Marshal information
By League Committee
Feb 28, 2008
ORWELL WHEELERS, ST. TIERNANS, STAGG LUCAN, USHER IRC
CLUB LEAGUE 2008
MARSHAL MATRIX
This year the committee have decided to bring in a new concept to the supply of marshals to the Thursday League.
All riders that have applied to be part of the league (the list provided by each club rep) have been entered onto the marshal list.
Riders were selected by random and assigned a race to marshal.
Please consult the list for your assigned date.
If you are unable to make your assigned date please organise a replacement.
If you do not marshal or get a replacement you will not be allowed to race until you marshal one race.
We hope to have at least 2 marshals on each corner.
Any riders that are added to the list late will be added to the matrix when and where a marshal is required by the discretion of the committee.
The main reason for the new matrix is that during the league last year we had races were we were unable to gather the required number of marshals to ensure a safe race. At every race it is the same faces that step forward to provide the safety that we require. This is a voluntary run league so it is important that all riders play their part.
It is important that you do contribute to the marshalling of at least one race.
When you are racing I am sure you ride better knowing that there are marshals on corners and in lead cars when possible. This is the same for other riders when you stand on a corner.
If you already are a seasoned rider/marshal all of the information below will come second nature to you, however, there are a large amount of new riders and old riders that have never experienced marshalling so hopefully this will be off assistance to you.
What to do when marshalling
The main priority of a marshal during a race is to provide safety to the riders and other road users when the riders are in the area. All of our races are held on open roads and if we are unable to cover all the corners we are unable to hold a race. A marshal should be easily visible by road users (yellow jacket, red flag, etc) and must be a member of Cycling Ireland for insurance reasons.
There are times when other road users become irate when they are asked to slow down and wait till riders pass by a specific point. The best way to handle any verbal abuse is to always be polite, smile and remind the road user that the period of time they are asked to stop is a very short period.
Do not get involved in any confrontation with the road user. If the authorities (Garda Siochana, Local Council) believe that the riders are being a nuisance on the roads they can and will prevent us from holding these races.
Riders turning left in a race where there is no traffic coming from the right -
The marshal will stand on the road directing the riders down the turn. They will also be indicating to traffic coming towards the riders to slow down. If there is any bad surface/gravel/potholes on the corner or cars stopped too close to the corner do not hesitate to shout out to the riders to ensure they know of any issues
The second marshal should move ahead on the road that the riders will be joining to signal to any oncoming traffic of the riders approaching. All cars should be brought to a stop until the riders have passed.
If there is only one marshal on the corner the lead car will assume the roll of the second marshal.
Riders turning right in a race where there is no traffic coming from the left
The marshal will stand on the road to stop oncoming traffic; they will also directing the riders to take the turn. If there is any bad surface/gravel/potholes on the corner or cars stopped too close to the corner do not hesitate to shout out to the riders to ensure they know of any issues.
When the road is a very busy main road it maybe a requirement to have 3 marshals on the corner
The second marshal should move ahead on the road that the riders will be joining to signal to any oncoming traffic of the riders approaching. All cars should be brought to a stop until the riders have passed.
If there is only one marshal on the corner the lead car will assume the roll of the second marshal.
Riders approaching a cross roads and turning left, right or going straight
The marshals will need to stop the traffic coming in all directions (from the left, right and oncoming) at this junction.
When this occurs it is normally on a very busy junction so it is important that the marshal is clearly visible and gives oncoming traffic sufficient notice. An example of this is the left turn onto the main Trim road back to the finish on the Green Sheds circuit.
Marshals on the finish line
When marshals are on the finish line there will be a requirement to stand 80m 100m further beyond the finish line to stop oncoming traffic
Marshals will be required to take numbers/names of finishing riders at the end of the race. The top 7 places are all that is needed.
What to do in a lead car
The lead car should keep approximately 100 yards ahead of the group.
Hazard lights, beacon light (when available) should be on during the race
The lead car should drive far enough ahead of the group to ensure that if traffic overtakes the group during the race they will have a place to pull in.
The private car can then overtake the lead car when it is safe to do so. This helps keep the traffic flowing and prevents long tailbacks.
When the lead car approaches a corner that is on the race circuit they must drive ahead of the group to warn oncoming traffic. If there is no 2nd marshal on the corner the lead car must stop the oncoming traffic safely. Please make sure it does not happen on a corner and that it is possible to pull away when the bunch comes into view.
When the lead car approaches the bunch ahead (this will occur in the handicap races) they will either overtake the bunch ahead or pull over and let the riders behind join the bunch ahead.
If the lead car needs to overtake a group of riders it is customary that you repeatedly sound your horn. Please do this quickly and in short bursts so the riders know there is not an irate driver behind them. Only overtake when it is safe to do so ensuring there is enough space to pass the riders and there is a clear road ahead.
These points are not written in stone and are only a guide to ensure that races are run safely. Changes can occur on the night so please be alert at all times.
Thank you in advance for contributing,
On behalf of the Thursday League Committee
Brian Hayden
St Tiernans C.C.
