Many OCA sanctioned races follow UCI rules with CCA and OCA modifications. Please click on the following links for further information.

2013 OCA Companion Guide v.2013.03.01

2012 CCA Companion Guide

UCI Rules

CCA Website

UCI Website

Podium Protocal

The following guidelines should be followed during podium presentations:

• Competition wear
• 2nd place in on the right hand side of 1st
• Presentation takes place shortly after the top 3 have finished
• Riders must attend presentation or they forfeit awards
• Organizers are encouraged to provide a backdrop

Yellow Line Rule – Road
Road races in Ontario almost always take place on open roads, meaning there is a good chance of encountering oncoming traffic on two-way roads. In the interest of safety of all competitors and the public, and in the interest of having communities continue to welcome our sport, riders are required to ride on the right hand side of the road.

Commonly referred to as “the yellow line rule”, this safety requirement is a result of UCI Regulations requiring riders to “observe the legislation of the country where the race takes place” and also requiring riders “act with the utmost caution”. In Canada, this means that riders are forbidden from crossing the middle of any road with two-way traffic, whether a line has been painted down the center of the road or not.

There are a few instances where crossing the middle of the road may be tolerated, for example:

• “Mushrooming” of the front of the bunch because the lead riders have slowed suddenly;
• Swerving momentarily to avoid a road hazard or an ongoing crash;
• Tracking slightly wide around a particularly tight corner with marshals present (only when riding in a large bunch).

In any of these circumstances, the amount of time spent in the opposing lane is quite small – usually less than a few seconds.

However, any other reason for crossing the median of the road is generally unacceptable, as is any prolonged crossing, particularly if it is to launch an attack or some other offensive move. Other unacceptable examples include:

• The whole pack across the road going at a non-race speed (piano);
• Individual riders crossing the median to gain an advantage;
• Riders across the line on a curving descent;
• Sheltering behind another rider if in doing so the median is crossed (such drafting constitutes an unfair advantage);
• Several riders across the line during a cross-wind section for an extended period of time.

Enforcement of safety related rules remains a priority of the College of Commissaires. Riders are encouraged to adopt safe riding practices and safely position themselves within the pack.