Cycling / Topic 02

Starting and following the course

UCI · Part 2 · E1026
Last checked: 20 October 2026
Source: UCI Cycling Regulations — Part 2: Road Races (supplied E1026 document) · Source pages: 25, 41–42
In short

Before the real start · Course and identification

On this pageBefore the real startCourse and identification

Before the real start

Riders must sign the starting sheet and assemble ready for the start. The assembly point and the actual racing start can be different: the real start may be rolling or stationary and must be no more than 10 km from the assembly point.

Course and identification

Riders must follow the defined course. Separate pavements, paths or cycle lanes outside that course cannot be used as shortcuts. The final kilometre is marked by a red triangle. Road riders normally wear body numbers and a matching frame number; time trials have different identification requirements.

Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Independent explanations of the supplied UCI Part 2: Road Races. This guide covers road cycling only, not track cycling or mountain biking. References use PDF viewer page numbers; topic numbers are editorial.
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