UCI Releases 2011 Rule Changes & Elite Team List

[Capricorn]

The UCI released a list of "Elite" Gravity Teams today and several 2011 rule changes.

 

2011 "Elite" Gravity Teams:

• Scott 11 (SUI)

• Commencal (GBR)

• Yeti Cycles Races Team (USA)

• Suspension Center (SUI)

• RSP 4 Cross Racing Team (AUT)

• Santa Cruz Syndicate (USA)

• Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain (USA)

• Trek World Racing (ESP)

• Chain Reaction Cycles / Nuke Proof (GBR)

• MS Evil Racing (AUT)

• Commencal Superiders (FRA)

• Alpine Commencal (AUT)

• Lapierre International (FRA)

• Monster Energy – Specialized – Mad Catz (USA)

• Norco World Team (GBR)

 

The release of this list confirms that Chain Reaction is switching from Intense to Nuke Proof frames for 2011. It's also interesting to see the Mad Catz name reattached to Monster/Specialized.

 

We know that these teams must submit a completed roster, sponsor list, and jersey designs to the UCI by January 15. As such, I think it's safe to say that we can expect to see some big announcements very soon.

 

Regarding rule changes, it's obvious that some of them changes were influenced by the off-road survey conducted in September. If you're really interested, you can read the full rule book here (changes are in red).

 

Major changes include the following:

 

Downhill

• Downhill events are open to all riders riders aged 17 or over.

• UCI points are awarded in relation to the rider’s time and not to their category. This applies to all races on the international calendar, including world championships, continental championships and national championships.

• Anyone who is found to have altered the course has his/her accreditation removed or, in case of a rider, is disqualified (DSQ).

• Helmet cameras are not permitted during qualifying rounds and finals. The riders are responsible for securing the fixation of the helmet cameras in order to avoid any danger. The UCI can decide to allow a helmet camera during finals but only for the usage of the TV production company. Metal/permanent fixtures to attach the helmet cameras are not allowed, tape and velcro are allowed.

• Riders must display their handlebar number while training as well as their back number during the qualifying round and the final.

 

Four Cross

• Riders who are DNF, DSQ or DNS in the qualifying round cannot enter the main event.

 

General

• The official ceremony takes place immediately after each race involved. Riders arriving later then 5 minutes after they finished their race are fined.

• All riders within a UCI MTB Team are obliged to wear clothing that has identical major sponsor placement, layout an overall look, although the colours of men and women’s outfit can be different. In this case two designs must be submitted.

• There is no longer a provision stating that National Champions must wear his/her Nation's jersey, at least in gravity events (so Gwin my be off the hook).

 

I guess the bit in red is there presumably for rider safety, and some keyholing of potential revenue for those in the golden circle... Bit of a pity really, as it does make for interesting spectating if you get to see it from the rider's perspective if they switch out cams during sections of the course where there aint external cameras covering that section.