The Race Committee has decided to implement the following policy with the intention to lead to fairer and more competitive racing and the appropriate balance across the grades.
1. Promotion/Relegation Process
- Gradings are intended to promote competitive racing amongst riders of similar ability, but also take into account variables such as development, varying training levels and personal circumstances.
- All gradings are at the discretion of the Handicapper (Club Handicapper or Commissaire on the day)
- If a rider accumulates 10 points throughout the season (or 12 mth period) they become eligible for promotion and may be moved to the next higher grade. Riders who have previously ridden in a higher grade may be promoted earlier. Points are allocated at 3 points for first place, 2 points for second place and 1 point for third place. Consideration will be made for riders in grades of consistently low numbers, who will place more regularly, to ensure they are not promoted unfairly
- Riders eligible for a lower grade are those dropped from the bunch on 4 or more occasions, are finishing consistently at the tail end of the field or riders returning from major injury. These riders may request to move down a grade.
- Riders who ‘ride down’ from their allocated grade will not be entitled to prize money and should not actively influence the racing ie attempting break-aways, setting the bunch pace.
2. Non-SXCC Riders and New Members
Non SXCC riders will be allocated a grade by the handicapper/commissaire taking into account their own club grade and the strength of that club. In general riders participating in their first event should be graded in ‘B-Grade’ unless there is reasonable justification otherwise. A new riders grading will be reassessed after their initial ride.
