How Road Cycling Time Bonuses Work Explainer
Time bonuses in a road stage race subtract seconds from selected riders' general-classification totals. They do not change the clocked stage time itself. By rewarding high finishes or intermediate sprints, bonuses can move a rider up the overall standings even when several riders cross in the same recorded group time.
UCI rules permit stage-finish bonuses of 10, 6, and 4 seconds for the first three riders. A half-stage may use 6, 4, and 2. Intermediate sprints normally award 3, 2, and 1 second, with up to three such sprints in a full stage.
If a full stage has only one intermediate bonus sprint, the organizer may double that scale to 6, 4, and 2 seconds. Every bonus and its location must be stated in the event's technical guide before the race so riders and commissaires share the same plan.
Bonuses appear only in the individual general classification by time. They are not awarded in individual or team time trials, and an intermediate bonus cannot be used unless the stage also awards a finish bonus. The system encourages tactical sprints without replacing the underlying stage results.
The first three riders can receive 10, 6, and 4 seconds.
They are applied to the individual general classification rather than changing the actual clocked finish time.
No. UCI rules do not award time bonuses in individual or team time trial events.
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