Effi-Cycle

SAE North India Section

© Efficycle C/o SAEINDIA

>>>Drive The Future>>>

 Rules for
Efficycle SAE INDIA’10

Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction....................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Purpose ............................................................................................................. 5
1.3 Competition Summary ...................................................................................... 5
1.4 Vehicle Design, Analysis, and Construction ...................................................... 5
2. EffiCycle SAE INDIA Rules and Organizing Authority .............................................. 5
2.1 Authority of the Rules ....................................................................................... 5
2.2 Rules Validity ................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Rules Compliance ............................................................................................. 6
2.4 Understanding the Rules.................................................................................... 6
2.5 Participating in the Competition ........................................................................ 6
2.6 Violations on Intent ........................................................................................... 6
2.7 Right to Impound ............................................................................................... 6
2.8 General Authority .............................................................................................. 6
3. Eligibility .................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Eligibility Limits ................................................................................................ 6
3.1.1 Student Status ............................................................................................... 7
3.1.2 SAE Membership .......................................................................................... 7
3.1.3 Age ............................................................................................................... 7
3.1.4 Driver’s License ............................................................................................ 7
3.1.5 Liability Waiver ............................................................................................ 7
3.1.6 Medical Insurance ......................................................................................... 7
3.1.7 Registration Procedure: ................................................................................. 7
3.2 Faculty Advisor ................................................................................................. 8
3.2.1 Status ............................................................................................................ 8
3.2.2 Responsibilities ............................................................................................... 8
3.2.3 Limitations ...................................................................................................... 8
4. Vehicle Eligibility ....................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Student Developed Vehicle ................................................................................ 8
4.2 Information Sources ........................................................................................... 8
4.3 Professional Assistance ..................................................................................... 8

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 4.4 Kit Vehicles- Prohibited ..................................................................................... 8
4.5 Student Fabrication ............................................................................................ 8
4.6 Registration ....................................................................................................... 9
4.7 Maximum Entries per college ............................................................................ 9
4.8 Registration Fees*.............................................................................................. 9
5. Vehicle Requirements.................................................................................................. 9
5.1 Vehicle Configuration ....................................................................................... 9
5.2 Maximum vehicle dimension .............................................................................. 9
5.3 Power ................................................................................................................ 9
5.4 Kinetic Energy Storage Devices .......................................................................... 9
5.5 Brakes............................................................................................................... 10
5.6 Vehicle Roll Over requirement......................................................................... 10
5.7 Rollover protection.......................................................................................... 10
5.8 Control ............................................................................................................ 10
5.9 Vehicle Integrity ............................................................................................... 10
5.10 Drive Train ...................................................................................................... 10
5.11 Utility Requirement for Maneuverability Event ........................................... 10
5.12 Aerodynamic Modifications ......................................................................... 11
6. Design Event ............................................................................................................. 11
Marks/ Weightage (reports 60 pts + presentation 40 pts) .............................................. 11
6.1 Aim ................................................................................................................. 11
6.2 Design Report ................................................................................................. 11
6.2.1 Design Report Format ................................................................................... 11
6.2.2 Design Report- Page limit ............................................................................. 11
6.2.3 Design Report Submission ............................................................................ 12
6.3 Design Presentation ......................................................................................... 12
7. Sprint Event............................................................................................................... 12
7.1 Goal ................................................................................................................ 12
7.2 Time and Place ................................................................................................ 12
7.3 Sprint Course Description ............................................................................... 12
8. Maneuverability Event............................................................................................... 13
8.1 Goal ................................................................................................................ 13
8.2 Time and Place ................................................................................................ 13
8.3 Description ...................................................................................................... 13

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9. Circuit event ............................................................................................................. 13
9.1 Goal.................................................................................................................. 13
9.2 Time and Place ................................................................................................. 13
9.3 Circuit Course Description ............................................................................... 13
10. Rules for Dynamic Events ....................................................................................... 14
10.1 Timing Area ................................................................................................ 14
10.2 Tally Board .................................................................................................... 14
10.3 Drivers Training............................................................................................. 14
10.4 Fairing ........................................................................................................... 14
10.5 Vehicle Identification...................................................................................... 14
10.6 College Name .............................................................................................. 14
10.7 EffiCycle SAE INDIA Logo ........................................................................ 15
10.8 Rider Clothing/safety ................................................................................... 15
10.9 Rider Rules .................................................................................................. 15

