Blitz Duathlon Rules & Regulations

It is our policy to put on the best race possible and to give our athletes the best race experience
we can.

Competitors are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others.

If given a warning while cycling, the competitor will stop in a safe manner, dismount with both feet on one side of the bicycle, and raise both wheels off the ground at the same time. The official will then say “GO”, at which time the competitor will continue in a safe manner.

For your safety and the safety of others, no headphones are allowed on the course. You will be asked to remove your headphone prior to the race. If you are caught wearing headphones you will be disqualified from the race.

Helmets – Cycling helmets are compulsory must be worn from the time the bike leaves the rack until the back is replaced in the appropriate position.

No Drafting Allowed

Transition Area Conduct – competitors must not ride his or her bike in the transition area. Mounting the bike must occur once participants have crossed the transition area line which will be well marked. All competitors must have their helmet securely fastened from the time they remove their bicycle from the rack at the start of the cycle until after they have placed their bicycle on the rack at the finish of the cycle.

Competitors, Officials and designated volunteers are the only persons allowed in the transition area.

Runners must stay on the trail at all times.

Single file riding on the highway

Cycling Conduct

General Rules
A competitor is not permitted to:
a) Block others
b) Cycle while their bare torso is exposed
c) Make forward progress without the bicycle.

The rider must:
a) Ride as far to the right of the road as possible
b) Pass on the left
c) Attempt to remain on the shoulder of the road at all times

Dangerous Behaviour 
Competitors must obey traffic laws unless otherwise directed by an official. This includes not crossing the centerline of the road whether the line is indicated or not. Any competitor who appears to officials to present a danger to themselves or others may be disqualified and removed from the competition.

Properly Maintained Bike 
The Blitz events competitors are expected to be knowledgeable and aware of all rules, to comply with them and to have a properly maintained bike and helmet. The Blitz Officials will remove a bike from competition where they feel it is necessary, does not comply with the rules or is unsafe. Single speed bikes are not permitted.

Helmets 
Cycling helmets are compulsory and must be CSA certified.

Helmet Effectiveness 
Competitors are reminded that helmets deteriorate with age and their effectiveness is impaired after hard knocks. All competitors are responsible for performing regular inspections of their helmets to ensure their continued effectiveness.

Helmet Alterations
Alterations to any part of the helmet are forbidden. The helmet must be securely fastened at all times when the competitor is in possession of the bicycle, i.e., from the time they remove their bicycle from the rack at the start of the cycle, until after they have placed their bicycle on the rack at the finish of the cycle.

Securely Fastened Helmets
Securely fastened means that two fingers can be inserted horizontally between the chin and the strap. Officials may warn or disqualify and competitor whose helmet is not securely fastened.

Illegal Equipment 
Glass containers, headphones and headsets are not permitted.

Running Conduct

General Rules 
The Competitor:
a) May run or walk
b) May not crawl
c) May not run with a bare torso.
d) Must stay on the trail at all times
e) Must stay to the right of the trail except to pass

Finish Definition 
A competitor will be judged as “finished,” the moment any part of the torso, reaches the perpendicular line extending from the leading edge of the finish line.

Safety Guidelines 
The responsibility of keeping on the course rests with the competitor. Any competitor who appears to officials to present a danger to themselves or others may be removed from the competition.

Illegal Equipment
Glass containers, headphones and headsets are not permitted.

Transition Area Conduct

General Rules 
The following rules apply to all competitors:
a) All competitors must have their helmet securely fastened from the time they remove their bicycle from the rack at he start of the cycle until after they have placed their bicycle on the rack at the finish of the cycle. Securely fastened means that two fingers can be inserted horizontally between the chin and the strap.
b) Competitors must use only their designated bicycle rack and must rack their bike.
c) Competitors must ensure all unused personal equipment stays within their transition area and is not discarded on the field of play or left in the space of another competitor.
d) Competitors must not impede the progress of other competitors in the transition area.
e) Competitors must not interfere with another competitor’s equipment in the transition area.
f) Competitors must mount and dismount their bicycle at the designated area or line.
g) Cycling is not permitted in the transition area. Cycling in the transition area before the race start or after the race finish, including to “check gears” is not permitted
h) Nudity or indecent exposure is forbidden.
i) Competitors, Officials and designated volunteers are the only persons allowed in the transition area. Spectator or pets are not allowed in the transition area.
j) Personal equipment or bags must be at the designated bicycle rack and contained in an area no wider then the handlebars of the competitor’s bike.

General Conduct

Competitors
a) Practice good sportsmanship at all times.
b) Be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others.
c) Obey traffic regulations and instructions from race officials,
d) Treat other competitors, officials, volunteers, and spectators with respect and courtesy,
e) Avoid the use of abusive language.
f) If they violate the rules knowingly, report the violation to a race official, and if necessary retire promptly from the competition.
h) Inform race officials after withdrawing from the race.

Warnings and Officials
A warning will be given at the discretion of the official. They shall assess a warning by:
a) Sounding a whistle or horn
b) Showing a yellow card
c) Calling the competitor’s number and saying “STOP”.

Procedure during Warning 
When assessed a yellow card, the competitor will stop in a safe manner and follow the instructions of the official. If on a bicycle, the competitor will stop in a safe manner, dismount with both feet on one side of the bicycle, and raise both wheels off the ground at the same time. The official will then say “GO”, at which time the competitor will  continue in a safe manner.

Disqualification
Procedure after Disqualification
Participant may finish the race but will not receive a final time.

Reasons for Disqualification/not finishing
A competitor may be disqualified for:
a) Failing to follow the prescribed course
b) Using abusive language or behaviour toward any official or unsportsmanlike behaviour.
c) Blocking, charging, obstructing, or interfering with the forward progress of another competitor
d) Unfair contact. The fact that contact occurs between competitors does not constitute a violation. When several competitors are moving in a limited area, contact may occur. This incidental contact between competitors in equally favourable positions, is not a violation.
e) Accepting assistance from anyone other than race officials or accepting assistance from a race official which constitutes an unfair advantage.
f) Refusing to follow the instructions of race officials
g) Departing the course for reasons of safety, but failing to re-enter at the point of departure.
i) Leaving equipment or discarding personal articles on the course. Tires, plastic bottles, and other discarded items must be placed safely off the course.
j) Wearing items deemed a hazard to self or others, i.e., headsets, or headphones.
k) Using unauthorized equipment to provide an advantage or which will be dangerous to others.
i) Violating traffic regulations
j) receiving medical assistance and being deemed unsafe to reenter competition by medical staff