Darren Smith Classic 2020

This year the Darren Smith Classic is a two day event with a criterium at the Luke Harrop Criterium Circuit, Runaway Bay on Saturday the 7th of November and the traditional road race at Hinze Dam on the 8th of November.

For the past 27 years, in memory of Olympic cyclist, Darren Smith, who was tragically killed in a cycling accident in 1992, the Gold Coast Cycling Club has been successfully hosting the annual Darren Smith Classic. As one of Queensland’s leading cycling clubs, we are pleased to announce that this year’s event has been taken to a whole new level with the introduction of a two day format; a criterium on the Saturday and on Sunday we are working with SEQ Water to gain sole access to the service roads of the Hinze Dam complex allowing an undulating 12.2km road race circuit.

For entries please follow the link to the CQ: 

https://cycling.org.au/qld/kom-financial-advice-qcrs-round-4-darren-smith-classic

 

 RACE DETAILS (UPDATED 05/11/2020)

GENERAL DETAILS

Entries close: Sunday, 1 Nov 2020 10:59 PM AEST.

This is not a ‘stage event’. The criterium and the road race are seperate events. There is no points system in place connecting the two races.

There is a 15% discount if both the criterium and road race are entered. 

Late entries will incur a $20 late fee

Separate money for sub categories in each division – total prize pool for entire event = $7000

Equal prize money Elite A Women and Elite A Men

For more information about this event please contact:
Race Director, Chris Thompson: info@cyclesense.com.au
Assistant Race Director, Damien McFarline: membership@goldcoastcyclingclub.com.au

Please support our sponsors:

Cr. Glenn Tozer Division 9 – Mudgeeraba & the Gold Coast Hinterland

The Darren Smith Classic 2020 is supported by:

 

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COVID Safe Event: GET IN – RACE – GET OUT
The DSC is conducted under the requirements of the Queensland Government’s Roadmap to Easing Restrictions and the principles of the Outdoor Sports Industry COVID Safe Plan.

We will have COVID-safe practices in place to help stop the spread and keep our participants, officials, volunteers and spectators safe. Please be patient with and follow requirements for registration, number collection and return, marshalling and presentations. We ask everyone to maintain good hygiene and social distancing practices at all times, where possible. Please read and comply with our COVID Safe Protocols below. These apply to participants, officials, volunteers and spectators.

Please follow public health guidelines:

• Maintain social distancing at all times while “off the field of play”(Field of play is defined as: time from number collection to number return, and includes registration, number return, roll-out, and start/finish areas)
• Avoid shaking hands, high-fiving, hugging and other physical contact
• Download and use the COVID-safe app
• Stay home if you are sick

COVID Safe Protocols
All racing is conducted under the principle of: GET IN – RACE – GET OUT

The Gold Coast Cycling Club is entitled to restrict access to Club activities to anyone who has:

• COVID-19 or been in direct contact with a known case of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.
• Flu-like symptoms (e.g. cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue etc).
• Travelled internationally or to a COVID-19 hotspot (as declared by the Chief Health Officer) in the previous 14 days.
• Waiting on results of a COVID-19 test, tested positive, or been directed by the Public Health Unit to quarantine.

Personal Hygiene

• DO NOT attend if unwell (including any signs/symptoms of cold, flu, or other illness)
• Maintain good personal hygiene:
  – Wash hands or use hand sanitiser prior to, during and after competition
  – Avoid physical greetings (hand shaking, high fives etc)
  – No clearing nose, spitting etc; cough into your elbow; blow your nose into a tissue and throw it in the bin
  – Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  – No sharing of personal equipment (e.g. pump, tools, towels), and avoid handling other people’s bikes
  – Bring your own food and drink, and do not share water bottles.

Social and Physical Distancing

• Maintain 1.5m between people as much as possible
• Competitors to maintain social distancing at all times while “off the field of play” (defined as: time from number collection to number return; includes registration/number return, roll-out and start/finish)
• Avoid congregating at registration, roll-out, marshalling or presentation areas
• Spectators are permitted, however, avoid congregating at the start/finish and presentation areas, and maintain social distancing practices at all times
• Spectators are not permitted in the field of play
• Bring your own food/drinks and do not share drink bottles.
• Bring your own pumps and tools to reduce the need for shared equipment.
• If shared equipment is used this must be disinfected before and after each use.
• Any rollers/ergos must be spaced out at least 1.5 m apart.

