Eligibility

1.1. You must be a current member of the club and have paid your league fees before the deadline for this year’s league.

1.2. You must either hold a Cycling Ireland Limited Competition or Full Competition licence

1.3. The league is open to all riders from U16 and above. U16 must be accompanied to races by at least one parent.

Conduct

2.1. Riders must at all times obey the instructions of race organisers and marshals.

2.2. Rides must at all times obey the rules of the road. Remember that the roads are open, so other traffic may take priority over the race. Marshals cannot guarantee that a junction or road will be clear.

2.3. Stay behind the lead car at all times, unless the driver pulls in and waves you on.

2.4. Dangerous and reckless riding will not be tolerated and may be subject to sanctions.

2.5. Any behaviour that may damage the reputation of the club may lead to sanction, including parking in unauthorised areas, public urination, disputes with members of the public, etc..

2.6. Riders are expected to know the course of the race. It is not the duty of the lead car nor the marshals to direct riders, only to warn other traffic of an approaching race.

Marshalling

3.1. Participants are required to marshal two events throughout the year. Failure to fulfil marshalling duties will result in automatic suspension from the league for one year.

Attire and equipment

4.1. Standard UCI rules apply for road and TT events. As per UCI rules, no extraneous equipment may be mounted on bikes, such as video cameras, mudguards, etc.

4.2 You must wear an Orwell jersey.

4.3 No earphones or phone use allowed during races.

Club championships

5.1. Every year the club holds a few events to decide the Club Champ for various disciplines - Road Race, 10TT, 25TT and Hill Climb. Medals are awarded to the top three finishers of each gender, as long as at least two competitors of that gender sign on.

5.2. Only league members are permitted to ride the various championship events. These are league events, and all placers must be allocated points. If you wish to sign up for the league, and only ride one or two championship events, that is allowed. You can ride as few or as many events as you wish, but you will be required to marshal at least two races.

Handicap categories

6.1. There are four categories in the league, from slowest to fastest: Limit, Semi-limit, Semi-scratch, Scratch. All new riders will start in Limit, unless they're known to be able for a higher category. If you feel you have been placed in an inappropriate category, please contact the league committee.

6.2. If you get a few good results, you may be upgraded based on performance. If you win 15 points, you will be automatically upgraded. Generally riders aren't downgraded unless they bring it to the attention of the league committee.

Scoring

7.1. Riders receive 5 points for signing on, and additional points for placing. Generally to the first six in each race – 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2.

7.2. At the end of the league, your worst five results, excluding championship events, are disregarded. So you can miss five races without being affected for the total score.

7.3. Any tied scores in the overall will be ordered by the number of wins each rider received - if a rider has more 1st places, they are placed higher. If there is also a tied on number of wins, then 2nd places are used, and so on.

7.4. There are generally prizes for the top ten riders, and the highest placed woman.

Sanctions

8.1. The league committee may impose a range of sanctions against riders found to breached the rules. These may include expulsions, suspension, disqualification, relegation and docking of points.

Sign-on

9.1. Sign-on generally closes ten minutes before the start of your race. If you miss sign-on, you won't be allowed race – no exceptions.

9.2. If parking your car during a race, put your valuables in the boot. If you want, or if you cycle up, you can give your bag to the lead car.

9.3. Please use consideration when parking – we use each sign-on area multiple times, and have to return year on year. Keeping residents happy is vital to the smooth running of the league.

9.4. Locations of sign-on - please see Locations page.