IV
Chapter FOUR CROSS EVENTS
Nature
4.4.001 Four cross is an elimination event where three or four riders (called a heat) compete side by side on
the same downhill course. The nature of this competition is such that there may be some unintentional
contact between the riders. This is tolerated if the president of the commissaires' panel considers that it
remains within the spirit of the event, fair play and a sporting attitude to other competitors.
Organisation of competition
4.4.002 Practice runs must take place on the same day as the finals.
4.4.003 A qualifying round is organised, preferably the same day as the main event.
4.4.004 The qualifying round takes the form of a timed run over the course by each rider. In the event of a
tie between riders during the qualifying round, their order is determined by the most recent UCI 4X
individual ranking. If the riders are not ranked, lots are drawn to determine their order.
Riders who are DNF, DSQ or DNS in the qualifying round can not enter the main event.
The riders start on the start commissaire's orders, in the sequence determined by the start list. The
women ride before the men.
The race numbers used for the qualifying round are in sequence starting from 33 or 65 on the basis
of the most recent UCI 4X individual ranking.
4.4.005 The number of riders qualifying for the first round of the main event is determined by the number of
heats of three or four that can be made up.
A maximum of 16 heats is possible (maximum 64 riders).
If fewer than 64 riders ride the qualifying round, the number of heats can be 16, 8, 4 or 2, respecting
the minimum of three riders per heat.
Heat order (men first until women come to equal heat system, finals: women small final followed
by women big final, then men small final followed by men big final).
The number of riders in the qualifying round may not be fewer than six, otherwise no 4X event may
be held.
The race numbers for the main event are allocated on the basis of the results of the qualifying
round; starting with number 1 for the rider with the best time during the qualifying round and so on.
4.4.006 The main event comprises elimination heats in which the groups of riders are matched as shown in
the table below, in order to ensure that the first and second in the qualifying round can only meet in
the final.
4.4.007 The riders in each heat ride only once per round. The third and the fourth rider in each heat are eliminated.
The first and the second qualify for the next round.
4.4.008 In addition to the final, a small final round is held for the riders ranked third and fourth in the semifinals.
Riders who are DNF, DSQ or DNS in the semi-finals may not enter the small final.
4.4.009 The final classification of the competition is drawn up in groups in the following order:
1. All riders competing in the big final, except for riders DSQ.
2. All riders competing in the small final, except for riders DSQ.
3. Riders DNF or DNS in the semi finals.
4. The classification of the other riders is determined by the round reached, then by the classification
in their heat, then by their race number.
Within each of the above mentioned groups, riders DNF are classified before DNS. In case of multiple
DNF or DNS, the tiebreaker is the race number.
Riders DNF or DNS in the first round of the main event are listed without classification.
Riders DSQ in the main event are listed without classification.
Riders not qualified for the main event are not listed in the final classification.
When for any reason the 4X main event (elimination heats) needs to be cancelled the results of the
qualifying round stands as final result.
Comment: In case of DSQ, the next riders will move up in the final classification. For example in
case of a DSQ in the big final, the winner of the small final will be classified fourth in
the final classification.
4.4.010 The riders in each heat may choose their starting position in order of their race number. The rider
with the lowest race number gets first choice.
4.4.011 The riders take the start from a stationary position.
If a part of the front wheel passes the start line before the starting signal the rider is relegated (classified
in a heat different from the actual finish).
4.4.012 The riders are required to pass through each gate without straddling it, i.e. both wheels of the bicycle
must trace a path inside each gate. This is determined by judges located along the course or in
the TV compound if applicable. A missed or straddled gate in the main event results in relegation
unless the rider goes to the trouble of returning to pass it correctly.
4.4.013 If all the riders in heat fall or fail to cross the finish line in a preliminary round, the winner is the rider
who covered the greatest distance.
Course
4.4.014 Ideally, the course is set up on moderate slopes with regular gradients. It must also include a mixture
of jumps, humps, banked turns, berms, dips, natural tables and other special features. It may
also include unbanked turns. There is normally no climbing requiring the riders to pedal.
The course must also be wide enough to allow four riders to line up side by side, and to enable overtaking.
The course must be fully marked out in accordance with the diagram in article 4.2.026 (Zone A and
Zone B). Zone A must be at least 2 meters from the course and is at least 2 meters wide.
4.4.015 The duration of the race must be between 30 seconds and 60 seconds with an optimum time
between 45 and 60 seconds for the winner of the qualifying round.
4.4.016 For the first 5 meters of the course, four lanes of an equal width must be marked by white lines (using
tape, biodegradable paint or flour). Any rider crossing or riding on these white lines is relegated. In case
a rider is crossing or riding on these white lines when he is placed behind his neighbour riders and does
not hinder them and has no advantage the relegation can be transformed in a warning.
4.4.017 The start straight must be at least 30 metres long. Obstacles in the first 30 meters must be the
same across the entire width of the course.
4.4.018 The gates on the course must be made of non-metallic stakes (slalom stakes), preferably in PVC,
1.5 to 2 metres high.
The gates must be set up with the lower part inwards and the higher part outwards.
4.4.019 The last gate on the course must be located at least 10 meters from the finish line.
4.4.020 The organiser must provide a raised platform from which the 4X judge has an unobstructed view of
the entire course. The platform must be located in a zone to which spectators do not have access.
Transport
4.4.021 The organiser must provide transport which is capable of bringing the riders to the start of the course
promptly. A course running alongside a useable ski lift or cable car run is to be preferred.
Clothing and protective accessories
4.4.022 A full-face helmet must be worn properly both when racing and when training on the course. The
helmet must be fitted with a visor. Open-face helmets may not be worn.
4.4.023 The UCI strongly recommends the wearing of the clothing and protective accessories specified in article
4.3.011 and 4.3.013 to 4.3.014 during 4X events.
First aid (minimum requirements)
4.4.024 The first aid service must be organised in accordance with articles 4.2.052 to 4.2.058, it being
understood that the number of people qualified under the laws of the country to give first aid must
be at least eight.
A medic must be stationed at the exit of the finish bowl during racing.
The organiser must submit an evacuation and medical plan to UCI prior to world championships, world
cup and
continental championships. The organiserâs medical coordinator must meet the technical delegate
if applicable or the president of the commissairesâ panel before the first training session.
Training - competition
4.4.025 The following training sessions must be organised:
⢠a training session, the day before competition;
⢠a training session on the race day.
When the 4X event is taking place at night, a night practise session must be provided for the riders.
No training is permitted whilst a race is in progress.
4.4.026 Riders must display their handlebar number while training and their back number during 4X finals.
Card procedure
Card procedure
4.4.027 During the main event, a system of coloured cards is used by a commissaire at the finish. His decisions
must be confirmed by the president of the commissaires' panel.
