To fully enjoy any sport, you need to know the basic rules of the sport. Even if one is just a bystander or listener, knowing the rules helps to better understand what is happening in the sport. The same goes for cycling. If you are a cycling enthusiast and enjoy watching bike races, then you should certainly know some of the basic rules of cycling.
Cycling competitions are held at all levels, including the international level. The cycling competition at the Olympics features cyclists from all over the world and has a sizable fan base. Cycling races take place mainly in Europe and the West, with a handful of Asian countries showing interest in such events. Japan has many cyclists who have won international challenges. In addition to Japan, China, Israel, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Lebanon, Mongolia, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam are other Asian countries participating in the cycling championships. Despite the popularity of cycling in India; However, it has not yet become a formal sport in the country.
Although it is common all over the world, not many people know the basic rules of cycling. If you watch the race, there are many variations, but the basic rules of cycling always remain the same. Of all the rules, one of the simplest is to pin the source and destination. After that, whoever arrives at the destination first is the winner of the competition.
To help you understand the basic rules of cycling, we have compiled this article. In this article, we have written down some important information that all cycling fans should know when enjoying this sport.
Scroll down and learn!
Some popular forms of cycling competition
Before we dive into the basic rules of cycling, let’s talk about the format of the race. Understanding the structure will help you better understand race.
– Road Cycling
As the name suggests, road races are usually held on open roads, starting at the starting line of the road track and ending at the finish line, which has been marked by vehicle enforcement officers. The route of the open road is predefined and the number of laps is determined based on distance.
– Closed Road Track Races
Closed road track races are held on traffic-free paved roads that are usually built for cycling challenges or other racing races. These roads are shorter but have more obstacles for riders to test their cycling skills. In such races, riders are tested on acceleration, deceleration, braking and cornering skills.
– Track Bikes
Track cycling takes place on an oval-shaped speedway with two 180-degree curved curves connected to straight ends. The indoor racing track is an inclined track with a wooden surface. Track cycling, as an indoor sport, is practiced all year round and is not affected by any weather. Track cycling has been part of the Summer Olympics from the very beginning.
– Time Trailing
To make road cycling more fun, time trials became a new format. It competes with time and other racers in race distance. Racers must cover a predetermined distance within the allotted time.
Equipment Required for Cycling
Although cycling racing may seem simple, it requires a lot of equipment and gear. As a cyclist or cycling fan, it’s crucial to know the list of equipment you need to prepare. Of all the cycling equipment, racing is the most important. In addition to this, rider safety gear, shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing are required to avoid any discomfort during the race.
Here is a list of some of the important gears or equipment you need to race on the track.
Suspender Shorts – Suspender shorts are made from Lycra and are lightweight, tight shorts with extra cushions to avoid discomfort.
Base Layer Suit – Wear a Base Layer suit to maintain body temperature and control hydration. The set is made of high-quality thermal fabric. It is worn over bib shorts.
Sweatshirts – Like all other sports, cycling has a specific sweatshirt. Short-sleeved skinny nylon T-shirts and shorts that reveal the rider’s identity are called jerseys.
Gloves – Riders use gloves to hold the handle better. According to UCI regulations, cyclists are not allowed to cover their fingers during road races. Gloves are used to covering fingers.
Socks – Generally, depending on the weather, two types of cycling socks can be worn. One is Thermal lite socks worn in winter and breathable mesh socks worn in summer to increase breathability. These socks are designed to avoid foot pain when the rider pedals.
Cycling Shoes – These are specially designed footwear made with custom soles that are perfect for pedaling. The thick sole provides good grip and better grip on the pedals. Other sneakers may not provide the same grip and be the cause of injury.
Helmets – Helmets are one of the most important safety pieces of clothing a rider needs to reduce their risk of face and head injuries during a race. The inner layer of the riding helmet is made of EPS foam to absorb impact, while the shell is made of high-grade plastic material and layered with special fibers for extra protection for the rider.
Standardized Characteristics of Racing Cars
The rider drives the race manually only by pedaling, without any machinery or motors. Since the race car runs entirely by manpower, it is crucial to meet all the standards of the International Cycling Union (UCI).
UCI standardizes on some of the essential characteristics of racing to maintain consistency and identify fair winners. Before you start learning the basic rules of cycling, here are some common attributes of racing cars to understand.
Maximum Length Of The Bike– 185cms
Maximum Width – 50cms
Total Weight -6.8kgs
Diameter of the Wheels – Both wheels should be equal in diameter and range between 55 cm and 70 cm.
Minimum Number of Spokes –12 per wheel
Seat Saddle Position – The Saddle Position should be between 24 cm and 30 cm.
The basic Rules of Cycling
Now that you’re familiar with the basics, it’s time to learn some of the basic rules of cycling. As mentioned above, bike races can be held on different tracks such as open roads, closed roads, and tracks. However, the basic rules of cycling are similar in all types of competitions.
All competition rules are regulated and maintained by UCI. Here are some basic rules of cycling that you must know.
Bicycle Transmission Rules:
Riders must undergo a bike equipment inspection. The chief commissioner inspects the rider’s gear and bike and ensures it meets the standards set by UCI.
Racecourse Rules:
One of the most important basic rules of cycling is that the rider must be clear about the exact route of the track. In open road cycling races, racers cannot stray at any time until the end of the race.
Rider’s Speed:
Experienced riders have the ability to ride at high speeds even when other riders are in close proximity. During road races, individual racers can ride their bikes at speeds of up to 110 km/h. However, it is a rule that the rider must maintain a speed of 60 to 80 km/h when in crosswinds and descent positions.
Rider Positioning:
One of the most basic rules of cycling is that the hands of a racer cannot leave the handlebars of a bicycle. The position must be parallel to the ground for better grip and avoid accidents.
Free Circle Rules:
In closed circuit and track racing, race distance is counted as laps. Even if an accident or accident occurs during the race, the participant must participate in the competition at all times. A lightly injured racer can also make up for the race with his abilities and skills. In this case, the referee can provide the rider with one or two laps of free circles. However, in specific competitions, the organizers made it clear to them that there would be “no free circles”.
The Type Of Driver
After knowing the basic rules of cycling, it is also necessary to understand the type of rider. Different riders have different strengths and weaknesses for various forms. Depending on their skills, racers tend to choose a format of competition that suits their skills.
Here are all types of riders. They are classified like this:
Sprinter: A sprinter is someone who completes a race by accelerating when they reach the finish line.
Climbing Specialist: A climber is someone who maintains good speed even when going uphill and creates an aerodynamic advantage for the race on the ramp.
Time Trial: These racers can ride at high speeds longer and improve their race performance. These racers are trained to race against time.
All-Rounders: Racers who excel in mountaineering, sprinting, and time trials are called all-rounders. These racers were chosen as team leaders in stage races.
Final words
Cycling, as a sport with a worldwide reputation, is not only a fun activity, but also a professional competition. Despite its popularity, the basic rules of cycling are not known to many. A large part of the population is unaware of these rules, which makes it an important topic of discussion. Read all the above rules and information carefully and enjoy the sport to the fullest.
