ABOUT THE VCL
The Victoria Cycling League (VCL) is a grass-roots, volunteer led, not-for-profit group that runs weekly road races throughout the spring and summer. Events are hosted by local bike shops, cycling clubs or teams, and local businesses. Races are primarily located in Victoria, and often elsewhere on Vancouver Island B.C, Canada.
The priority of the races is to provide cycling enthusiasts and dedicated racers with safe, fun, and challenging race courses aimed for engaging athletes and their progression within the sport of cycling. We promote and support all levels of cycling, healthy lifestyles, and overall, general awesomeness. Each race on the circuit is unique and will appeal to all types of racers.
As of 2023, select events will offer a D division aimed at first time racers, youth and those wishing to get a taste of racing in a low-key, friendly, welcoming environment. Courses featured over the season include individual time trials, hill climbs and mass start events in various ability-based groups over rolling, hilly terrain. Post-race festivities often include draw prizes, awards and refreshments. Racers accumulate points over the year for top-10 finishes and recognition is awarded at the end of season for top male and female scorers.
The races could not continue without the support of volunteers, often family members of racers or fellow cyclists who enjoy coming out to spectate a day of racing whilst being able to participate in a voluntary capacity as road marshals, registration table helpers and/or supporting with setup of event
tables.
THE RULES
Article 1. ORGANISATION
The Victoria Cycling League is organized by local cycling clubs and governed by the VCL Racing Society, a registered non profit organization in the province of BC. The series runs from March to August each year and is governed by UCI Rules.
Article 2. TYPE OF EVENT
VCL races are sanctioned as grassroots by Cycling BC and offer participants with the opportunity to race in different formats: Road Race, Circuit Race, Criterium, Hill Climb, and Time Trial. The priority of the events is to provide a fun, safe, and challenging race courses aimed to engage the athletes.
Article 3. PARTICIPATION
VCL promotes and supports all level of cycling, the races are open to all cyclists that are licensed by Cycling BC or any other Canadian PSO. There are four levels of ability-based categories cyclist may compete in; A, B, C, and D. Each category will race in a distinct group and be scored together. While the categories are self-seeded, the following guidelines help to define who should be racing in each group.
A Group - Typically Cat 1-2 Licensed Men & Women (Strong Cat 3 racers can be considered)
B Group - Typically Cat 3 Licensed Men & Women (Strong Cat 4 racers can be considered)
C Group - Typically Cat 4 Licensed Men & Women (Cycling for All License holders permitted)
D Group - Typically Novice / Cat 5 Licensed Racers (Cycling for All License holders permitted)
Article 4. SERIES HEADQUARTERS
All series information will be posted to: www.victoriacyclingleague.com
Article 5. CRITERIUMS
Windsor Park Criterium, Seabrook Criterium
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All riders will finish on the same lap as the leaders.
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Riders in the C and B race that have been lapped will be allowed to continue. Riders in the A race that are about to be lapped will be removed from the race.
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Riders suffering a recognized mishap before 5 laps to go will be awarded a free lap provided, they report to the start finish. They will be reinserted at the back of the group they were with at the time of the mishap.
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Riders who suffer a recognized mishap with less than 5 laps or less to go will not be reinserted into the race. They will be placed last in the race according to distance raced. They are eligible for points if there are less than 10 riders who finish.
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There is not mechanic present in the pit. The pit is located adjacent to the start finish.
Article 6. HILL CLIMB / TIME TRIAL
PKOLS Hill Climb, Panache Time Trial
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These events will be run as time trials. Riders to start at specified intervals. Drafting is not allowed.
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VCL Points will be awarded to participants on non-aero road bikes, no aero bars. Aero Helmets, Aero Wheels, and Skinsuits will be permitted. Participants on full TT Bikes will have times count to the days results, but will not be awarded VCL Points
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Start list will be generated based on category order D group, C group, B Group, A Group.
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Rider Sign-in will open one hour before first rider starts and close 10min before the start of the first rider.
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Missed starts will be allowed to start after the last rider.
Article 7. ALL OTHER EVENTS
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All riders will finish on the same lap as the leaders.
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Lapped riders will be allowed to continue to race.
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Feeding will be allowed at the discretion of the organiser.
Article 8. NEUTRAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT
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There is no technical support at VCL races. Racers may setup spare wheels at start/finish but will be self sufficient with respect to swapping wheels or fixing mechanicals. The racer may be given a free lap at the discretion of the race organizer.
