Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Directeur Sportif – Professional Road Cycling Race Operations Manual
Version: 1.0
Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes the operational standards, responsibilities, decision-making framework, safety procedures and professional conduct expected of all Directeur Sportifs (DS) representing the team at professional road cycling events.
This SOP applies to all races, including one-day events, stage races, national championships and international competitions, and is intended to complement the regulations issued by the event organiser and governing body.
- Core Principles
Every decision made by the Directeur Sportif shall be based on the following priorities:
Rider Safety
Public Safety
Compliance with Sporting Regulations
Sporting Integrity
Team Performance
Professional Conduct
No tactical objective shall take precedence over rider safety or compliance with applicable regulations.
- Chain of Command
The Directeur Sportif has operational authority over:
Riders
Assistant Directeur Sportifs
Mechanics
Soigneurs
Drivers
Team assistants
Communications personnel during competition
The DS reports to:
Team Manager
General Manager
Head of Performance (where applicable)
Medical decisions remain the responsibility of the Team Doctor or authorised medical personnel.
- Responsibilities Before the Event
3.1 Race Intelligence
The DS shall review:
Technical Guide
Stage profiles
Route maps
Road books
Hazard bulletins
Time schedule
Neutral service arrangements
Feed regulations
Weather forecasts
Team parking arrangements
Team presentation requirements
Accreditation requirements
Local emergency contacts
3.2 Reconnaissance
Where practical:
Drive the course.
Identify dangerous descents.
Identify narrow roads.
Identify exposed crosswind sections.
Identify feeding locations.
Identify road furniture.
Confirm finish approach.
Confirm alternative access routes.
3.3 Technical Meeting
Attendance is mandatory.
The DS shall obtain information regarding:
Rule updates
Weather alerts
Road closures
Neutralisations
Vehicle convoy order
Radio channels
Feed restrictions
Medical procedures
Finish procedures
Time limits
Dangerous locations
- Rider Briefing SOP
The pre-race briefing should include:
Race Objectives
Team goals
Protected riders
Stage priorities
Tactical Plan
Breakaway policy
Climbing strategy
Sprint lead-out
Chase strategy
Crosswind strategy
Wet-weather adjustments
Safety Briefing
Road hazards
Descents
Feed zones
Dangerous corners
Weather
Expected traffic management
Communication
Radio protocol
Mechanical procedures
Crash procedures
Emergency contacts
- Vehicle Inspection SOP
Before leaving the hotel:
Vehicle:
Fuel tank full
Tyre pressures checked
Windscreen clean
Lights operational
Radio operational
GPS functioning
Documentation onboard
Equipment:
Spare bicycles
Spare wheels
Tools
Pumps
Nutrition
Bottles
Rain bags
Clothing
Medical kit
Fire extinguisher
Communication:
Radios tested
Mobile phones charged
Emergency numbers available
- Convoy Operations
The DS shall:
Respect convoy order.
Await permission before overtaking.
Never pressure race officials.
Follow all convoy instructions.
Maintain safe separation distances.
Avoid sudden braking.
Avoid unnecessary acceleration.
Never obstruct another team vehicle.
Vehicle speed shall always be appropriate to:
Road conditions
Rider position
Weather
Visibility
Commissaire instructions
- Race Communication SOP
Communications should follow this sequence:
Observation
↓
Verification
↓
Decision
↓
Clear instruction
↓
Confirmation
Messages should be:
Short
Calm
Accurate
Relevant
Examples:
“Crash ahead, left-hand side.”
“Crosswinds in two kilometres.”
“Leader is thirty seconds ahead.”
“Feed in five kilometres.”
Avoid speculation or unnecessary radio traffic.
- Tactical Decision Framework
The DS should continually assess:
Race Situation
↓
Team Position
↓
Rider Condition
↓
Weather
↓
Available Resources
↓
Likely Outcome
↓
Decision
↓
Review
Every tactical decision should consider:
Rider energy
Team resources
Race profile
Remaining distance
Opponent behaviour
Weather
Mechanical risk
- Mechanical Assistance SOP
If a rider suffers a mechanical problem:
Confirm location.
