What are the sign-on rules for road races and criteriums?
Rule- Australia
- AusCycling
- Road racing
- Commissaires
- All ages
- 2026
- Officials
- Technical Regulations
From the 2026 AusCycling Road Technical Regulations and General Technical Regulations:
- Sign-on time: all riders must sign on at least 10 minutes before the start of their road race or criterium (1.01.03). In a stage race, riders sign on up to 10 minutes before start time, and failure to sign on may result in a penalty (5.00.15).
- Numbers: numbers must be worn in competition and cannot be altered, cut or folded. They are affixed securely on four corners unless approved by the event organiser or PCP (1.00.01). Road races and criteriums use two numbers (one on each side of the back, vertical), plus a frame number when supplied; time trials use one (1.00.06 and 1.00.07).
- Penalties: the penalty table lists start without sign on, or failing to respect the order or timing of signing on, as W plus F $50. Being late at the start line is W then D. Wearing only one number where more than one is required is W for a first offence, then F $50 for a second, doubling for each further offence.
- Dropping out: a rider who drops out and does not report to a commissaire or the race secretary faces F $50 in the road race table.
- Withdrawn riders: in a stage race, a rider who withdraws must remove their race numbers immediately.
- Withdrawal by PCP: the PCP may withdraw a rider if the rider or their equipment is not in a fit state to continue (1.01.03).
Added 24 Oct 2026