international races

[brutal bob]

hey just a question does anyone know what those whistles are for in the international races just curious

 

[stringbean]

to let spectators and other riders on the course know that a rider is comming i assume.

 

[Barrett]

To warn people further down the track that a rider is coming! . . .. me thinks

 

[tupper]

It also in practice gives you an idea how far ahead or behind the next rider is.
Used in National rounds and State rounds from what i've seen.

 

[crash bandicoot]

For downhill it lets the next course marshall know that another rider is approaching.

 

[brutal bob]

thanks

thanks for that guys

 

[Lanky Love]

I always though it was just a cycling tradition to make a bit of noise and make things more exciting. because lets be serious, nothing gets me going like a rediculas horn.

 

[dain2772]

I always though it was just a cycling tradition to make a bit of noise and make things more exciting. because lets be serious, nothing gets me going like a rediculas horn.

or a nice solid cowbell if you are riding in the alps (swiss/italian/french/austrian - not so much in the australian)

 

[Le Matelot]

hey just a question does anyone know what those whistles are for in the international races just curious

Here is the gospel... From the UCI Marshal's handbook.

XCO Races. Blow you whistle when a rider approaches. This includes the lead Motor Bike. You should blow your whistle to alert spectators and other marshals.

DHI Races. Blow your whistle when a rider approaches. If two or more riders are arriving together, blow your whistle in short sharp blasts the same number of times corresponding to the number of riders approaching.

4X Races. The whistle is only used if there is a crash and the rider or bike is blocking the course or the rider cannot get up immediately.


In all races, the whistle is also blown in the event of a crash where the rider or their bike is blocking the track, again, to alert other riders.