We've compiled a list of things that we're asked the most often. If your query isn't answered in the below info then just drop us a line to [email protected].
Racing & The Course Can I have a go? Of course! Everyone is welcome at SouthernXC. It doesn't matter whether this is your first race or you're a seasoned pro. Head over to the Categories & Schedule page for some guidance about which race to enter.
How long is the course? This is dependent upon the venue, but we aim for the average rider to be able to complete a lap in around 20 minutes. The Categories & Schedule page will give you some more info about the duration of each race.
Can I practice the course before the race? Yes, and we encourage you to, so that you get as much out of your race as possible. The practice times are shown on Categories & Schedule page
How will the start of the race work? Each race will be gridded before the start time shown on the Categories & Schedule page. Each category will be gridded separately within each race. The BC Commissaire will start each category individually.
How does the gridding work? To ensure the safest possible start off the line, all races will be gridded. For round 1 this will be based on last year's results and the BC Commissaire's judgement. From round 2 onwards gridding will be based on your average result so far in the series. Make sure you're at the start line 15mins before the race to allow enough time to be gridded.
What happens if I'm lapped by the leaders? We will not stop you if you are lapped, but there is a time limit on each batch of races, and you won't be able to start a new lap after this limit has expired. More info is on the Categories & Schedule page.
The Series Do I have to race in all 4 rounds to compete in the series? No. Your series position is calculated using your 3 highest scoring rounds.
What happens if there is a tie? If there is a tie for one of the top 3 positions when we get to the final round of the series we will use Count Back to award the placings. This means that we will look to the the last time that the tied competitors rode against each other, and the winner of that 'battle' will be awarded the higher position.
Note that the Novice categories are not series counting. These races are to encourage new riders to gain experience and build confidence. Once you have finish a Novice race in the top you will not be able to enter it again, and will have to move up to either the Sport race which is at the same time of day, or your age group race.
Anything Else Can I cancel my entry? If you can no longer attend the event send us a quick email to [email protected] and let us know. The cancellation terms are: A full refund less the 3% admin fee charged at entry will be given if the event is greater than 4 weeks away. 50% refund less the 3% admin fee charged at entry will be given if the event is 4-1 week awat. Cancellation/refund requests recieved in the 7 days before the event will be dealt with at the organisers discretion.
What happens is the SouthernXC need cancel an event? If SouthernXC need to cancel an event please be assured that we will have been forced to by circumstances outside of our control, examples of this are listed below, this list should not be considered exhaustive and is subject to review at any time;
Adverse weather that could affect your safety
A state of war
An act of God
Announcement by a sports Governing Body (British Cycling) cancelling such events
Loss of the venue
Announcement by the Government cancelling such events
If this should happen, we will always attempt to reschedule the event in the first instance and you will be offered a transfer to its revised date. If you are unable to attend the revised date you will be offered a transfer to another SouthernXC event of the same value. If we are unable to reschedule the event to a new date you will be offered a transfer to another SouthernXC event of the same value. If you are unable to attend any of the offered events and would like to request a refund please contact us as soon as possible and we will refund you as much of your entry fee as possible. Sadly, we cannot guarantee that 100% of your entry will be returned, we will return to you as much as possible after any non-cancellable commitments have been paid for and already spend expenses have been recovered. We will not profit from a cancelled event if any participant is out of pocket.
Where can I find more information on the rules? The British Cycling website has plenty of information. Take a look at the Rules & Regs page.