Cyclocross races are usually gridded in rows of eight riders. The fastest riders are called to the grid first – so that they do not immediately have to pass slower riders when the race starts. This reduces congestion and collisions between riders in the first minutes of the race.
Around 15 minutes before start, riders assemble in an area next to the start, and with around 10 minutes to go, their names are read out in order of gridding position. In the WMCCL, gridding position is determined by a rider’s average points in the League. For the first race of the season, it is based on the rider’s average points from the previous season. From the second race onwards, we use the average points from the races so far in the current season. So, even though you may be higher than someone in the league table, their average points might be higher than yours (albeit from fewer races), and they are gridded ahead of you.
In the WMCCL, only League members who have entered in advance are gridded. Visiting riders and League members who enter on the day must join the back of the grid. However, non-League riders who consider they should be placed high on the grid may speak to the Commissaires a minimum of 1 hour before race start and ask to be given a higher grid position. They must, though, be able to demonstrate a high National Ranking or other evidence of being a faster rider.
Riders must listen for their name being called, and they need to react quickly to take their rightful place on the grip. Upon hearing their name, a rider should go to the grid as soon as they can and find a vacant place on the grid. Sometimes, a race official will dictate which lane in the grid a rider should take. Riders should follow such directions. It will be done for good reasons.
If a rider is slow to take up their place on the grip, or arrives late for gridding, they will not be allowed to displace anyone already on the grid.
Here are the League rules relating to gridding:
12. All races will be gridded by League category in rows, with number of riders per row decided by the Commissaires on the day. Gridding position will be allocated by League average points. Non-League riders who consider they should be placed high on the grid should contact the Commissaires a minimum of 1 hour before race start and may be asked to provide supporting evidence for grid position (Other League table, National ranking or recent results).
13. Commissaires on the day may choose not to grid the whole field but to grid only the first few rows, with the remaining riders being called to form at the back of the gridded riders.
14. Riders who fail to take up their gridding position when called will be placed at the back.