How to Complete Signature Registration at the Tour De France

Signature registration is the process which designates the beginning of each stage of the Tour de France. Riders and team managers must complete it before each stage can start. It's more a formality than a strict rule--intended to give spectators a look at their favorite riders--but it remains an important part of the process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of each Tour de France stage. The signature registration area generally marks the starting line for the stage. Most teams arrive well in advance of registration as part of their preparation to limber up, double-check equipment and just make sure they don't miss the start time.
2. Include your team manager in the signature registration. All team members need to complete signature registration, including the team manager, who oversees every aspect of the team's participation in the competition. The manager signs in on behalf of the team as a whole, while the individual cyclists sign in to confirm that they will be competing in that particular stage of the race.
3. Wait for the rest of the field to register. Generally, the stage doesn't begin until all of the cyclists complete the signature registration, and once you are signed in, you must wait until the process is complete. Following that, the race manager will begin the stage in one of three ways, depending on what's prescribed by the stage location.
4. Prepare for a standing start. A standing start begins at the signature area, once all of the sign-ins are complete. Registration doesn't necessarily take place during every stage, but the process is a good way to rally all the competitors in time for a proper start.
5. Pedal to the deferred standing start. The deferred standing start is identical to the regular standing star, but it begins a fair distance away. This usually happens because of area restrictions, which may interfere with a clean start, or geographical considerations which necessitate a different starting point.
6. Ready yourself for a rolling start. Rolling starts or flying starts are a feature of stages where the cyclists are permitted to pedal away from the sign-in area. The start of the course is set at "kilometer zero," which is a short distance away from the registration area, and cyclists are permitted to start the stage while in motion.

Tips & Warnings

• In extreme situations, you don't need to complete signature registration at the Tour de France. You will be fined 100 Swiss francs for failing to register, but it will not otherwise penalize you or your team in the race. Unavoidable circumstances (such as a rush in the line threatening to delay a prompt start) will usually result in the fine being waived.