Page 6 - PBCOctober2018

Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 15 No.2 October 2018 @6

I would also like to mention another Pickwickian “ Justice Stareleigh “ Ron Grey, who
guides a maverick cycling club “Group Sportive Lantern Rouge” and gave me membership to
this great bunch of cyclists, who encompass all that is good about riding a bicycle in the
company of like-minded individuals. To further my refereeing career I became a
commissaire at local level before more exams to move to National level and beyond into the
big wide world. I have been fortunate to referee races from local, up to National and
International level. I have had the enjoyment of being on races in Australia, New Zealand,
USA and many other spots around the world. I take particular enjoyment in being involved in
Junior races as it allows me to watch the progress of many talented young men and women
who go on to be very successful at International and professional level.

So What do I do at the weekend? If I am appointed as a chief commissaire to a road
race by British Cycling I will get notification some months prior to the event. I will make
contact with the organiser and discuss any issue that is relevant to the promotion of the
event. I ensure that they have put procedures in place to promote the event safety and
that it compliant with racing regulations. I will make contact with the other appointed
commissaires and ensure they are ok with the roles they have been appointed to. On the day
of the event I will arrive at the race headquarters at least one hour before the start. I will
oversee the riders signing on and producing their racing licences; if necessary gear checks
will be conducted on youth and junior competitors. Marshals who control the road junctions
will be briefed and despatched to their allotted positions on the course. They will also be
told which radio channel to monitor and communicate on.If there are teams with support
vehicles who wish to follow the race it may require a draw to establish what place they take
in the race convoy.

All drivers, lead vehicles, service cars, commissaire drivers, medical, team cars and
motorcyclists will be briefed as to their role and conduct whilst on the race. About 10
minutes before the start the riders will be briefed about the event, the state of the roads;
the number of laps; where they can accept feed bottles from the side of the road and any
laps that carry extra prizes for first across the finish line. I speak to the riders about
their conduct with regard to traffic signs and conduct on public roads.I will do a visual
check to ensure that riders numbers are correctly displayed for a photo finish and that no
rider has cameras or unnecessary equipment on their cycles. As the race moves off I will
conduct a radio check with all the vehicles in front of and behind the riders. Whilst
following the race I will make notes of the riders in the lead, those who suffer mechanical
mishaps and ensure via radio that they are being attended to and keep note in my clipboard
those riders who have been outpaced and dropped by the other riders.