HEL CX Cup Regulations 2020-2021

FI / EN

Organization

HEL CX Cup (“Cup”) is presented jointly by HEL CX ry (“HEL CX”) and race organizers (“Organizer”). The race organizers are responsible for running each individual event.

The 2010–2021 season comprises 5 events.

Cup races are based on the UCI Cyclocross regulations, with exceptions described in this document.

For information or questions about the regulations, email info@helcx.com or visit https://helcx.com for additional contact channels.

General

Participants agree to adhere to Cup regulations and to follow any instructions from the Cup, the Organizer, or race officials.

Participants must ensure their own and others’ safety above all else, and exhibit sportspersonlike conduct.

Participation is not allowed when sick or suspecting an illness.

Littering and any other activity that adversely impacts the event is strictly forbidden.

A participant in violation of these regulations may be disqualified after the Commissaires hear the participant. Alternatively the Commissaires may apply a time or points penalty, in which case the participant may either accept the penalty, or request to be heard.

Serious infractions may result in being barred from HEL CX events, either temporarily or permanently. This may be preceded by a written warning to correct behavior.

The Organizer will designate a Chief Commissaire to oversee the event. HEL CX ry is the final arbiter of the regulations.

Cyclocross is a winter sport that is run under the challenging conditions regardless of the weather. The Organizer and HEL CX reserve the right to postpone or ultimately cancel the event if unforeseen weather conditions such as extreme frost or stormy weather threaten the safety of the event.

Participation

Anyone may participate in any and all Cup events, minors with the permission of their parent or guardian.

A license or membership is not required.

Participation is voluntary, and participants are solely liable for any damages or injuries to themselves or others. Participants should maintain appropriate insurance coverage. Participants waive and release HEL CX and the Organizer from any liability.

Equipment

All bicycles must be fully human-powered. E-bikes or other powered bikes are not allowed.

Helmets are mandatory.

The Hobby/Novice and Junior categories U8–U14 have no further restrictions on equipment.

The other categories adhere to UCI Cyclocross regulations.

The maximum tire width, 33 mm, applies to the manufacturer’s specification printed on the side of the tire. Studded tires are not allowed unless otherwise stated in exceptional weather conditions.

The bike must be equipped with drop handlebars, max 500 mm wide.

Participants may use two (2) separate bicycles in a single race.

Registration

See Sign Up.

Registration opens a minimum of 2 weeks before the date of the race.

Registration cancellation notice is not required, but appreciated.

Entry Fee

See Sign Up.

Entry fees are nonrefundable.

Race Numbers and Timing Chips

Each participant will receive a helmet-attached timing chip and race number at the first race they attend for the season. Race numbers an chips are personal, and remain with the participant for the season. The participant is responsible for bringing their personal race numbers and personal chip to each event.

Events

The Organizer will publish the event schedule and any possible other instructions and advice pertaining to the event. Participants are expected to familiarize themselves with any and all materials provided by the Organizer.

Races will take place on closed courses between 2.5 and 3.5 km in length. Courses are cordoned on both sides. The courses will strive to adhere to UCI regulations, and to provide varied, cyclocross-specific experiences.

The U8–U12 start takes place on a slightly easier course, usually a shortened or modified version of the normal course.

Courses will have a designated pit area (a two-directional one or two separate ones where possible). Any maintenance as well as nutrition and bottle supply must take place in the pit area. The pit area may only be accessed and exited in the direction of the race.

The event area will have a registration/race official desk for inquiries. The Organizer will designate a place for participants to leave their belongings. Please note that the Organizer does not assume liability for any lost or damaged belongings. The Organizer will provide a restroom or guide to the nearest one. The Organizer may also make available a dressing room, showers, sauna, or other additional amenities.

Participants will be given a minimum of 30 minutes of free practice time on the course, either before any race starts or between race starts.

Any participant riding or otherwise using the course while another race is in progress will automatically be disqualified.

Participants must be at the starting line with race numbers attached a minimum of 5 minutes before start time.

Each event comprises multiple race starts, each of which may combine multiple categories.

By default, the following race starts are offered:

Juniors U8–U12 (short course)
Juniors U14–U16
M Cat 3 + Hobby
Women (N Elite, N Cat 2)
Open (Open, M Cat 2)

Race starts are limited to (approx.) 75 participants.

Races

Races are time-limited mass start races in which as many full laps around the course are completed as the time limit allows. The winner is the person who crosses the finish line first on the last lap.

Race durations:

Juniors U8–U12: ca. 15-20 minutes
Juniors U14–U16: ca. 35 minutes
M Cat 3 + Hobby: ca. 40–45 minutes
N Elite, N Cat 2: ca. 45–50 minutes
Open, M Cat 2: ca. 60 minutes

The total number of laps is determined after the second completed lap. Remaining laps are displayed at the finish line. A bell will signal the final lap.

Example: first two laps of the Women’s race start yield a lap time of 7 minutes. 7 * 7 minutes = 49 minutes, which is within the 45–50 minute limit. Therefore, the total number of laps for the race will be 7.

Participants’ positions on the starting line are determined by their category (oldest/fastest first) and within category by the racer’s rolling 12-month points ranking. Organizers will call racers up in order from the call-up zone, and each racer will be able to freely select from the remaining grid positions when called.

Any participants overtaken during a race are allowed to continue racing, and will finish their race on the same lap as the race winner (with laps down marked as their final result). As an exception, the Organizer may flag participants 80% or more behind the leader, especially in junior races where the junior’s total race time might otherwise be unreasonably long.

Scoring

Cup standings are by category. Each participant will only appear in their selected category.

Participants’ Cup points are calculated from their 8 best results (out of 9 total races possible).

Cup points are awarded according to the table shown further down.

In the event of a tie, the standings are determined by: higher number of races participated in, number of wins, number of 2nd places, etc.

When categories are combined into one race start, participants will be awarded points solely in their own category, in the finishing order within that category.

No points are awarded in the Hobby/Novice category.

Finisher points table

30
25
21
18
16
14
12
10
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
and below, 1 point