Facility Access

• Restricted access to the start/finish area and registration area for essential competitors and officials only
• Restricted access to commissaire’s area
• Public toilets available for use

Attendance Records

• Online entry to race acts as attendance record for riders
• Spectators, officials and volunteers to check-in using the QR code available at multiple locations around the site (alternative record available for those without a smart phone)
• Records kept for 60 days
• Download the COVID safe app
• Contact the Club Secretary in the case of testing positive to COVID-19

Registration

• Registration opens 30mins before criterium start times, and 60mins before road race start times
• Hand sanitiser provided for volunteers and riders
• Race license not required – license queries addressed prior to racing
• All riders must check-in before each race in order to collect their race number and transponder
• Maintain social distancing in the registration queue, collect numbers and transponders from the desk, move away from the registration area to prepare for racing
• Junior riders will roll-out their own bikes with a commissaire observing

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Criterium Specific:

• Marshal on the loop near the start/finish – distance as much as possible prior to start
• After the race, complete one warm-down lap and exit the track
• Riders who are NOT racing in the road race, return transponder to the number return area of the registration desk
  
• Riders who are racing in the road race, keep numbers and transponder to use at the road race
  
• Placegetters return to podium area for presentation – podium steps will be distanced

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Road Race Specific:

• At the end of race all riders return transponder to the number return area of the registration desk (riders will be charged at $95 for each transponder not returned)
• Placegetters return to podium area for presentation

Spares

• Riders should be prepared to attend to their own mechanical issues where possible for both races
• Volunteers have access to surgical masks, gloves and hand sanitiser – hand sanitiser must be used before and after assisting each rider (gloves may be used but must be changed after each rider)
• Neutral spares used for the road race must be disinfected with disinfectant spray/wipes before and after use
• Riders who use the sag wagon will be required to wear a mask and use hand sanitiser before entering

Waste Zone

• Riders are only permitted to drop rubbish in this signed area
• Volunteer located at feed/waste zone must wear gloves when disposing of rubbish (garbage bags provided). Discarded water bottles not collected by feeders will be disposed of at the end of each race.

Feed Zone

• Hand sanitiser must be used by all feeders prior to entering and exiting the feed zone
• There is a limit of 1 feeder per rider or 3 feeders per team (whichever is less)
• Feeders may only enter the feed zone at the start of the feed lap and must exit when the rider/s has passed.
• Feeders must maintain social distancing within the feed zone (markers provided).

Presentations

• Presentations will take place at the end of each race, on a socially-distanced podium (no shaking hands)
• Volunteers and placegetters to use hand sanitiser prior to entering presentation area
• Medals and junior prize envelopes/bags will be placed on the table for collection.
• Prize money to be paid by EFT.
• QCRS jersey presentation – placed on table for rider to pick up and put on

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DAY 1 – Saturday – CRITERIUM
Luke Harrop Cycle Circuit, Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay

Category	Entry Fee	Duration	Start	Presentations
U9	$10	10 mins & 1 lap	7:00am	8:00am
U11B / U11G	$10	10 mins & 2 laps	7:15am
U13B / U13G	$15	15 mins & 2 laps	7:30am
U15M / U15W	$15	20 mins & 2 laps	7:50am	9:05am
U17M / U17W	$20	30 mins & 2 laps	8:20am
Elite A	$30	50 mins & 2 laps	8:55am	10:10am
Women A	$30	40 mins & 2 laps	9:55am	10:55am
Masters A	$30	45 mins & 2 laps	10:40am	11:45am
Women B	$30	35 mins & 2 laps	10:42am
Officials Break
Elite B	$30	40 mins & 2 laps	11:40am	12:30pm
Masters D	$25	30 mins & 2 laps	11:42am
Masters B	$30	40 mins & 2 laps	12:25pm	1:20pm
Women C	$25	30 mins & 2 laps	12:27pm
Masters C	$30	40 mins & 2 laps	1:10pm	2:00pm
Women D	$25	30 mins & 2 laps	1:12pm
Elite C	$30	40 mins & 2 laps	1:55pm	2:40pm

 

 

Criterium Notes:

• Racing will be in an anti-clockwise direction.
• Marshal on the eastern loop of the track.
• After the race, complete one warm-down lap and exit the track at the western gate to the carpark.