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1. Overview

1.1 Introduction
Efficycle is an intercollegiate design competition for undergraduate and graduate
students where teams have to design and fabricate an energy efficient entirely human
powered three-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle must be aerodynamic, highly engineered
and ergonomically designed. The design should be commercially viable as a product and
should be attractive to the consumers because of its visual appearance, performance,
reliability and ease of operation.

1.2 Purpose
Provide an opportunity for engineering students by setting up a trend of using eco-
friendly vehicles in India and come up with some innovative designs. Students have to
tackle real world engineering problems, work in multidisciplinary teams, practice design
for manufacturability and manage a full product development cycle of life.

1.3 Competition Summary

The Competition includes designing, validating and fabricating a three wheeled vehicle
driven by two drivers. The vehicle would be capable to be driven simultaneously as well
as alternatively by two drivers. The vehicle would be evaluated for its design and
performance and the teams compete against each other. The cumulative scores of all
the events would decide the overall ranking of the teams in the event.

1.4 Vehicle Design, Analysis, and Construction

The research, analysis, and design of all vehicles entered by a college must be
performed solely by current SAE INDIA student members of that college. Only
fabrication assistance for things requiring outside assistance is allowed. Teams are
expected to have full participation from all concerned people.

2. EffiCycle SAE INDIA Rules and Organizing Authority

2.1 Authority of the Rules
The Efficycle SAEINDIA Rules are the responsibility of the Efficycle SAE Rules Committee
and are issued under the authority of SAE INDIA.
 Official announcements from the Efficycle SAE Rules Committee, SAE or the
other Efficycle SAE organizing bodies shall be considered part of and shall have
the same validity as these rules.

 Ambiguities or questions concerning the meaning or intent of these rules will be

resolved by the Efficycle SAE Rules Committee, SAE or by the individual
competition organizers as appropriate.

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2.2 Rules Validity
The Efficycle SAE Rules posted on the SAE website and dated for the calendar year 2010
– 2011 of the competition are the rules in effect for the competition.

2.3 Rules Compliance

By entering Efficycle SAE INDIA, the team, members of the teams as individuals, faculty
advisors and other associated personnel agree to comply with and be bound by these
rules and all the rule interpretations or procedures issued or announced by SAE, the
Efficycle SAE INDIA Organizing Committee and the other Organizing bodies. All team
members, faculty advisors and other associated representatives are required to
cooperate with and follow all instructions from competition organizers, officials and
judges.

2.4 Understanding the Rules

Teams are themselves responsible for reading, interpretation and understanding the
rules of the competition.

2.5 Participating in the Competition

Teams, team members as individuals, faculty advisors and other representatives of a
registered college who are present on-site at a competition are considered to be
“Participating in the competition” from the time they arrive at the event site until they
depart from the site at the conclusion of the competition or earlier by withdrawing.

2.6 Violations on Intent

The violation on intent of a rule will be considered a violation of the rule itself.
Questions about the intent or meaning of a rule may be addressed to the EffiCycle SAE
INDIA Organizing Committee or by the individual competition organizers as appropriate.

2.7 Right to Impound

EffiCycle SAE and other competition organizing bodies reserve the right to impound any
on-site registered vehicle at any time during the competition for inspection and
examination by the organizers, officials and technical inspectors.

2.8 General Authority

SAE and the competition organizing bodies reserve the right to revise the schedule of
the competition and/or interpret or modify the competition rules at any time and in any
manner that is in their sole judgment, required for the efficient operation of the event
or the EffiCycle SAE.

3. Eligibility
3.1 Eligibility Limits
Eligibility limited to undergraduate and graduate students to ensure that this is an
engineering competition rather than a race.

