All racing is conducted according to the rules set out in the rule book as issued by cycling Australia to all members, each year following payment of fees. It is the riders responsibility to familiarise themselves with the rules of cycling racing.

Racing is conducted at our Kooragang Island Circuit and will commence at 9am during the winter season, April through to September and at 8am during the summer, October through to March. Any alterations to the times will be announced on this WEB Site and in the Newcastle Herald prior to the event.

Riders must register by signing a "Sign-On Sheet" and pay the prescribed race entry fee at least 15 minutes prior to the stated starting time.

The Club Handicapper will allocate each rider a grade or a starting time. Grades or handicap times may be adjusted at the discretion of the handicapper. No appeals will be allowed. Each rider is responsible for starting in the correct grade or time period. An incorrect start, which gains an advantage, shall result in disqualification.

New riders and riders affiliated with other cycling clubs will be placed in a grade of handicap position at the discretion of the handicapper or his/her representative. Riders resuming after an absence shall initially commence racing in the same grade. However this may be adjusted at the discretion of the handicapper.

The Race Director/Commissary and /or Club Officials shall have the authority to refuse a rider an entry to race in any event conducted by the Club.

A Club Official will address riders prior to the commencement of racing to re-enforce the issue of safety and sportsmanship.

For the full listing of club rules please refer to Riders Guide handicap. The rules are also clearly on display in the club house. We remind all of the riders that the use of the Kooragang circuit is a renewable privilege granted annually by Police , RTA  and Newcastle City Council and this document is referred to as the traffic management plan. Failure of riders to obey the TMP may result in the suspension of riders and may deny all clubs in using the circuit in the future. (Link to map)

. all riders must have their number clearly displayed
. all riders must sign on prior to the event
. an approved helmet with the sticker AS2063 must be worn in al events including warming up and down
. riders shall endeavor to be on the start line on hearing the start bell for the race briefing
. riders must start with one foot on the ground no rolling starts are permitted
. riders should not make exaggerated moves to the left or right be predicable and smooth in your moves
. in the bunch riders should not look behind them
. a rider who pushes pulls or interferes with the progress of another rider will be penalized
. a rider who gains pace from a moving vehicle or a another grade shall be penalized
. a rider must not exchange a bike or wheel even if they are from the same club
. a rider who withdraws from the race must return their numbers. Riders are not permitted to rejoin the group or continue on the back of a grade after they have withdrawn
. riders must have 2 hands on the bars when crossing the finishing line
. if a number of grades are held up at the railway crossing, upon reopening the higher grade shall continue first with a minute between grades.
. do not overlap wheels, a slight direction change or gust of wind could easily cause you to touch wheels and fall
.on commencement of the sprint all riders must remain in a straight course parallel with the roadway
. all bikes must have the end of handlebars solidly plugged

For a full list of NSW technical regulations refer to cycling NSW link

Use this list as a guide, learn from experienced riders around you or ask your rider’s representative if you have any questions.

Graded Scratch Races

Graded Scratch Races shall be graded by the handicapper from A grade through to F grade and shall be of distances ranging from 4 to 10 large laps of the Kooragang Island circuit. (32kms- 83kms) On normal race days A,B,C,D and E grades usually race over 5 laps (42kms ) whilst F grade race over 4 laps (32Kms). Riders in slower groups being passed are not permitted to join in with the passing group or to gain any advantage from them. Riders will be penalized for so doing. Riders should be aware that each grade is a separate race.

Handicap Events

Handicap racing shall consist of riders starting alone or in groups, in an order determined by the handicapper, slowest or limit marker first through to the fastest or scratch marker last. Races will generally be held over 5 large laps of the Kooragang Island circuit. Riders are encouraged to do their best in taking turns of pace.

The length of the circuit at Kooragang Island may create some problems for the slower riders. During the race, faster riders who are one lap behind may pass slower riders. The slower riders are not allowed to join any passing group UNLESS both groups have traveled the same distance.

Time trail events and criteriums are held on occasions if there is sufficient demand, however graded scratch races and handicap events tend to be the norm.

Entry Fees and Prize-money

Entry/Race fees are determined by the Management Committee. Currently the race fees are $10 per race. A percentage of these fees are retained by the HVVCC for administrative expenses including the payment to St Johns Ambulance Service and for preparing the course for racing. All other monies are returned as prize money according to the following a percentage formulae-

60% race entries directly into prize money, as well as any sponsors donation.

40% to cover expenses and club equipment

NOTE A: MINIMUM ELIGIBLE PRIZE MUST EQUAL CURRENT ENTRY FEE.

NOTE B: MINIMUM OF TWENTY ENTRIES TO CONDUCT A RACE.

READY RECKONER FOR ALL SCRATCH RACES: FROM 1.3.2009*

*NOTICE: THE ABOVE PAYOUTS CAN BE ALTERED BY CLUB AT ANY TIME.

Club Championship Events

These races will consist of Aged Scratch Races, Aged Time Trial events and an All in Scratch race. These events are restricted to HVVCC members and are set out on the race calendar.