Registration

• Riders who are riding both the road race and the criterium will receive two numbers. Riders who are only competing in the criterium will only receive one race number.
• For the criterium one race number is to be pinned to the right hand hip (not on the centre of the back).
• Riders who are NOT racing in the road race are to return transponders to the number return area of the registration desk (riders will be charged at $95 for each transponder not returned).
• Riders who are racing in the road race, keep your numbers and transponder to use at the road race.
• Placegetters return to the podium area near the start / finish line for presentation.

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome, but must comply with our COVID Safe Protocols. All spectators at the event are required to check-in using the QR codes located around the site.
• Spectators are restricted from entering the field of play which includes: registration/number return, roll-out and start/finish areas. Maintain good hygiene and social distancing at all times, and avoid congregating near the registration, start/finish and presentation areas.

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DAY 2 – Sunday – ROAD RACE
Hinze Dam, Nerang

** ATTENTION – SPECTATORS ARE NOT PERMITTED WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA OF THE DAM. COMPETITORS ONLY. **
Please do not climb over the dam fence or enter the space around the old roundabout at the top of the dam wall. Nor are spectators permitted to enter the Eastern or Western security gates. Spectators are not permitted on the KOM climb. This is a secure area and our permit relies on spectators doing the right thing. Thank you. 

 

Category	Entry Fee	Division	Duration	Laps	Start	Presentations
Masters B, U17 Men	$70	3	73km	6	7:30am	10:00am
Masters C/D, Women C/D, U15#	$60	4	49km	4 (#3)	7:35am	10:00am
Elite Men A/B, Masters A	$80	1	110km	9	9:45am	13:00pm
Women A/B, Men Elite C	$70	2	73km	6	9:50am	12:15pm

Riders will compete in one of four divisions. Within each division there are multiple grades that normally demonstrate similar abilities and average speeds. Riders within a division are competing as a division, e.g., if a rider attempts to breakaway, anyone, regardless of grade, may work with that rider. In other words. All riders of the same coloured number may work together. 

However, in order for all riders to have the opportunity to feel competitive in their race, enjoy the event and have the opportunity to stand up on the podium, the Gold Coast Cycling Club will be presenting podiums for all grades within each division. The Gold Coast Cycling Club also proactively promotes equal prizes for women and men.

This event is part of the Queensland Classic Road Series. This is a points-based series, and as such, depending on points, series leaders will be presented with QCRS jerseys with each grade podium presentation.

All race divisions limited to 90 riders.

Road Conditions and Traffic Management
Queensland Police will be in attendance to escort cyclists and event vehicles during the event. Motorists are asked to obey all road signs and directions by traffic controllers and police.

To ensure the safety of participants, and with the support of the Gold Coast City Council and Queensland Police, Gilston Road will be closed to traffic from the intersection of Worongary Road to the SEQ Water gates at the Duncan Road intersection between 7:00am and 1:00pm. Local traffic only will have access to this road between the abovementioned hours.

If you need to use this section of road during this time, please remain aware of cyclists at all times and retain a copy of the resident pass at the bottom of your resident notice to present to traffic controllers positioned at the road closure points.

All other roads used by the event will remain open, but motorists may experience delays of up to 15 minutes between 7:00am and 1:00pm. Traffic control will be in place at the following intersections:

• Gilston Road – Worongary Road intersection
• Gilston Road – Hinde Road intersection
• Gilston Road – Latimers Crossing Road intersection
• Latimers Crossing Road – Hinde Road intersection
• Latimers Crossing Road – Nerang-Murwillumbah Road intersection
• Nerang-Murwillumbah Road – Advancetown Road intersection
• Advancetown Road – Spillway Road intersection

Queensland Police may direct vehicles to stop and/or pull over on the left side of the road to allow the passage of the event.

For further information please contact the Race Director (Chris Thompson – 0408 092 592) or email info@goldcoastcyclingclub.com.au.

Projected Schedule:
05:00   Setup Team on site
06:30   Commissaires & volunteers on site (convoy assemble)
06:40   Registration opens
06:45   Volunteer (Course Marshals & Convoy Drivers) briefing
06:55   Commissaire briefing
07:20   Division 3 & 4 rider briefing
07:30   Division 3 depart
07:35   Division 4 depart
09:30   Division 1 & 2 rider briefing
09:40   Convoys reassembled
09:45   Division 1 depart
09:50   Division 2 depart
10:00   Presentations: Division 3 & 4
12:15   Presentations: Division 2
13:00   Presentations: Division 1
13:10   Pack up

Parking & Registration:
Please see the attached map for competitor and spectator car parking. This carpark is the overflow carpark of the dam authority and will allow you to park close to the start/finish without having to come into the finish straight. There is a path that winds through to the start/finish area. The carpark adjacent to the finish line will be reserved for volunteers and commissaires.

