Race number (Closed for comments)
Comments about this discussion:
Started
Section 4B.3
The rider is expected to wear number clearly visible on the chest, but some riders can find it difficult when riding in low body (aerodynamic) position. What about numbers on thighs?
Comment
I would find a number on my thigh very uncomfortable and it would be very tricky because some people race in shorts while others race in leggings or pants. I have never found a number on my chest to be a problem even when riding very fast and in a low body position. Also, hopefully as chip timing improves it might be possible to move to only having riders with numbers on their backs. But for now I think it makes sense to leave the rule the way it is.
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From an official standpoint, moving the number to the thighs doesn't help at all. It is certainly true that sometimes it can be difficult to read the number on the chest, but most unicyclists are pedaling quickly when they finish, so the number would be moving.
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Unless someone has some new technology that is a better idea I don't know a way to improve tag visibility. I found having the tags simply "stuck" to the thigh means you often loose your tag when the glue is no longer adhesive. At least if you have the tag pinned to your chest it won't fall off.
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Just tossing out alternate ideas, what about helmet stickers like they use in triathlons? http://www.raceinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/helmet-stickers.jpg
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I don't see that a rule is needed here, other than to indicate that the race organizer will most likely use one or more numbers that the rider must wear, and riders must comply with the requirements or risk not having their results recorded. These systems seem to change fairly rapidly, and we don't necessarily know what will be used at the next Unicon, let alone 10 years from now. Keep it flexible.
For example, a rider in a full tuck doesn't have a good "chest location" for the number. If necessary, tell them they must sit up straight through a designated area on each lap (or something like that). It could be marked with a start and end line for number reading. If they don't do it, again they risk not getting their data recorded.
Comment
It would already help a lot if the number is fixed rather high on the chest. Some riders pin their number at the height of their belly. This obscures it more in a tucked position, and also the rider's arms/hands on a handlebar can obstruct the view.
In 4B.3 it is already stated that the rider must wear their number clearly visible during the race, and as they cross the finish line. No need to change anything.
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@ Danielle Millet: putting stickers on plastic bike helmets is generally not recommended. The glue can adversely affect the integrity and strength of the helmet. Besides, they leave ugly residues that are very hard to get rid of, and they interfere with helmet ventilation.
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I think the current rule is good as is. All riders have the same inconvenience of having it on their chests so it's fair. Some may prefer numbers on thighs or helmets (or no number at all!) but I think the majority of riders prefer where it currently is...high on their chest.
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I think we should stick with the current rule of having the number high on the chest for now.
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Looks like there is general agreement to current rule. I close the discussion.