The basics in 1 minute

The aim

Road cycling aims to complete the prescribed course ahead of rivals. This guide covers road races, time trials and stage races.

Scoring

A road race uses finish order; a time trial uses elapsed time. Stage-race overall standings add stage times, with applicable bonuses and penalties.

Key rules

• Follow the marked route and do not obstruct or endanger other riders when sprinting.
• Teammates may help within the rules, but pushing another rider or gaining assistance from vehicles is forbidden.
• In an individual time trial, riders start separately and may not draft behind another rider.