking and BMX. Road races are usually decided by a mass sprint or a breakaway, time trials by the clock alone, and track events by a mix of sprint and endurance formats. Drafting behind other riders is central to nearly all of it.
group
PLAYERS
Individual with team tactics; road teams of 6–8
schedule
DURATION
Track 10 s – 1 hr · Road 1–6 hrs per stage
stadium
PLAYING AREA
Sealed road, 250 m banked velodrome, or off-road trail
scoreboard
SCORING
Finishing time or position; stage races use cumulative time
HOW IT IS PLAYED
Core Rules
Time trials
Riders start individually at set intervals and race against the clock alone. Drafting or receiving shelter from another rider or vehicle is forbidden and brings a time penalty or disqualification.
Stage races
The general classification is the sum of each rider's stage times. Bonus seconds may be awarded at stage finishes and intermediate sprints, and separate jerseys reward points, climbing and youth classifications.
The three-kilometre rule
A rider who crashes or punctures within the final three kilometres of a flat road stage is awarded the time of the group they were in, protecting the general classification from bad luck.
Sprinting conduct
Riders must hold their line in a sprint. Deviating to obstruct an opponent, or head-butting and elbowing, results in relegation to last place in the group or disqualification.
Track sprint
Match sprints are usually three laps between two or three riders, with tactical slow-riding permitted. The rider leading out must stay above the sprinters' line if they choose to ride there.
Track endurance events
The points race scores sprints every ten laps and gains a lap for twenty points; the elimination race removes the last rider across the line every second lap; the omnium combines four disciplines on one day.
Feeding and assistance
Bottles and food may be taken only in designated feed zones and never in the final kilometres. Pushing between teammates and holding onto a team car are prohibited.
Equipment rules
Bikes must meet minimum weight (6.8 kg on the road), frame geometry and handlebar-extension limits. Helmets are compulsory in every discipline.
WATCH OUT
Fouls & Penalties
- errorDrafting or sheltering behind a vehicle or another rider in a time trial.
- errorIrregular sprinting — deviating from your line, or obstructing another rider.
- errorHolding onto a team car, or being pushed by a spectator or team member.
- errorDiscarding bottles or waste outside designated litter zones.
- errorTaking a shortcut, or riding outside the marked course.
WHO DECIDES
Match Officials
- sportsChief commissaire — heads the panel and rules on the race result.
- sportsMotorcycle commissaires — police drafting, feeding and sprint conduct in the bunch.
- sportsFinish judges and photo-finish officials — determine placings.
- sportsTimekeepers — run the transponder timing and stage classifications.
GOVERNED BY UCI · CFI
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