Victorian interschools’ cycling series ProsPectus 2014

ProuDLY suPPorteD BY

AudiCentre Brighton

““

I’m proud to be the ambassador of the Victorian Interschools’ cycling series because it gives students the opportunity to try competitive cycling in a controlled and safe environment. The series offers young, aspiring cyclists the opportunity to develop and improve their skills while being introduced to competition at the same time. It also offers interested students the chance to try out one of Australia’s fastest growing sports.

Simon GerranSMulti-National Champion, Tour de France stage winner, Victorian Interschools’ cycling series Ambassador.

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 3

contents

WhAt Is the VIctorIAn InterschooLs’ cYcLIng serIes?

eVent outLIne

eVent oPerAtIons

rIsk MAnAgeMent

grADIng

reguLAtIons: equIPMent & AttIre

PoInts sYsteM & AWArDs

AWARDS, LEADERS’ JERSEYS & BEST SCHOOL TROPHIES

entrY & InsurAnce

InternAL ProMotIon

neW ZeALAnD: A cAse stuDY

contAct

sPonsors

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

13

4

14

15

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 4

What is the Victorian interschools’ cycling series?

The Victorian Interschools’ Cycling Series [VICS] is a new seven-race series of closed-road cycling events, run by Cycling Victoria and a dedicated group of behind the scenes volunteers, that is open to all Victorian schools. The catalyst for VICS was a meeting between Cycling Victoria, Simon Gerrans and a number of cycling parents where the question was asked: What can be done to assist the recognition of cycling as a safe and accessible school sport?

Parents and students alike have watched Cadel Evans win the Tour de France, but in most cases they have not had the ability to turn that interest into action. For all schools we aim to offer a cycling race series that enables all students to race in a safe and controlled environment regardless of their skill and experience. Through the operation of VICS, Cycling Victoria aims to reduce barriers to entry so that Victorian students have the option of another safe and sociable form of exercise and competition.

The series will run during the final term of 2014 and the first term of 2015. VICS allows novices, enthusiasts and experienced racers the opportunity to enjoy one of Australia’s fastest growing sports. With a mixture of team and individual events, participants will thrive on interschool rivalry, personal improvement and the thrill of the ride.

cycling is easy to start and enjoy. unlike some other

sports, it does not require high levels of physical skill.

Most people know how to ride a bike and, once you learn,

you don’t forget.

Fact

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 5

eVent oUtline

VICS will be a seven-event series comprising a mixture of individual time trial [ITT], team time trial [TTT] and criterium races. Provisional race dates will be as follows:

• Saturday 25 OctOber 2014• Saturday 8 NOvember 2014• Saturday 22 NOvember 2014• Saturday 14 February 2015• Saturday 28 February 2015• Saturday 14 march 2015• Saturday 28 march 2015

Each event will be run on a closed circuit of between one to five kilometres. Each date, except the series’ marquee event on March 28 2015, will be comprised of just one of: an ITT, a TTT, or criterium. The marquee event on March 28 2015 will be an all-day celebration comprising all three disciplines.

ITTs will require individuals to compete on their own in a race against the clock. Riders will complete multiple laps of a closed circuit and winners will be decided on their overall time judged as when they cross the start/finish line for the final time. Competitors can benchmark their ongoing performances by making improvements in time either individually or against their peers.

TTTs will require individuals to compete in teams of four in a race against the clock. Teams will complete multiple laps of a closed circuit and the team’s time will be taken when the third rider crosses the start/finish line for the final time. Teams can distribute workload and ride in any formation they see fit. Proper strategy and training for TTTs will be provided to teachers and schools via Cycling Victoria [see: Risk Management].

For a quick introduction to TTTs, please see the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMECFnQLfv8

Criterium events will be mass start [separated by grade and gender, see: Grading] whereby grades race as a group for a specified time plus additional laps, for example, 30 minutes plus three laps. The winner will be the first rider to cross the start/finish line. In a similar fashion to the running of the Melbourne Cup, riders may ‘attack’ early and try to catch others off-guard. Or, riders may opt to keep their noses out of the wind and save their efforts for later in the race.

