One of the most significant contributors to delayed, inaccurate and missing results is an obscured or improperly positioned race number. Follow this guide below to ensure you are positioning and pinning your race number correctly so that our finish line camera & team can properly capture and score you in race results.
The main number should be pinned on the left side for all races. The first pin should go just down from the armpit and the others should keep the number taut and secure on your left side. Feel free to use more than 4 pins. The photo below shows the rider on the left with perfect number placement, while the rider on the right, unfortunately, does not.
Cyclocross is scored using passive chips, human scorers and a high speed camera to record every number, every lap. At a regular Cyclocross Crusade race, this means we will record between 8,000 and 10,000 numbers. Because this is so labor intensive it is very important that your number placement is correct. Incorrect or unreadable numbers will lead to many additional hours of work for the officials and result in erroneous results. Our unofficial policy has been ‘No visible number, no score.’ Also, do not sit up until after you have crossed the finish line completely and do not cross the finish line more than once. Any movement in front of the camera activates it and the chips can be read from 30 feet away. Please do not walk in front of the camera.
Again, please do not cross the finish line twice. Do not ride backward across the line; do not walk across the line. The chip system and camera records all movement across the line and this simple policy will make results much easier for everyone.
DO NOT fold numbers, wash them in the washing machine, or ball/crumple up the number, as this will make the timing chip not work and make it harder for us to score you.
If you lose either of your numbers, you will be asked to purchase a new set for $5.00 Handwritten numbers will not be allowed.
Please ask and wear the correctly issued number. Your number is category dependent so if you ride in more than one category be sure to wear the correct number for the appropriate category.
FIRST, HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF WRONG PLACEMENT:
Upside down and on right side of body
Not oriented on the side
Number Flapping
Number on Stomach
CORRECT NUMBER PLACEMENT:
Which numbers above are legible?
CORRECT RACE NUMBER PINNING TECHNIQUE:
- FOR SIDE NUMBERS, LINE UP THE BOTTOM OF YOUR RACE NUMBER WITH THE FRONT SEAM OF YOUR JERSEY’S SIDE PANEL. Cyclocross Crusade numbers are on left side.
Lay your unzipped jersey flat with the side panel running horizontally. Line up the bottom of your side-facing race number with the side panel seam closest to the front of your jersey. Start of number plate should be around the armpit. It may look strange from this perspective, but once you are wearing the jersey in riding position, this method will generally ensure your race number is positioned right side up and readable by the scorers.
- PUSH SAFETY PIN THROUGH YOUR NUMBER AND JERSEY TOGETHER, AND THEN BACK OUT THROUGH YOUR JERSEY AND NUMBER.
The most secure method of pinning is to push the pin through both number and jersey layers twice. Do not pin with only one end of the pin through the number and out through the jersey. If there are pre-punched holes in the race number, ignore those: do not pin through the race number holes.
- USE AT LEAST 4-6 PINS PER NUMBER.
To ensure your number stays put and lays flat, also reducing aerodynamic drag, you should be using at least one pin for each corner, and at least 2 more, one for the front-facing side, and one for the top or bottom side of your number. Use 8 pins if you want to get all 4 corners and all 4 sides! The flatter your number lays against your body, the less chance it will act as a parachute while you’re racing and rip loose or flap around.
- SECURE LONG HAIR SO THAT IT DOES NOT OBSTRUCT YOUR NUMBER.
Per USAC rule (1J7.(b)), riders with long hair should take care to secure it in a bun, braid or some other method so as to not obstruct your number while racing. A ponytail isn’t always sufficient if you have really long hair!
SOME ADDITIONAL #PROTIPS
– Keep a stash of the “good” pins.
In addition to reducing waste, ensure you always have a handful of good sturdy pins to reuse, by saving them and keeping them with your CRCA numbers. Avoid those flimsy pins that are sometimes offered in a box at check-in. They can disintegrate during the race and cause a tire or skin puncture hazard.
– Don’t wash your pins with the laundry.
To prevent rust stains, excessive pin wear, and potential loss of a number in a washing machine (yes this has allegedly happened), remove your number/pins before washing your jersey.
– Avoid pinning over mesh panels, pinning through your baselayer, and pinning pockets closed.
To save your expensive team jersey from looking like swiss cheese, avoid pinning through any mesh portions of your jersey; aim for the seams instead. Take care to pin only through the top jersey layer and avoid pinning through any baselayers. This helps when you’re rushing to use the bathroom before your race