Article 9. RACE INCIDENTS
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In the event of a race neutralization, the group will be restarted in accordance with UCI Regulation 2.3.035.
Article 10. PRIZES
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Race organiser shall announce prizes before the start of the race. Prizes are at the discretion of the organiser and shall be equal between male and female riders.
Article 11. AWARD CEREMONIES
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Award presentations will be held at the discretion of the race organiser. An announcement will be made at or before the race to the riders only if there is an award ceremony.
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In the event an Award Ceremony is to be held, it will occur no more than 15min of the end of the race.
Article 12. SERIES CLASSIFICATION
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The series features one general classification for each ability category. The following points are allocated for overall race finish.
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In accordance with article 2.6.017 of the UCI regulations, in the event of a tie in the points classification, the following criteria shall be applied until the tie is broken.
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Number of race wins
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Number of wins in intermediate sprints
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Sum of all places in series, lowest value wins.
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Primes in the form of VCL Series points can occur at the discretion of the organiser. No more than 10 points can be awarded as primes per race, a single prime shall not exceed 5 points.
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Point primes shall not be awarded within the last 3 laps of a race.
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If nine (9) riders or less start a race, only half points shall be awarded. Decimals to be rounded up.
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Series winners will be recognized by ability category and gender.
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Overall A Male
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Overall A Female
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Overall B Male
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Overall B Female
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Overall C Male
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Overall C Female
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The series winner shall be the rider who has accumulated the most points over 12 races, the lowest scores from the remaining races will be removed. Ties will be broken using Article 10.2.
Article 13. PENALTIES
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Penalties shall be issued in accordance with UCI Regulations. Only series point deductions will be issued in accordance with Table 2.12.007 – Column 1.
1 UCI point = 1 VCL point.
Penalties will be communicated to the riders at the race. A race communiqué will not be issued.
Article 13. CATEGORY UPGRADES
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Riders may upgrade ability categories mid- season. If a rider chooses to upgrade, they shall forfeit 60% of their points when moving up to the new category. Points shall be rounded up to the nearest integer.
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HOW ARE WE HANDLING CATEGORY SURFING? – in the event a rider would like to ride in a category below the category in which they are registered. They will not be awarded any points. They will wear their assigned number from the category in which they are registered.
Article 13. NUMBER ASSIGNMENTS
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A Category: 0 – 99
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B Category: 100 – 199
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C Category: 200 – 299
Numbers are assigned at the beginning of the year for the whole season. A $35 deposit will be held in trust. Participants have the opportunity to have their deposit returned through the VCL Volunteer management program.
Article 14. VOLUNTEERING
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In order to encourage volunteering among VCL Members and their friends/families, racers who volunteer for 1 VCL Race will have their $35 membership free refunded. Participants can elect to have family members, friends, or associates to volunteer on their behalf.
Place | 10+ Starters | 9 or less
Starters |
|---|---|---|
1st Place | 25 points | 13 points |
2nd Place | 18 points | 9 points |
3rd Place | 15 points | 8 points |
4th Place | 12 points | 6 points |
5th Place | 10 points | 5 points |
6th Place | 8 points | 4 points |
7th Place | 6 points | 3 points |
8th Place | 4 points | 2 points |
9th Place | 2 points | 1 points |
10th Place | 1 points | - |
The Board.
The VCL Board of Directors represents various interested parties who are passionate about the sport of cycling and who provide leadership / direction to ensure that the Victoria Cycling League is not only maintained, but also growing in a sustainable way.
Trevor Orme
Jon Watkin
Rich Martin
Fabian Moreno
Isaac Leblanc
Important Information
All participants must be members of Cycling BC and are required to have a valid racing license and racing insurance. Participants are also encouraged to join a local cycling club in order to obtain the required license and racing insurance.
Need a Racing Licence?
Visit the Cycling BC Website to obtain the necessary racing license. For specific questions about racing licenses, please contact Cycling BC at info@cycling.bc.net
Want to Join a Club?
Joining a club helps you connect with your cycling community, creates lasting friendships, and sometimes includes some great perks! Visit the Cycling BC Website to find a cycling club near you.
Rules / Regulations
The VCL series rules are consistent with UCI and Cycling Canada rules and regulations. The VCL is committed to following the rules and regulations of the sport, to fair play, and to providing a safe environment for racers and spectators alike.