Criteriums are also team-oriented events whereby the teams that work well together have the greatest chance of success. Schools are encouraged to enact the team tactics seen at the Tour de France, and further training and strategy advice will be forthcoming in the teacher training provided by Cycling Victoria.

“ “siMon sAYs so many students have taken an interest

in cycling over the past few years, but there are not a lot of safe and controlled

environments for kids to get involved. A well organised school program is a

fantastic way to give kids a chance to give competitive cycling a go. It’s also a great

way for schools that already compete against each other to extend that rivalry to

another team oriented sport.

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 6

eVent oPerations

Cycling Victoria will operate each of the seven races, however the operation will also rely heavily on the support of school staff and parents. Included in teacher training [see: Risk Management] will be event operation training to enable teachers at each event to assist Cycling Victoria with timing, marshalling and other duties to be specified on the day.

In a similar fashion to teachers and parents assisting in other school sports, VICS will hinge upon the dedication of school staff and parents. The volunteer group assisting Cycling Victoria in the creation of VICS has no commercial interest in the operation of the series, and fully understands that volunteers are the cornerstone of the amateur sporting world. The cooperation and assistance of school staff and parents is strongly encouraged, warmly welcomed and very much appreciated.

On the day of each event, racing will commence at 9am sharp. Racing will finish by 1pm. The marquee event on March 28 will start at 9am sharp and finish by 5pm. Racing will be separated by age and ability [see: Grading]. A detailed event schedule will be available to all competitors on the Monday preceding each event such that parents and schools can time their arrivals and departure from venues. Competitors are required to be present only for their events. Realistically, competitors will need to arrive at least 45 minutes before their scheduled start time to ensure sufficient time for registration and warm up.

It is the decision of individual schools as to whether their competitors travel individually or en masse, and as to whether they are required to stay for the entire duration of the competition schedule.

“

“siMon sAYs one only has to take a casual spin down Beach road on a weekend to see the huge numbers of parents that are falling in love with cycling. In the future, a cycling program could be an

asset that attracts these parents to enrol their students at a particular school. Being part of the

Victorian Interschools’ cycling series will put your school ahead of the curve.

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 7

risK ManageMent

WHAT MAkES VICS SO gOOD FOR ALL INVOLVED?

Open roads can be a legitimate concern for parents of students who want to ride bikes. So Gerrans and Cycling Victoria have teamed up to reduce that concern.

• 100% closed road events. No traffic whatsoever.

• 100% 24/7 racing and training insurance coverage provided through Cycling Australia.*

• Cycling Victoria to provide detailed Risk Management Plan.

• Training provided by Cycling Victoria to interested teachers in order to maximise safety for training groups in preparation for the series.**

• Appropriate training venue recommendations will also be made.

* Includes personal accident, public liability and loss of income benefits. Full policy information provided at: http://www.cycling.org.au/Home/Membership/Member-Insurance

** Interested teachers can complete the one-day AustCycle Skills Coach qualification that will equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to safely conduct training sessions with students. Courses are held regularly, and school-specific

sessions can be scheduled pending interest. Sessions will be funded by Cycling Victoria. More information can be found at: http://www.vic.cycling.org.au/News/ArtMID/3429/ArticleID/5367/CV-Coaching-Courses-for-2014

100% closeD roaD eVents

24/7 racing & training insUrance

DetaileD risK ManageMent

Plan

saFety For training groUPs

training VenUe

sUggestions

“ “siMon sAYs As a parent of two, I understand the hesitation a parent has in allowing their child to train or race on open roads. And that’s why we have

pushed to have all of our races on closed circuits. For parents, the peace of mind is second to none. And for the kids who take

part, the training and racing allows them to build their bike handling and improve road awareness, so that they are prepared if they

want to ride on the road in future.

