There's a rules page on the RTL web site, but so far nothing there yet.
I offered to help with rules, and was later asked to help proof some,
but so far I haven't seen anything.
It's true, our existing rules for unicycle racing (IUF) don't have much
overlap with this type of racing. There are a few basics. In regular
track racing, riders are supposed to keep a minimum spacing of one
wheel diameter between them, all the way around. But that's a 24"
wheel. Still, I think a similar amount of space should be recommended.
We also have some rules about interference with other riders,
intentional and otherwise. This of course has to be observed to be
actionable, but intentional interference of any kind should not be
tolerated.
Passing, by default, should be on the left as it usually would be in
countries where you drive on the right. Riders should announce when
they're getting ready to pass, and hopefully a little louder than the
roadies around here. What's the point of mumbling "On your left" if the
guy in front of you can't hear it?
If a rider goes down it's highly recommended to make sure they're okay
before leaving them all alone. Otherwise it's a race and you are no
obligated to stop or wait. Unless you caused the other rider to go
down.
However, if you are behind a rider who falls, that's your problem.
Pacelines are difficult and a little risky on bikes. On unicycles
they're more risky. If the road/shoulder is bumpy, they're way more
risky. Ride directly behind another rider at your own risk. If you do
find yourself drafting with a paceline, remember to share the load at
the front.
According to Nathan there will be a "No exchanges in the first 10k"
rule, to keep things from being too crowded at the beginning of each
stage. After 10k there should be considerable spread to the pack, so it
should be a little less crowded for the support vehicles.
I imagine the support vehicles could be a source of many problems,
because they're much wider than unicycles and different teams may use
different methods for their exchanges. Drivers will have to be extra
courteous and cautious. I hope there will be rules/guidelines for the
driving side!
We'll need a few more rules for the Crit and Time Trial. Is drafting
permitted in the Time Trial? I don't think it is for bikes but I really
have no idea. In the Crit the rules on passing, whatever they may be,
will be very important. And I recommend people wear wrist protection,
at minimum, along with their helmets. I plan to at least have my knees
covered as well.
--
johnfoss
John Foss
Email: "jfoss" at "unicycling.com" -- www.unicycling.com
-----------------------------------------------
Man with broken collar bone say: "Have you checked your shoelaces
lately?"
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