Malverns Classic – Rules & Code of Conduct

By entering and participating in the Malverns Classic, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the rules and regulations outlined below, as well as those set forth by British Cycling where applicable.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in penalties, disqualification, or withdrawal from the event. No refunds, transfers, or compensation will be provided under such circumstances.

Governing Authority

  • All applicable rules laid out in the current British Cycling Handbook will apply to Malverns Classic-sanctioned events.

  • A minimum of one British Cycling Commissaire will be present at all BC-sanctioned events.

Course & Marshalling

  • All race courses will be marshalled by trained personnel aged 21 or older, equipped with red/yellow flags, high-visibility vests, radios, and a daily safety briefing.

  • Organisers reserve the right to amend or modify courses at any time without prior notice.

Rider Agreement & Liability

By entering this event, you:

  • Acknowledge that mountain biking is a hazardous activity, and you participate at your own risk.

  • Accept that you are responsible for your own safety, decision-making, and interaction with other participants and the course.

  • Waive any liability claims against the organisers, sponsors, British Cycling, volunteers, landowners, or any affiliated parties for injury, damage, or loss.

Medical Withdrawal

  • If medical personnel deem a rider unfit to continue, the rider will be withdrawn and their number board removed. No refund or transfer will be issued.

  • If you observe a potential head injury or concussion, please notify the nearest official or marshal immediately.

  • Riders may be withdrawn at the organisers’ discretion for safety concerns.

Podium Protocol

  • Riders must attend podiums wearing full race kit or equivalent replica gear.

  • Neck braces are not permitted on the podium.

  • Non-attendance without prior notice (except for medical reasons) will result in forfeiture of prizes. Substitutes are not allowed to stand on the podium.

Registration & Sign-On

  • All riders must sign on before riding or practicing.
    ⮕ Failure to sign on before registration closes = disqualification.

  • Riders must start with one foot on the ground unless a start gate or post is available.

  • Number boards must not be defaced and remain the property of Malverns Classic. (£5.00 replacement fee).

Race Rules & Equipment

  • Full-face helmets are mandatory for Dual Slalom, Quad Eliminator, and Downhill.

  • Helmets must be worn at all times on course, correctly secured and with visor attached.

  • Riders are prohibited from:

    • Using headphones, earpieces, or communication devices during racing or training. (Disqualification – BC Rule 5.7.11)

    • Walking inside taped race course areas. (Disqualification)

    • Wearing skin-tight clothing in specified events.

    • Modifying or detaching helmet peaks.

    • Using tear-off goggle lenses (1 tear-off permitted if handle is trimmed – BC Rule 5.6.1).

Safety & Environmental Responsibility

  • Respect the environment: no littering or riding off-course.

  • Anti-social behaviour, reckless driving, motorbike/mini-bike use, or vandalism will result in disqualification or lifetime bans.

  • Theft or suspicion of theft will result in police involvement.

  • No drones or personal uplift services allowed. (Immediate ejection or one-year ban).

Recommended Protective Equipment (British Cycling Guidance)

While not mandatory, riders are strongly encouraged to wear:

  • Back, elbow, knee, and shoulder protection with rigid components

  • Neck and cervical spine protection

  • Full-length rip-resistant trousers or shorts with separate knee/calf protection

  • Long-sleeved jersey and full-finger gloves

  • Eyewear (goggles or glasses)

British Cycling does not warrant or endorse any specific protective product or standard.

Anti-Doping Policy

  • Riders are subject to In-Competition Anti-Doping Testing.

  • All riders, including those who abandon the race, must check if they are listed for testing.

  • Testing lists will be posted at the Finish Line and Anti-Doping Control Office.

Weather & Event Modifications

  • In the event of adverse weather, organisers reserve the right to:

    • Delay race start

    • Shorten or alter race formats

    • Cancel races entirely if necessary
      No refunds will be issued under these circumstances.

Disciplinary Process

  • Riders under investigation may be required to wait in the finish arena until a British Cycling Commissaire is available—this may cause delays or loss of practice time.

  • Commissaire decisions are final.

General Liability Disclaimer

This event is provided “as is”, without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to:

  • Timing systems

  • Course infrastructure

  • Signage or markings

The organisers, landowners, sponsors, and affiliated personnel accept no liability for damages, loss, or injuries arising from or in connection with participation in the event.

For any rule clarifications or urgent concerns, please contact:

Event Director: Si Paton
📧 [email protected]
📞 07968 229 359