Strange Cycling Regulations

 not uci complaint

Non UCI Compliant position on bike

Like any sport, cycling has more than its fair share of regulations, some common sense, some bordering on the ridiculous. In the modern sport, the UCI have introduced strict regulations about the angle, size, width and weight of frames and bikes; this was to prevent cycling becoming dominated by exotic, and expensive frames. Although, this decision was criticised by those who loved to see the progress of technology, there is at least some justification behind it – to keep cycling affordable to the average person and prevent the winners being dominated by those who can afford the most expensive technology.

Today’s curious cycling moment, is about Ralph Dougherty, the first man to go under the hour in Britain and also the first cyclist to be disciplined for his choice of socks.

To understand why a cyclist could be disciplined for wearing the wrong colour of socks, we have to briefly understand the curious development of British cycling.

Basically, cycle races were banned as being too dangerous (bizarrely, in the late 1890s, it was felt the ‘furious cyclists’ placed motorists in danger) anyway because cycle races were banned, cyclists were forced to wear black from head to toe (to be inconspicuous to motorists and the police). It was hoped that by wearing black, the ‘covert’ races wouldn’t be noticed. (This was in the days, presumably before cycle safety was an issue). Anyway, even after cycle races were legalised, the Cycle authorities maintained the rule on black clothing.

Anyway, in 1944, Ralph Dougherty turned up to the Birchfield 25 and asked to be able to ride one minute after the last man on the start sheet. This meant he was doing a private race and not eligible for prizes or placing – he just wanted to get a time. But, the problem was that he had turned up with ‘light coloured socks’ over his black tights. He was later disqualified for not wearing black in a race, – a race he didn’t even officially enter. Cycle racing can sure be a curious sport at times….

By, the way the rule on black clothing was finally ended by the end of the world war on practical grounds. War time rationing meant that it was difficult for anyone to secure sufficient clothing material to be clad in black from head to toe. The rule was quietly dropped and mourned by none.

Information from: This Island Race by Les Woodland – Inside 135 years of British Bike-racing



5 Responses to Strange Cycling Regulations

  1. david john beavan July 7, 2008 at 9:06 pm #

    strange cycling regs,, 1960′s no advertising rule. my nickname was ‘bev’ and i had a ‘bev’ coffee bottle paper label on my downtube, approx 1.5inches dia. at one track meeting i had to cover it up before i could ride, this was an NCU meeting

  2. tejvan June 27, 2008 at 10:40 am #

    The regulation was that you had to be dressed head to toe in black. He wore a non black colour – white socks!

  3. Timothy Young June 27, 2008 at 10:34 am #

    This is wierd wat is the actuall regulations?????

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Cycling Facts | Cycling UK - May 17, 2011

    [...] The first Englishman to ride 25 miles under an hour was Ralph Dougherty. He was also the first UK cyclist to be disciplined by the UK for his choice of socks. He didn’t wear black, which were compulsory at the time. (This Island Race – Les Woodland) [...]

  2. Compulsory Cycling Bells | Cycling UK - November 17, 2008

    [...] the 1950s, and 60s, British Time Trialling dominated British cycling, it also had a curious legacy of rules and regulations. One of these was that each competitor must start the race with a working bell. Somebody would be [...]

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