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 8

graDing

The aim of grading is to allow all riders to compete in a race which suits their experience and ability, whilst maintaining the safety of all competitors. VICS is graded based on ability, not on age. Male and female grading will be offered. Initial grading will be determined by:

1. traiNiNg perFOrmaNce/ability aSSeSSed by a teacher aNd/Or cOach

2. perFOrmaNce iN the FirSt itt 3. previOuS experieNce aNd reSultS iN Other

raceS (iF applicable)

It is the responsibility of each rider to enter into the correct grade, not the person at the entry desk to catch them out. If a race official is made aware that a rider has entered into a lower grade, and this is confirmed, then any series points would be forfeited. The race handicapper reserves the right to change the grade of a rider at any time without notice, should this be necessary. Riders cannot self-relegate or promote themselves.

For the first ITT riders will be split into four groups – Male Junior and Senior, Female Junior and Senior. Junior riders will be those entering Years 7, 8 or 9 in 2015. Senior riders will be those entering Years 10, 11 or 12.

For the second race and subsequent individual races, riders will be allocated to an appropriate senior or junior grade as shown in the illustration below. It’s anticipated there will be a total of six grades for male riders and up to four grades for female riders depending on the total number of entries.

The TTT events will not be graded but will be conducted in four groups – Male Junior and Senior, Female Junior and Senior. Junior riders can ride up in a Senior team but Senior riders cannot ride down in a Junior team. Riders will be able to form composite time trial teams if a school is unable to field a team of three or four riders.

graDing For First criteriUM baseD on resUlt in First itt

Junior C grade

Junior B grade

Junior A grade

senior c grade

senior B grade

senior A grade

teaM tiMe trial (ttt)

Junior (Years 7 - 9)

senior (Years 10 - 12)

First inDiViDUal tiMe trial (itt)

Junior (Years 7 - 9)

senior (Years 10 - 12)

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 9

regUlations: eQUiPMent & attire

Regulations surrounding the suitability of equipment will be in accordance with current Cycling Australia Technical Regulations* with the following exceptions/clarifications:

• Only Cycling Australia approved standard road bicycles for all events [No TT specific bicycles for either ITT or TTT events].

• There will be no junior gear restrictions. For those new to the sport, this ensures any road bicycle purchased will be race compliant.

• TT clip on bars will be permitted for ITT and TTT events.

• Carbon wheels will be accepted at a maximum rim depth of 50mm for all events.

• All helmets must be Australian Standards compliant [For more information on helmet standards please visit: http://cyclingtips.com.au/2013/04/australian-helmet-standards-what-you-need-to-know/

• Schools will be required to race in matching jerseys or colours. Cycling specific jerseys are not mandatory.

* Please refer to ‘Cycling Australia 2013 Technical Regulations for Road and Track’http://vic.cycling.org.au/Road/Technical-Regulations

Cycling is a fun way to get fit. the adventure you get from being outdoors means you

are more likely to continue to cycle regularly, compared to other physical activities that keep you indoors or require

special times or places.

Fact

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 10

Point systeM & aWarDs

Points shall be allocated to each rider participating in individual events and team time trials in accordance with the table below. These points shall be used to determine individual and overall school awards as outlined below. The team time trials carry twice the points weighting of individual events to encourage participation (and to encourage the formation of composite teams in cases where a school isn’t able to field a four-rider team).

Place Points For inDiViDUal eVents

Points For ttt(Per teaM oF 4)

Points For ttt(Per riDer)

1st 50 100 25

2nD 40 80 20

3rD 32 64 16

4th 26 52 13

5th 20 40 10

6th 16 32 8

7th 12 24 6

8th 8 16 4

9th 4 8 2

10th 2 4 1

““siMon sAYs

cycling is a non-contact sport, where it doesn’t matter the

size of the competitor. i have teammates varying from 2 metres tall and 90kg to 165cm and 55kg. it equalises and allows everyone to compete on a level playing field.

