Mountain Biking - Passing Etiquette in Races

I have recently started racing; entering NORBA beginner 19-34 mens this summer, and garnishing a first place win in my class on my first race. Despite to say I am hooked on serious XC racing, and religiously search around for whatever XC or cyclocross race I can find. This is also my frst real season riding, though I have been casually riding a hardtail with friends for 5-6 years, and am in pretty good shape from other interests. Nonetheless, I am AMAZED at the ignorance of Expert riders, or those much better than me. Many racers have admittedly lapped me and my Beginner-class breathren, but do so with no warning and at sometimes inoppurtune times. I recognize that they are not out to get ME, and that they ride for themselves, but when does this "sneaky rider" s**t happen to a rider? I always call out "rider back!" and "passing" etc... There is a local bike shop in particular in SE PA that has a lot of riders that are real as***les in this regard, and I got tired of it at my last race. Please, some Experts and Semi-Pros tell me you are not all jerks... And if I am to become one, tell me how much longer I have to be a nice rider...

This was my 2nd year racing XC. I raced beginner last year, and sport this year.

First, the best races put each class on the course alone. I dislike races where all classes are on the course at the same time for the reason you state - though my experience hasn't been as bad.

Second, it's hard to fathom just how fast the best experts and semi-pros are. They don't sneak up on you like a cat, but, rather explode upon you. On a course with tight singletrack there may not be time to give a vocal warning. And, keep in mind, these guys are racing for $$$$, so their motivation is a little different. They are RACING, and don't want to slow down.

I make excuses for them, because this year I was catching the beginners. I tried to shout ahead, and really appreciated their courtesy when they moved aside in a tight spot as I cruised past.

I still get lapped, and grumble about it, but I've decided it's part of the sport.

just know their there. MOst of the time they have total control of the trail and expect you too also. always race like there is someone right behind you not like you are the only person in the world. The majority of the guys are so experienced that isn’t a lot of communication that has to go on between them. If they wreck let them and if they try to make a bad pass and it hinders your progression hit them. They will know better next time if they don’t communicate their intentions to you.
Happy Racing
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You should always yield when your are lapped. Most racers have learned the hard way to be wary when they are passing, a few will let you know that they are in a different class - but don't expect it. A few races back I passed a guy in a cross race at high speed as we entered a gravel road section. He instinctively turned in to me as I went by and took me out hard. It pretty much took me out of the race, I finished 9th. I take equal blame because I should have known better - lesson learned.

Originally posted by Rotifer
You should always yield when your are lapped. Most racers have learned the hard way to be wary when they are passing, a few will let you know that they are in a different class - but don't expect it. A few races back I passed a guy in a cross race at high speed as we entered a gravel road section. He instinctively turned in to me as I went by and took me out hard. It pretty much took me out of the race, I finished 9th. I take equal blame because I should have known better - lesson learned.
Oh yea I forgot to mention that. It’s even in the NORBA rules. :)

yeah, i know all this, and i am not MAD about it all, but i hope to not be in a position one day to forget my roots. experts were beginners at least once in their lives. i'ts sad to make excuses for experts in this ammicable sport we all love and wish everyone could share; i hope to never be racing just for the $$$, and to always be doing it first for the love of it.

The only thing that hacked me off about the guy I hit was the fact theat he didn't have the balls to get up and finish the race. I think he learned a lesson as well. Eyes like Singletary baby.
http://www.wavelo.com/images/t1_singletary_ap.jpg

You are right Airborne, and you'll find that these guys/gals are very nice people after the race. Everybody is having fun, no one is racing for the money. Think of it this way, it diminishes our fun when someone fails to yield responsibly. Everybody wants to get better, let someone pass then try to hold their wheel .. it's fun and you can sometimes hold on long enough to gain serious time. Racing is all about challenging yourself, poor sportsmanship is easy. My reference to Singletary had nothing to do with tackling, by the way, I felt bad about clobbering the guy. I admire Singletary's awareness, something that is frequently difficult to maintain in a race (and a great weakness of mine).

:beer: