Peter Allen (XXX Racing-AthletiCo) writes:

What is the general rule/practice for race directors when it comes to canceling or postponing races due to weather?  The reason I ask is the thunderstorm forecast for this weekend.  I figure the race will go on if there is light rain, but they might cancel or delay due to lightning or heavy rain.  Any words of wisdom?

Rule 1E2(h) of the USCF rule book says, “Road races are normally run rain or shine.” Indeed, my experience is that promoters will race no matter the conditions. Weather patterns in the Midwest are too fickle to do otherwise, and it’s too much work to change permits and find volunteers for new dates. (My experience also includes two bad crashes while racing in the rain, so proceed at your own peril.)

That said, several Indiana races were canceled this spring because of extreme cold, and no promoter worth his insurance premiums will send riders into a lightning storm. The good news is that our thunderstorms tend to be brief and isolated, so schedules can be adjusted around them. Expect delays but don’t count on them.