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3.1.1 Student Status
Team members must be enrolled as degree seeking undergraduate or graduate
students in a college or university. Team members who have graduated during
the seven (7) month period prior to the competition remain eligible to
participate.

3.1.2 SAE Membership

Team members, faculty advisor and other representative must be member of SAE
INDIA, the proof of which (such as Membership card) is required at the
competition. In addition, the participating college must have an active SAE
Collegiate Club. If not, then the students are advised to form an SAE Collegiate
Club in their colleges. The students shall bring their proof of active membership at
the event, failing which they will not be registered for the event.
Note: More information regarding the SAE Membership and Collegiate Clubs can be found at
www.saeindia.org

3.1.3 Age
Team members must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
3.1.4 Driver’s License
Team members (at least 2) who will drive the vehicle at any time during the
competition must hold a valid, government issued driver’s license.
3.1.5 Liability Waiver
All on-site participants, including students, faculty and volunteers, are required to
sign a liability waiver upon registering on-site.
3.1.6 Medical Insurance
Individual medical insurance coverage is required and is the sole responsibility of
the participant. No medical Insurance will be provided by EffiCycle SAEINDIA.
3.1.7 Registration Procedure:
Teams are required to register online at the EffiCycle SAE INDIA website
www.effi.saenis.org. A Maximum of 8 members are allowed per team to
participate in the competition. At the time of on-site registrations, all participants
must provide the following documents –
 A valid driving license issued by the Government as a photographic proof
for the Drivers. For non drivers, college ID or any other substitute
alternate document for a photographic identification.
 Medical insurance (provider, policy/ID number, telephone number)
 Emergency contact data (point of contact (parent/guardian, spouse),
relationship, and phone number).

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3.2 Faculty Advisor
3.2.1 Status
Each team is supposed to have a Faculty Advisor appointed by the university. The
Faculty Advisor is required to accompany the team to the competition and will be
considered by competition officials to be the official university representative.

3.2.2 Responsibilities
Faculty Advisors may advise their teams on general engineering and engineering
project management theory and act as guide to them for this project.
3.2.3 Limitations
Faculty Advisors should not design any part of the vehicle nor directly participate
in the development of any documentation or presentation. Additionally, Faculty
Advisors may not fabricate nor assemble any components, nor assist in the
preparation, maintenance, testing or operation of the vehicle. In Brief – Faculty
Advisors may not design, build or repair any part of the car.

4. Vehicle Eligibility
4.1 Student Developed Vehicle
Vehicles entered into competitions must be conceived, designed, fabricated and
maintained by the student team members without direct involvement from
professionals, automotive engineers, racers, professional fabricators, technicians
machinists or related professionals.

4.2 Information Sources

The student team may use any literature or references related to vehicle design and
information from professionals or from academics as long as the information is given as
a part of discussion of available alternatives with their pros and cons.

4.3 Professional Assistance

Professionals should not make design decisions, drawings or fabrication. Those vehicles
found to be professionally made will be disqualified from the competition.

4.4 Kit Vehicles- Prohibited

Vehicles fabricated from a kit or published designs are ineligible to compete.

4.5 Student Fabrication

EffiCycle SAE INDIA is intent of the SAE Collegiate Design Series competitions to provide
direct hands-on experience to the students. Therefore, students should themselves
perform all fabrication tasks whenever possible.

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4.6 Registration
The teams are required to register at the EffiCycle SAE INDIA website:
www.effi.saenis.org. All updates would be put up on the website and it’s the
responsibility of the teams to check for the updates.

4.7 Maximum Entries per college

Only one entry per college is allowed in the final event. However multiple teams may
enter the prequalification stage.

4.8 Registration Fees*

A registration fee of 2,000 INR will be charged towards the pre-qualification stage.
Further a fee of 10,000 INR will be charged per entry upon subsequent qualification into
the main event. Procedures to pay the fees are listed on the competition website.
Registration fees is non refundable.

5. Vehicle Requirements
5.1 Vehicle Configuration
The vehicle must have three wheels that should not be in a straight line. The vehicle
must be capable of carrying two riders, of at least of 190.3 cm (6’3”) height and
weighing 113.4 kg (250 lb).

