How are team cars and the race convoy controlled?

Under sections 17.5, 17.6, 18.5 and 18.6 of the Cycling SA Road Cycling Handbook 2026, at National Classics and regional road events:

Who gets a following vehicle

• A team needs at least 4 registered and paid-up starters to qualify for a following vehicle.
• Team managers wanting route access must attend a compulsory meeting before the event.
• Every vehicle must be driven by a licensed team manager (Cat C minimum). A manager without a valid Cycling SA licence can't be part of the convoy, with no exceptions.

Convoy draw order (subject to event-specific rulings)

1. World Tour teams, then World Tour riders
2. Continental teams, then Continental riders
3. Registered domestic teams and visiting international national teams
4. Clubs and other mixed teams

Individual World Tour or Continental riders may have their own car, but it may service only that rider, not other club teams or riders. Registered domestic teams go into the draw before club or regional teams (section 37.2).

Vehicle height and radios

• At National Championships and A and B category events, all race vehicles are limited to a maximum height of 1.66 m.
• At C and D category events, the President Commissaire may allow non-conforming vehicles, for example at the rear of the convoy or for travelling teams.
• Suitable radio communication is compulsory at National Classics and not compulsory at regional events.

Youth and U17 races: the President Commissaire may allow support vehicles, depending on the course, rider numbers and safety.