Racing Members - Handicapping

GSCC Handicappers’ Guidelines

Introduction
GSCC handicappers are vital for ensuring competitive and safe racing. Priorities for handicappers are the safety of our events and fostering positive communication with all entrants. The club aims to uphold fairness, respect and transparency in all its activities. Handicappers apply the guidelines (below) when organising races and grading riders. These decisions are shared with all participants.

Guidelines
1. Respect for the handicappers, the club and its races is essential from all competitors. Failure to do so may result in the loss of racing privileges.

2. The club meticulously adjusts rider placements as needed, considering factors such as self- grading, past race performances (especially on the same course), MyLaps data, Strava data and results from other club events. The club will discuss performances with riders when necessary to ensure accurate handicapping.

3. The grading system is continuously updated by handicappers. The club uses a mathematical raceformula to establish baseline handicap gaps between groups and to make adjustments based on additional considerations.

4. Handicapping aims to promote strong, competitive and fair racing. Our races should challenge and stretch riders without discouraging participation.

5. Riders may be promoted based on consistent strong performances (i.e. if they win or consistently place). The club may discuss grade movements with riders and other participants in the same grade.

6. Riders have the opportunity to discuss their grade placement. The club acknowledges that transitioning to a new grade may require time to adjust. During this period, the club encourages persistence while maintaining open communication.

7. Riders may also request promotion, which the club considers a sensible approach. If deemed appropriate, the club will facilitate the transition. Alternatively, the club will provide feedback and guidance for future consideration.

8. Special consideration may be given to riders returning from an extended period off the bike, including requests to move down a grade. If approved, this will be granted only if the rider agrees to wear a distinctively coloured number. The rider will not be eligible for prize money or trophies if placed in a race. The rider will pay the standard race entry fee. Such rides must request special consideration for each separate race up to a maximum of three requests. However, if the rider records a faster time than the pace of the allocated group, that rider will automatically be promoted to the next grade in following races.

9. Riders from other clubs will be treated identically and placed in their appropriate grade. The club operates on a trust basis with riders from other clubs and considers their results and grading accordingly.

Summary
The primary goal of handicappers is to promote competitive and safe racing. We expect all riders to race
to their fullest potential, regardless of recent grade movements. Handicappers are open to discussing any concerns raised by racers Each race is evaluated individually, considering factors such as the number of competitors, course profile, distance & bunch / race dynamics, to assess wins and placings objectively and strive to collaborate with each grade to ensure strong competition for all.To participate in GSCC signature races, riders must have completed at least two recent races with GSCC or another club to help determine their grade, at the handicapper’s discretion. The handicapping process involves a weekly review of results and when, where necessary, riders will be consulted with changes to grades.
Riders can raise any concerns via email at [email protected].