5.2 Maximum vehicle dimension

Vehicles participating in the completion can have a maximum dimension of 86 inch x 44
inch (L x B).

5.3 Power
Vehicles must be driven solely by human power and cannot be assisted by non-human
power sources (batteries etc.). Only Control devices, cooling fans, powered aerodynamic
devices, etc. can be powered from mechanical or electrical sources of energy.

Power assist devices installed should have the ability of charging itself while the vehicle
is in motion. Prior to each event, each team must be required to get their storage
devices checked for the type and details of the energy stored (chemical, electrical,
kinetic, and potential or any other type of energy stored at the start).
Internal Combustion engines and solar cells are excluded from the competition.

During the safety inspection each team must be prepared to explain on the features of
safety of the storage device, especially in case of a high speed incident. Teams whose
vehicles present an unacceptable risk in the perception of the judges will not be allowed
to utilize the energy storage device in the competition.

5.4 Kinetic Energy Storage Devices

Teams are allowed to use only mechanical KERS systems in their vehicles. KERS is
allowed to be used only during the race and teams are not allowed to keep the system

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in a charged state during start. Teams will be inspected at the start of event for checking
the state of energy storage system.

5.5 Brakes
All vehicles are required to have brakes on all wheels. Teams can use both hydraulic and
non hydraulic brakes that satisfy the minimum defined criteria of locking of brakes in a
static condition.
Brakes may be tested by pushing the vehicle in forward direction, by the volunteers.
Drivers will be asked to apply the brakes. All wheels are required to be locked during
this test.

5.6 Vehicle Roll Over requirement

The EffiCycle Structure/frame must be able to keep the driver and occupant safe by
absorption of energy in case of accidents. Teams using batteries and onboard electrical
will be scrutinized by judges for safety of their occupants and vehicle.

5.7 Rollover protection

Each vehicle must be equipped with rollover protection system to keep riders safe in
case of accidents irrespective of whether the vehicle is open or having a roof. Rollover
protection system should be able to absorb energy during collision to minimize head
and neck injuries during collision, also design should be able to protect driver during
side impact. Rollover over protection system could be applied in any form given the
desired purpose is solved.

5.8 Control
All vehicles must be controlled mechanically by the rider(s) and should have solid
member / guards protected for minor accident.

5.9 Vehicle Integrity

No vehicle may discard any part after the vehicle is in motion. Any vehicle found with
unsafe part during judging will be disqualified for the event.

5.10 Drive Train

Normal operating components involved in the drive train (chain sprockets, chains, or
other power transmission devices, wheels, etc.) are permitted. All moving parts such as
belts, chain, and sprocket, must be shielded, to prevent injury to the driver or
bystanders, from the metal / chips that may fly apart due to centrifugal force. These
guards/shields must extend around the periphery of the belt or chain. They must be
mounted with sound engineering practice, in order to resist vibration.

5.11 Utility Requirement for Maneuverability Event

Vehicles participating in the main event are required to carry a load of 50 kg in their
vehicle during the maneuverability event. Vehicles need to have a proper mounting
system with a clamp to carry a sand bag of dimension 20 inches x 12 inches with

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thickness of 6 inches. The load should be properly clamped during the event and hung
load would not be allowed. Any team found compromising with the rule will be
penalized by the judging committee.

5.12 Aerodynamic Modifications

Teams are allowed to use fairing on outer body to decrease the drag and make it more
aerodynamic efficient. Teams can be asked to produce a explanation for the design
modifications and results of performance enhancement achieved due to corresponding
modification. Teams can make minor changes in fairing after approval from judges
during competition. Teams can also use movable aerodynamic modification in their
vehicles, but any component, if found falling out during race or the vehicle found with
possibility of risk will not be allowed to participate in event further.

