- Respect for the handicapper, the club and its races are essential from all competitors. Failure to do so, will result in the loss of racing privileges.
- Handicapping aims to promote strong, competitive and fair racing.
- Our races should challenge and stretch riders without discouraging participation.
- Riders will not be promoted or relegated for the means of making up numbers without their agreement.
- Changes to a grade and grade allocations will be based on the following criteria:
PROMOTION: A rider will be promoted where they have:
- Achieve consistent top 3 places (4 or more races in 6) and have demonstrated an appropriate level of race skill and competence.
- Riders that demonstrate they are too strong for current grade without placing – i.e. riding on the front of the grade and splitting the field due to high pace / consistently ‘sitting up’ in final sprints, etc.
- Breakaways (sole or duo) resulting in placing may result in instantaneous promotion.
RELEGATION: A rider will be considered for relegations where they have:
- Consistently being lapped.
- Have spent a minimum of 3 races in higher grade after promotion and have failed to finish with the main group (been dropped).
- Safety concerns – i.e. bike handling skills, failing to follow racing rules.
- Serious health issues. Serious health issues (especially heart conditions) require a doctor’s letter to provide confirmation of safety to race again.
Riders will not be considered for relegation because of interruptions to training levels, colds, because ‘my coach said’, etc. will not be considered. The grades are not there to enable a rider to get a high placing even though they haven’t trained; aren’t feeling well; or feel like a training ride. If you haven’t trained much, or are feeling unwell, you can expect to have a tough race and be unlikely to score a place until you are in better form – that’s racing!
Special Considerations: There may be special consideration given to rider’s requests to move down a grade. If approved, this will be granted only if the rider agrees that they will not be eligible places in the race, not chase down attacks, attack, ride at the back of the field. and will be identified to the other riders before the race.
Racing Higher Grade: Riders may request to ride in a higher grade than defined by the handicappers provided they have demonstrated an appropriate level of race skill and competence. But if you make the decision don’t come back complaining!
Grade Dispute: Riders who want to dispute their grade are required (outlined in the below grading table) to do so at least 3 days before the race. There are no discussions on race day. Contact should be done via the email address: handicapping@easterncycling.com
MEMBERS GRADING
Note: There are to no more than 1 grade difference between weekend road and weekend criterium grading.
