Task 1 - UCI Mountain Bike Trials
From Mod Mania
Task 1: Consumer Communities 1
Joshua Hall s3235370
UCI Mountain Bike Championships
UCI , Union Cycliste Internationale is a peak governing body for cycling, an international association who is sometimes used by big sporting events to apply rules and regulate doping test procedures. UCI host a mountain biking competition first held in 1991. The original event was a cross country event, joined two years later by an additional downhill event. Since the introduction of the downhill event, other events have also been phased into the program. Dual Slalom joined in 1998, but modified in 2002 to the four cross event. This involved four competitors simultaneously racing on a course usually employing the use of multiple skills including jumping, avoiding the other competitors and tight, fast cornering. UCI world championships is generally held somewhere in America like Durango in 1991. Over time this event has gained an increasingly large audience and now a number of countries host UCI Mountain Bike (MTB) events, including Australia.
These events attract large and diverse audience, including mountain biking enthusiasts and event riders, people who ride for fun and fitness and spectators. UCI events teams are organized by their nationalities, even if their sponsors are different. Often the emphasis for the rider is to come through with a win to promote their sponsor, but this also gives riders the ability to represent their country. The sport has a considerably broad audience because so many people have access to a mountain bike or enjoy watching and experiencing MTB. The continuing development of mountain biking as a sport has resulted in the evolution of the experience and the emergence of new disciplines. This allows the user of this product to have a bike to specifically suit their wants and/or needs. This development has also increased the likelihood that when a spectator or rider goes to an event like this there will be a discipline similar to their chosen style as a rider. The simple fact that a mountain bike as a product can be used across a range of different language barriers for the same function also draws people together.
People that attend these events generally range from early teens to late 40s. It is not uncommon to see groups of families at the events either- as a result the atmosphere of the event is fun and exciting with a focus on the shared biking experience. There is also the added bonus of meeting skilled athletes. The events are all alcohol free and allow those attending to bring their own bike along and provide a place to lock it up.
Athlete riders that enter UCI events generally need to have a sponsor. Sponsors are gained from competing and winning to gain approval of a scout who spots talent to promote the sponsors brand and message. It is considerably rare to have someone enter an event of this caliber without a sponsor because if the associated costs. A new-comer looking to enter will need to develop their skills in their chosen field to an appropriate level, get a good bike, and then through events catch the eye of a sponsor. Some of the current major sponsors are Fox, GT, Troy Leigh Designs, UCI, Shimano, and SRAM, to name only a few. The public who are exposed to these events in their local areas also have a positive experience through the business and publicity the sponsors bring with them, and a focus on fun, health and family. The events that spectators have come to expect are: Cross country – This is the most common form of MTB. The terrain is varied with hills and descents, usually done in laps of about 6km with the whole course around 30-50km in length. This is an endurance type event. Four Cross – Four riders on the same course go head to head. Terrain is composed of jumps, tight corners and is usually semi downhill to increase speed. This is a sprint type event. Downhill – Usually composed of steep terrain, big drop offs using naturally occurring steep hills, sometimes
with added ramps or jumps. Lots of body armor is required. Fastest time wins, this is a time trial type event. Observed Trials – Using trial bikes riders navigate a course of obstacles that require high level of balance and the ability to hop big.
As far as hierarchies go tickets are basically all the same price, meaning the spectator stands wherever they want along a course behind guide lines. There are no real VIP seats or facilities available except for the athletes. Event organizers are generally separate to the riders but gain support from both sponsors, their promoters and riders. Event organizers have the potential to influence events by deciding the riders, events, setting and track design- after they gain the approval of UCI. Within the communities who follow this sport there is a general pattern in what is worn to events. It is fairly common to see t-shirts with big name sponsors related to MTB. Some wear full sponsor racing gear and not look out of place simply because of the setting. The general attire is casual, incorporating jeans or boardies, caps, visors and sunglasses. Products similar to band tour shirts are available at most major events. There is also a crossover of skating brands and styles. Music played at the events is usually rock, heavy metal or indie and may also be tied to sponsors and their brand development.