6. Design Event
Marks/ Weightage (reports 60 pts + presentation 40 pts)
6.1 Aim
The aim of the Design Event is to present an opportunity for the engineering students to
develop an innovative human powered vehicle design, document it and present it to a
panel of judges who will evaluate the design.
Design assessment consists of two events: Design Report and Design Evaluation

6.2 Design Report

The Design report should explain in detail about the design process used in designing of
each of the system’s involved in the team’s EffiCycle SAE INDIA vehicle. The process
should include the
 Design description: Design objectives, design criteria, design alternatives
considered, design calculations, customer requirements
 Analysis: This section should include a structural analysis of the rollover and side
protection systems, examples of computer aided analyses such as FEA, CFD, etc.,
and examples of additional calculations and analyses used in the design process.
Conclusions should describe how the results were used to improve the design.
 Safety: Should include analysis of potential hazards to both occupants and
observers inherent in operating vehicles of this type in a general competition
and describes the features incorporated in the vehicle to mitigate those hazards.
The design analysis and result should be clearly mentioned.
6.2.1 Design Report Format
Design Report format will be made available online at the EffiCycle SAE INDIA website
and the teams shall follow the specified format only.
6.2.2 Design Report- Page limit
The design report should not exceed 10 pages (excluding the cover page)

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6.2.3 Design Report Submission
Reports should be submitted by the last date as given on the website. Each day in case
of late submission will carry a penalty of reduction in 10 % marks of total marks
awarded.

6.3 Design Presentation

The design presentation provides an opportunity for teams to discuss the design process
and to highlight the special features of its vehicle. The presentation should include a
general description of the vehicle and those special features that set it apart from other
designs, emphasizing work that was accomplished after the design report was
submitted. It should include such topics as chassis and fairing development,
aerodynamics, energy storage and reuse mechanism, braking system and ergonomics.

7. Sprint Event
7.1 Goal
The goal of the Sprint Event is to provide engineering students a stage to demonstrate
the maximum speed capability of their human powered vehicles in a non race condition.

7.2 Time and Place

The Sprint Event will be held on day 1 of the competition at around 8.30 AM at a
location specified by the host organization. The exact starting time may vary due to
prevalent weather conditions.

7.3 Sprint Course Description

The course will consist of a straight, smooth, and level paved surface of suitable width
and clear of obstacles, pits, cracks, or potholes. The timed portion of the course shall be
of 100 meters straight in length, preceded by a 300 meter "run-up" section and followed
by a "run-down" section of at least 200 meters in length. Starting line will mark the
beginning of run up area followed by a line marking the start to time trap zone. All
vehicles will be asked to line up in an order of their registration number sequence and
will be allowed to move in course only when signaled.
The course shall be clearly marked to indicate the following points:

 Staging area
 Starting line (300 meters to time trap)
 100 meters to time trap
 Beginning of time trap
 End of time trap
 End of course

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8. Maneuverability Event
8.1 Goal
The goal of the Maneuverability Event is to provide engineering students a stage to
demonstrate the maneuverability as well as utility capability of their human powered
vehicles in a non race condition.

8.2 Time and Place

The Maneuverability Event will be held on day 1 of the competition around 13:30 PM at
a location specified by the host organization. The exact starting time may vary due to
prevalent weather conditions.

8.3 Description
The course will consist of a smooth, leveled and paved surface of suitable width and full
of obstacles. The time trap portion of the course shall be maneuverability track full of
bends and turns for approx. 200 meters in length. Starting line will mark the beginning
of run up area followed by a line marking the start to time trap zone. Teams will be
asked to load 50 kg, provided during the event, to their vehicle and then to line up in an
order of their registration number sequence and will be allowed to move in course only
when allowed. The winner selection will be time-based.
The course shall be clearly marked to indicate the following points.
 Starting line
 Beginning of time trap
 End of time trap
 End of course

9. Circuit event
9.1 Goal
The goal of the circuit Event is to provide engineering students a stage to demonstrate
the racing capability of their human powered vehicles and drivers in race condition.

9.2 Time and Place

The circuit Event will be held on day 2 of the competition at around 9.30 AM at a
location specified by the host organization. The exact starting time may vary due to
prevalent weather conditions.