The registration desk down near the start finish line. Please use the path provided and avoid riding or walking on the race circuit.  At the registration desk we will collect your CA licence and issue your transponder and race numbers.

DIV 1 YELLOW 1-92

DIV 2          GREEN            172-223

DIV 3  BLUE 107-160

DIV 4  PINK  234-312

U15   ORANGE 325-337

If you competed in the Saturday criterium then you will already have your race number and transponder but you will still need to have your name ticked off at registration as being present. 

Once you are ready to race, please make your way down to the rider briefing area. Once you have completed your race you may keep your numbers as a souvenir of your experience. Transponders must be returned.   

Registration closes 20 minutes prior to each race start.

Food & Drinks:
Please be aware that the Club is NOT running a canteen on the day. We strongly urge you to support the View Café at the top of the dam wall. This café has beautiful views of the surrounding environment and has supported the running of our event. The View Café will also be running a small canteen near the registration, selling drinks and snacks.

Toilets:
There are a number of toilets positioned around the dam facility including two portable toilets in the competitor carpark and permanent toilets near the start/finish zone. Please see the map.

Junior Roll Outs:
Juniors will be required to roll out as per usual. This will take place on the path near the official’s tent in the official’s carpark 20 minutes prior to your race.

Spectators:
COVID Restrictions: Please refer to guidelines above.

We encourage friends and family to come and watch you race, however, it is important that spectators are aware of their surroundings.

The Hinze Dam Complex is considered a secure facility and therefore spectators are not allowed in the secure zone marked by the big black gates towards the bottom of the dam. This includes the (KOM) climb up in the front of the dam wall. A good place to spectate from is from the safety of the top of the dam wall itself.

Also, please be mindful that some of the 12km circuit is comprised of either narrow roads or busy main roads and therefore not conducive to spectators parking on the side of the road.

The Course:
The course is challenging and technical but also fun! Please take into consideration the varied terrain as you are racing. The KOM climb in front of the dam wall involves riding over two concrete culverts – these are easily negotiated when taken with care. The descent of the dam wall is highly technical and caution is advised at all times. 

Police vehicles will be present at the front and back of the convoys and organisers will do their best to stretch the protection of the convoy over the greatest distance possible.

Please also note we are asking competitors not to warm up on the race course.

Feed Station for Div 1 will be on Advancetown Rd before the left turn into Spillway Rd and the finish line.

The Start:
Once you have been briefed by Queensland Police and the Chief Commissaire, you will roll out into the secure area under NEUTRAL conditions. You will then begin the climb and for everybody this is the first time riding on these roads. Please stay together, take care and study your surroundings including the placement of the KOM.

Once everyone has reached the top of the climb if the peloton is together then you will begin the descent still under neutral conditions. Again, take care on the descent, as it is a technical downhill with two gates. Once you exit the bottom gates of the dam facility, when the commissaire is happy, then the race will commence. In other words, your first time up the dam wall climb is under neutral conditions.

The Finish:
When you cross the finish line for the last time you will be directed into the official’s carpark and around to the path that takes you back to the competitor’s carpark. This is to avoid you entering the restricted area unnecessarily or crossing the finish line for a second time.

Presentations and Prizes:
Even though each division is one race, in order to recognise people’s efforts within their categories, we will be placing the first 3 riders in each grade within the division.

There are no prizes for the divisional placegetters (as you would have already recieved a prize for the grade), however, there will be a podium photo. 

A KOM/QOM prize will be presented to the most consistent rider of the wall. KOM/ QOM every lap, except the first lap which will be neutralised. First 3 places will receive points for each division (3, 2, 1). Not separate for men and women.

Presentations will take place at the end of each division.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask by replying to this email or contacting one of the Key Personnel above.

Course Map and Feed and Waste Zone:
This course dedicated Waste Zone on the climb up Gilston Road. This signed area will be the only place that riders are permitted to dump rubbish during the event. Fines will be imposed by the commissaires if you litter outside the Waste Zone. The Feeding Zone is located at the start/finish area at the Hinze Dam Picnic Parkland on Spillway Road extending for 150m. Feeding is only permitted for riders in the Division 1 race.