Mike Murray
The start manner for mass start freewheel bike races is traditionally one
foot down. Starting with both feet in when all around you are starting with
one foot down is obviously against the rule even if a specific start manner
is not explicitly stated. Yes you could be penalized for refusing the held
start in a TT although that would rarely be done since a one foot down start
would be slower. Technically an "everyone track stand" start would be legal
although it would be a logistic nightmare unless the field size is very
small. Imagine all the restarts as people fall, bump into each other, etc. I
have done criteriums that had a rolling start, like a track race. I don't
recommend that as it is generally a mess as riders bunch behind a pace
vehicle. I once watched the track Nationals at Northbrook where they tried
to start all the riders for the 10 mile with a held start with holders
spread across the width of the track. It was a disaster as riders bumped
into the multiple holders and fell. I think they had to restart 5 times
before they got a clean start.
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: OBRA [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of Matt Mallet via
OBRA
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 21:05
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Starting Rule - One foot down.
If you read what the rule says, "everyone should start in the same manner".
So unless a race official announces it is a "one foot down start" whose to
say what the start manner is? If you want to be a rules lawyer on this one,
in a TT start with a holder it would be a penalty if you chose to decline
the hold. Does the rule say the official could not mandate everyone start
from a track stand? Don't hate the playa, hate the game.
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