9.3 Circuit Course Description

The competition will take place over a continuously paved course that includes turns in
both directions and straight sections designed to demonstrate the advantage of the
vehicles' aerodynamic fairings. Up and down grades are encouraged. The Lap length will
be greater than 1 KM.

The course shall be clearly marked to indicate the following points:

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  Starting area
 30 meters before turn
 Pit area

10. Rules for Dynamic Events

These rules comply with both sprint and circuit race events

10.1 Timing Area

The timing and scoring area, located at the end of the speed trap, will be off limits to
spectators and all others except the competition officials and the event timing staff.

10.2 Tally Board

The Host Organization will provide the staff a "tally board" on which vehicle speeds and
standings can be posted. The "tally board" will be separated from the timing area.

10.3 Drivers Training

All drivers who will participate in the sprint and dynamic Event must attend the Drivers
training session when called on event day. The meeting will clarify operating procedures
and signals and will identify courses features, hazards, landmarks and penalties which
can be applied on team in case of not being driven safely.
Any team that is not represented during this session would not be allowed to participate
in race; in case of unavailability of driver during training session any team member can
represent his team, In cases of unavoidable absence, the team may file an appeal with
the Judging Team, whose decision regarding participation will be final and without
consideration of fees paid.

10.4 Fairing
All vehicles in all classes of the competition shall be equipped with a full or partial fairing
to improve the aerodynamics and/or provide weather protection. This fairing must
cover sufficient area on both sides and in front to provide adequate space for clearly
displaying the vehicle number, SAE logo, and college identification.

10.5 Vehicle Identification

Vehicle Number and Logos - Each vehicle will be assigned a number. The number,
college name, and EffiCycle SAE INDIA logo must be clearly visible from both sides of the
vehicle. If these are lost or obscured, the vehicle will be removed from the competition
until they are repaired. If a vehicle number is obscured during the endurance race any
laps run without a number will not be counted. Teams should contact the EffiCycle SAE
INDIA competition organizers.

10.6 College Name

All vehicles must display their college name or initials on each side of the vehicle in
characters at least 10.1 cm (4 inch) high.

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10.7 EffiCycle SAE INDIA Logo
An EffiCycle SAE logo must be displayed on both sides of the vehicle. This logo will also
be provided by SAE INDIA.

10.8 Rider Clothing/safety

Any rider/team found unsafe in the opinion of the inspectors, would not be allowed to
take part in dynamic event until approved by respective inspectors.
 Clothing intended for cycling use or to decrease wind resistance is allowed (skin-
suits). Riders are advised NOT to wear loose clothing during the dynamic events.
 The use of a cyclist helmet is compulsory.
 The riders to be secured to their vehicles by safety harness, subject to
requirement and decision of inspecting authority, for rider safety. Commercially
available safety harnesses are accepted.
 Vehicle should be free from any kind of sharp edges and protrusions that can
harm the rider or crew members.
 Riders should have his eyes protected while driving either by visor in helmet or by
separate safety glasses.
 Riders are required to wear shoes and gloves while driving. Use of knee and
elbow guards and shin guards is compulsory.

10.9 Rider Rules

 A rider may not receive any type of push-off from another person or vehicle.
Exception: Team riders may push or sling another teammate when exchanging
riders while cycling.
 A rider may not receive pacing of any form within sight of the rider (on foot, by
bicycle, or anything else) from a crew member or another person.
 A rider may ride a bicycle with a flat tire or other mechanical problems. If a Race
Official deems the problem unsafe, the rider must stop or proceed on foot
thereon with the bike until the bicycle is replaced or repaired.
 A rider may proceed on foot along the track as long as the bicycle is present
(carried, dragged, or pushed). A rider separated from his bicycle may not
proceed along the race route, but may travel backward by any means along the
route.
 Riders must not block or impede the progress of another competitor.
 Moving riders may not be tethered by electrical wiring, feeding tubes, oxygen
tubes, or other attachments either to a vehicle or pedestrian.
 Riders must stop for drug or medical testing, or imposition of punitive penalties
when directed by an EffiCycle SAE INDIA Official. The time required for such
stops will not be deducted from the rider’s time.

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