Please be reminded that participating in a non-sanctioned cycling event in South Africa does have some implications for Full Racing License holders, in connection with the UCI Forbidden Race Rule 1.2.019.
It has been brought to our attention that there are some cycling events in the Eden district that are coming up soon and they have opted not to be sanctioned. Please ensure that you are aware of the status of the event that you participate in by checking our Sanctioned Events Calendar at the following link: http://csams.cyclingsa.com/event-calendar.aspx. If an event you are interested in participating in is not listed, then it is not sanctioned.
As the custodian of the UCI rules and application of those rules as the National Cycling Federation in South Africa, we abide by the rules set by the global cycling body. One such rule is the UCI Forbidden Race rule (1.2.019). This particularly affects those cyclists who hold a full racing license.
A non-sanctioned event does not have the presence of any Cycling South Africa official (Commissaire) and any queries stemming from competing in a non-sanctioned event will not be followed up with Cycling SA as it falls out of our jurisdiction.
Race owners are well aware of the need to be sanctioned when hosting a cycling event in South Africa. We cannot however force any event owner to sanction their race, and those that opt not to sanction do so of their own accord.
Please note that if a qualified Cycling South Africa Commissaire is however present at the non-sanctioned event, they are posing as an official illegally and Cycling SA cannot be held liable for any post-race issues that may arise.
Another vital aspect of being a sanctioned event is to have all the relevant event structures in place, which incudes the marking of a route that is safe for cyclists, adequate medics on hand and general safety for cyclists, which is paramount.
This notice is intended to serve as a reminder to all of our valued members and full racing license holders about the implications of competing in a non-sanctioned cycling event.
For ease of reference, please see details of the UCI Forbidden Race Rule 1.2.019 and penalties referred to in rule 1.2.021:
Forbidden races
1.2.019 No licence holder may participate in an event that has not been included on a national, continental or world calendar or that has not been recognised by a national federation, a continental confederation or the UCI.
Depending on the circumstances, a national federation and the UCI may grant special exceptions for particular races or events run in its own country.
Particular races or events may consist of:
– Events organised occasionally only and which do not belong to the organised sports movement;
– Events whose format is not covered by the UCI regulations.
Any national federation intending to grant a special exception must submit its reasoned request to the UCI administration in the beginning of the season and at least two months before the respective event. The decision of the UCI in this respect is final and shall not be subject to appeal.
1.2.020 Licence holders may not participate in activities organised by a national federation that has been suspended, save in application of article 18.2 of the UCI constitution.
1.2.021 Breaches of articles 1.2.019 or 1.2.020 shall render the licence holder liable to one month’s suspension and a fine of CHF 50 to 100.
Benefits of sanctioning for event organisers
Cycling SA offers benefit to event organisers who sanction there events. This include, but are not limited to, public liability insurance cover (free of charge) which is accepted by all large land owners, marketing through our calendar (we are currently working on improved ways to increase communication regarding events), trained event officials to ensure compliance with rules for racing, technical support (advise on routes, traffic management, event information, preparation of safety file), continually keeping cycling a high profile sport in SA. Cycling SA medical policy, also provides assistance to members that may be injured at an event and transported by ambulance away from the event.