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 11

aWarDs, leaDers’ jerseys & best school troPhies

Leaders’ jerseys will be awarded to the leading individual rider in each grade at the end of each event and shall be worn by these riders at the following event. If a rider loses the lead in the series they will keep their jersey but will not be entitled to wear it at the following event. Another jersey will be issued to the new series leader.

The leaders’ jerseys (and individual series winners) shall be determined by totalling the points accumulated by each rider from participation in both individual events and team time trials. This will encourage participation by riders in both team and individual events.

At the end of the series, a trophy will be awarded to the school which accumulates the most points in each division (i.e. Male Junior and Senior, Female Junior and Senior).

Where a rider is promoted into a higher individual grade during the series, they will retain half of their points from the lower grade for the purpose of determining individual series results; however, all of their points will contribute to the overall school results.

studies have shown the benefits of cycling on cognitive functions, with cycling improving

concentration, relieving stress and anxiety and

improving memory.

Fact

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 12

entry & insUrance

Each student racing VICS who does not already hold a current Cycling Australia Racing Licence will be required to purchase at $60 temporary licence for the race series through Cycling Victoria. For the period of October 25 2014 to March 28 2015 riders holding a temporary licence will have full training and racing insurance. During that period temporary licence holders will also be eligible to partake in any Cycling Australia sanctioned event outside of VICS. At the conclusion of the period [March 28 2015], temporary licence holders will be able to upgrade to a yearly licence for the remainder of the 2015 season at a $60 discount for each age group*. Cycling Victoria will assist enquiring students as to which clubs will best suit their sporting or recreational ambitions.

Individual race entry will be managed through the Cycling Victoria online entries system: http://www.vic.cycling.org.au/Get-Involved/Victorian-Interschool-Cycling-Series. The cost of each race will be $25, however a seven-race entry fee of $105 is available.

*For further information on Cycling Victoria Membership please see: http://www.cycling.org.au/Home/Membershipregular physical activity is

extremely important for young people,

and cycling allows students to develop an active lifestyle

that can be maintained throughout adult life.

Fact

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 13

internal ProMotion

For schools wishing to promote VICS to their students there will be two main tools provided. Cycling Victoria has ensured the assistance of current Australian Road Champion and multiple Tour de France stage winner, Simon Gerrans, to act as event ambassador. Cycling Victoria will also ensure ongoing internet and social media promotion. Schools will be able to download articles, brochures and a video message from Simon Gerrans to promote to students and gauge interest. As well as the option to become an accredited cycling coach, Cycling Victoria will provide teachers with a series manual detailing training tips and race guidelines to ensure schools are well-equipped to train in safe environments and prepare students for races.

neW ZealanD: a case stUDy

Just across the ditch in Auckland, New Zealand, there exists a similar seven-race cycling series just for school students. And guess what? They’re really showing us how it’s done. The New Zealand series enjoys the participation of 26 out of 100 schools in the Auckland area with over 550 participants signing up for their most recent series.

““siMon sAYs

The ultimate benefit of cycling is its use as a great family sport. From going down the bikepath with your

kids to heading off to watch the Tour down under in adelaide, the sport

brings families together and provides great bonding time for parents and

students who ride together.

“ “siMon sAYs cycling is a sport where the more you put in, the more you get out. it creates a great

work ethic. i’ve seen many cyclists through my career who have put the work ethic they gained from the sport back into their studies

and jobs to build long and fruitful careers.

i also enjoy the social aspect of the sport. riders generally train in groups and compete with teams or clubs and this allows people to

build another social network. every cyclist i know has great friends they would never have

met were it not for the sport.

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 14

contact

For further information about VICS, please contact Cycling Victoria:

Tom Dixon Development Coordinator - Participation(03) 8480 3077 tom.dixon@cycling.org.au

Victorian interschools’ cycling series PROSPECTUS 2014 15

thanK yoU to oUr sPonsors

AudiCentre Brighton

coMPetition. ParticiPation. saFety.