Cat 6 Racing - The Tour de Commute

Its the winter series on the roads of Vancouver now - entry numbers are down but the competitiveness remains the same. Are starting to formulate some rules around the etiquette of Cat 6 Racing - The Tour De Commute

Here is the first installment - Rules 1 to 6

Rule No 1 - Every Hill is a King of the Mountain
The polka-dot jersey can be lost or won at any moment. Its all about 30 second power and the top of any climb or even slight rise will demonstrate dominance

Rule No 2 - A Intersection Shall be a Neutral Zone
Nothing shows a lack of Cat 6 etiquette like overtaking in an intersection. If a rider has shown their dominance (or early departure) by getting to the light early to press the button then the least you can do is wait until the other side before you attack

Rule No 3 - There are points for style
Unlike lower forms of racing (Cat 1 to 5 and that PRO Stuff) style counts. Style is mainly epitomized by riding as fast as possible while showing an inverse level of effort. When overtaking others it is imperative that you keep your breathing to a minimum and if possible cruise past with hands off the handlebars even though you may be at your max heart rate.

Rule No 4 - Every Car, Truck and Pedestrian is Out to Kill You
It is just a fact of life - every time you go on to the roads you need to remember this rule. Stop signs, red lights, the correct side of the road and a basic respect for human life is absent out on the roads of Cat 6 Racing - Everyone is a winner by just getting to their destination safe.

Rule No 5 - Multi Stage Races
A stage is defined as a king of a mountain or race between intersections after a red light. Multi stage races are where combatants contest a series of these throughout a morning commute. Victory is defined by "dropping" someone at an intersection (Creating a break and getting through a green light before the "peleton" receives a red light. Very similar to the Paris Roubaix in 2006 - however running yellow or red lights to achieve victory is not recommended as it contradicts Rule No. 4

Rule No 6 - The Finish Line is where you make it
Just won a king of the mountain that you do not wish to relinquish, or a multi stage race (One that passes through multiple intersections were combatants had to come to a stop). Then conveniently attack then turn off to a side street once you have finished your attack (remembering to keep breathing controlled as per rule no 3)

Let us know if you have any rules to add - stay safe out there. I am riding the "snow bike" due to the cold and icy conditions.