1.) There are currently no OBRA rules about one field passing another. I
plan to propose one at the annual meeting but I have not yet worded it.
Clearly this is something that is needed. Of note; USCF this year adopted
rules basically saying that one field passing another is not allowed and
requiring the schedule of races to be modified to accommodate this.
Although passing fields is to be avoided it is not practical to prohibit it
entirely, especially not at some venues. For example, it is a certainty
that there will be passing fields at PIR. The only way to eliminate them
would be to have fewer fields and much shorter races. Even at other venues
unexpected passes can happen despite the best planning.
The way it should go is that the slower field should slow as soon as they
are caught by the faster field or its lead car. They should then continue
at a neutral slowed pace until the faster field is a specific distance ahead
(300 meters? ... or one football field, to use the American system of
measure) or until they are released by an official vehicle attending their
race (lead or follow). In general the field being passed should stay to the
far right of the road allowing room for the passing field although at
specific venues, like PIR, there may be instructions otherwise, like to stay
to the outside of the course. Should the field being passed not be all
together the same protocol should apply to each separate group. Obviously
the separate groups will be hindered to a differing amount by the pass but
that is just bike racing, similar to the "temporary road closure" rule.
What should NOT happen is that the passed group continues to race and/or
starts racing again too early so that the fields leap frog each other and
there are more passes then needed. Especially on open roads, passes are
dangerous operations and should be avoided as much as possible. Obviously
passes never happen into oncoming traffic.
"17.1.2 - General rules
-Unless instructed by the Chief Referee, all riders must stay to the right
of the centerline, or another point on the road designated by the Chief
Referee.
-Riders must obey all traffic laws in force."
2.) The simplest answer is that the caravan vehicles should go where they
are directed by the Comm. 1 official. In general cars should not move up to
a break until it is at least one minute out. The support vehicle should be
able to complete a wheel change before the field catches the rider otherwise
they have no reason to be there. If there is only one support vehicle then
it should stay behind all the riders which are still in contention for
prizes, i.e. the break is not supported unless it contains all the
significant players.
3.) Rider from separate fields are not allowed to ride together, which I am
surprised to find is not included in the current rules. I will propose we
add to the rules:
"17.1.2 - General rules ...
- Riders that started in separate fields are not allowed to race together."
Passes of this sort should be done I the same way as outlined above.
Mike Murray
-----Original Message-----
From: Fischer, Jim E (Corvallis) [mailto:jim.fi-@hp.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2005 07:16 AM
To: ob-@topica.com
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Road Rule Review - Peleton Passing Etiquette
Candi,
1.) I would like a quick review on how one field is supposed to pass
another. While working the Eugene Celebration a few years back out at the
Crow Valley area, one field caught another on the lap type course. Things
went smoothly, but I was in a support car, not racing. How should it work,
exactly?
2.) Also, how should the lead/follow/support car(s) be directed when a break
develops? If there is one lead car, one follow car and one support car,
where do they go when the break is only a few seconds out versus when the
break really opens up? How many in a break justify getting their own
support, or is this never the case?
3.) If a break develops and is able to bridge to another field, what is the
rule about riding in that other field? Can the "slower" break riders rest a
bit before heading up the road? Or do they need to pass decisively
communicating with the field being overtaken so they may allow the
overtaking riders to pass?
The only thing I found in the rules under section 17 was related to a lap
course, like a crit where the slower riders were not allowed to impede the
faster overtaking riders.
Thanks!
Jim
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