Notify mechanic.
Obtain commissaire permission if required.
Approach safely.
Complete repair efficiently.
Return rider safely.
Update race situation.
Priority:
Rider safety
Efficient repair
Safe return
- Crash Response SOP
Immediately after a crash:
Step 1
Identify:
Rider involved
Severity
Road position
Step 2
Notify:
Race Radio
Medical services
Team staff
Step 3
Protect rider where possible.
Step 4
Allow medical staff to assess.
Step 5
Determine:
Continue
Withdraw
Hospital transfer
The DS shall not overrule medical advice.
- Extreme Weather SOP
The DS shall monitor:
Temperature
Wind
Rain
Thunderstorms
Ice
Heat stress
Additional actions may include:
Increased feeding
Clothing changes
Cooling strategies
Revised pacing
Safety briefings
- Feeding SOP
Before feeding:
Confirm authorised feeding zone.
Prepare rider-specific nutrition.
Position staff safely.
During feeding:
Maintain awareness of approaching riders.
Pass bottles securely.
Avoid obstructing competitors.
After feeding:
Confirm all riders supplied.
Report shortages.
- Rider Welfare SOP
Continuously monitor:
Physical indicators
Fatigue
Dehydration
Heat illness
Hypothermia
Injury
Performance indicators
Power decline
Positioning
Communication
Coordination
Psychological indicators
Distress
Confusion
Loss of concentration
- Decision to Withdraw a Rider
Withdrawal should be considered when:
Serious injury
Suspected concussion
Heat illness
Severe illness
Mechanical impossibility
Medical advice
Safety concerns
Performance alone should not determine withdrawal.
- Post-Race SOP
Immediately after the finish:
Confirm:
Rider locations
Medical status
Equipment recovery
Within one hour:
Conduct rider debrief.
Record:
Tactical observations
Mechanical incidents
Medical incidents
Rule issues
Safety concerns
Coordinate:
Recovery
Nutrition
Travel
Accommodation
Preparation for the next stage
- Professional Conduct
The Directeur Sportif shall:
Lead calmly.
Communicate respectfully.
Accept official decisions professionally.
Represent sponsors positively.
Support riders constructively.
Maintain confidentiality.
Unacceptable conduct includes:
Aggressive behaviour
Discrimination
Harassment
Intimidation
Abusive language
Unsporting behaviour
Deliberate rule violations
- Documentation
The DS should maintain records of:
Rider attendance
Race briefings
Mechanical incidents
Medical incidents
Tactical notes
Weather conditions
Staff assignments
Equipment inventories
- Emergency Contacts
The DS shall have immediate access to:
Race Director
Chief Commissaire
Team Doctor
Medical Control
Local Emergency Services
Team Manager
Logistics Manager
Hotel Contacts
- Annual Review
Each Directeur Sportif should complete an annual review covering:
Incident reports
Tactical performance
Safety performance
Rule compliance
Communication standards
Professional development
Lessons learned
Appendix A – Daily Race Checklist
Before Departure
Route reviewed
Weather checked
Rider briefing complete
Vehicle inspected
Radios tested
Nutrition loaded
Equipment verified
Staff briefed
Documentation onboard
During Race
Monitor safety
Monitor weather
Track time gaps
Coordinate feeding
Manage tactics
Record incidents
Communicate clearly
After Race
Riders accounted for
Medical issues addressed
Equipment recovered
Debrief completed
Reports written
Next stage prepared
Appendix B – Decision-Making Principles
Every operational decision should satisfy the following questions:
Is it safe?
Is it within the regulations?
Does it protect rider welfare?
Is it tactically sound?
Does it uphold sporting integrity?
Can it be clearly explained and justified after the race?
If the answer to any of the first three questions is No, the action should not proceed.
Statement of Professional Responsibility
The Directeur Sportif is entrusted with the safety, performance and welfare of riders and staff. This responsibility extends beyond race results and includes maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for the sport. Every action should demonstrate sound judgement, adherence to applicable regulations and a commitment to protecting athletes, officials, spectators and fellow competitors.
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