What happens if I crash or get a flat tire during a race?

USA Cycling counts three things as a recognized mishap: a legitimate fall, a puncture, or the breakage of an essential part of the bike. Anything else is an unrecognized mishap.

In a criterium (free lap rule):

• Unless the race announcement says no free laps, you can get one free lap for each recognized mishap (two on a course shorter than 1 km).
• Repairs must be made in the official repair pit, where a referee confirms the mishap.
• You go back in at the position you held: if you were in a group, you rejoin at the back of that group the next time around. You can't win a sprint prize for the lap after you return.
• You must rejoin before the final 8 km. After that, time in the pit is lost ground.

In a road race:

• After a mishap, someone can help you get going again and push you for up to 10 meters.
• Wheels, tires, tools, pumps and bikes can only be swapped with members of your own team. They can be handed over by someone on foot, but not straight from a moving vehicle unless the Chief Referee allows it.

If you can't finish, you're normally listed as DNF. If you abandon the race, tell an official.