Message from the Chief Referee

Bike Racers -

First, I want to thank those riders from the DQed group who stepped
forward to explain what happened at the closed RR crossing.

Second, the seriousness of crossing a closed RR crossing is grave
enough that it is covered by written rules within the UCI, USA
Cycling, and ACA. Under the ACA, rule 18.1.10 states:

18.1.10 It is forbidden to cross a closed railroad crossing. If
the lead riders are stopped by a
railroad crossing, the Chief Referee will restart all riders at
the time intervals recorded at

their arrival at the crossing. If the lead riders have already
crossed, or if the officials are not

able to establish time splits, the closure will be considered
unavoidable and no

compensation will be granted.

This rule covers the multiple issues that occurred at the RR
crossing today.

Third, this is my 26th year of racing and 18th year of officiating.
I have never been involved in this situation as a racer and only
once before as an official. It is a rare occurrence and most
officials in NM would be scratching their heads as to how to
quickly deal with time issues involved in a stoppage of this sort.

Last, the ACA rulebook is only 26 pages long, of which only about 6
pages are specific to the rules of Road Racing. Please take 20
minutes of your time and familiarize yourself.

Enough said. Thanks again and I'll see you on the road. tim