Frequently Asked Questions for Unicon X

Event Information

Will the IUF rulebook be used?

Yes. The IUF rulebook has been converted into Chinese.

What are the age groups?

Racing:

• 16 inch wheel: 0-8
• 20 inch wheel: 0-10, 11-14
• 24 inch wheel: 0-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40 and up.

Either the best overall time or a final expert heat will determine racing experts.
Artistic: 0-14, 15-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40 and up, Jr. Expert, and Expert
Age groups may be added or removed based on the number of competitors for each event.

What artistic events will be held?

The artistic events will be Individual Freestyle, Pairs Freestyle, Group Freestyle, and Standard Skill. They will be held in the main gym at the Shijingshan Sports Center.

Will there be two group freestyle categories?

Depending on the number of group freestyle entries, there may be two levels available.

What racing events will be held?

The following events are currently being planned: 1500 m, 800 m (for 16 and 20 inch wheels), 400 m, 100 m, 50 m one-foot, wheel walk, slow forwards and backwards, coasting, gliding, obstacle course, high jump, long jump, 10K marathon, and MUni.

Many of the racing events will be held on an eight-lane track at the Shijingshan Sports Center. For events taking place on the track, metal pedals are not allowed.

What races will have an expert heat?

Based on the fastest eight overall age group times, the following races will have a final heat: 400 m, 100 m, 50 m one-foot, and wheel walk.

Do I need to wear a helmet during any of the racing events?

Helmets are recommended but not required in all racing events except for the gliding race. Helmets are required in the gliding race due to the high speeds that can be attained in this event. While helmets are optional in MUni and the Trials competition, they are very highly recommended.

Where will gliding, MUni, and the 10K marathon be held?

Gliding and MUni will be at the competition site of the Chinese Bicycle Association and the Chinese Motorcycle Association, 2 km (1.2 miles) away from the center. The marathon will be held on a paved road that rings the MUni course. The Chinese name for the site is Laushan, which translates as "Old Mountain." Transportation will be provided to gliding, MUni, and the marathon.

Will the MUni facility be available for practice?

Yes. Practice time will be made available on the course before the official competition.

I don't MUni much-would I be able to compete in the MUni competition?

Yes. MUni is a fun event that everybody can participate in. If the advanced course is too challenging, try the intermediate course. A standard 24 inch unicycle will work just fine for the MUni competition.

Will there be a MUni Trails course at Unicon?

An informal MUni Trails could be set up by those who are interested. If somebody wants to organize a formal Trails course, they would need to set up the rules in advance, find a time slot, and make sure the rules get translated into Chinese.

What is the gliding hill like?

The gliding hill that is planned is a paved road with a slight downhill grade. It is at the same area as the MUni course.

How will I sign up for the relay race?

The 4 x 100 relay race will be held on Friday, August 4. All relay teams will need to finalize the order by no later than the evening of Thursday, August 3.

What unicycle team sports will be played?

Tournaments for both unicycle basketball and unicycle hockey are on the schedule. The number of teams will determine how many games will be played for the tournament. The preliminary games will be held during the evenings with the final world champion game held on the final day. Unicycle basketball and hockey will be played in the main gym of the sports center.

What medals and trophies will be issued at Unicon X?

There will be medals and certificates for the first three places in each event. For 4th through 6th place, the competitor will get a certificate. Overall World Champions, including hockey, basketball, and group, will receive a trophy with the title of the championship in both Chinese and English.

Will there be free time to play around in the gym and socialize?

Yes. The secondary gym will be available for workshops and practice and to play around, exchange ideas, and socialize.

What time do the gyms close each night?

The gyms plan to close at 10:30 p.m. The organizers of Unicon X will do their best to negotiate later closing times for both the primary and secondary gyms.

Will I be able to participate in all events?

International riders will be able to participate in all events. Chinese unicyclists will be limited as to the number of events they can enter.

How are the schedule changes and announcements handled?

A liaison to each hotel will update a bulletin board in each hotel in at least three languages: Chinese, Japanese, and English. Team leaders will be responsible to read the bulletin boards and pass the information along to their teammates.

Who needs to attend the coach and group leader meeting on Tuesday, August 1?

A representative from each delegation and/or country should attend this meeting. Individuals who do not belong to a team are welcome to attend this meeting. At the meeting the schedule and any questions about Unicon X will be discussed.

What is the opening ceremony?

The opening ceremony is the official start of Unicon X. Unicyclists from around the world will be welcomed to China. There will be speeches by government officials, demonstrations by the national teams, and the official start of Unicon X. Local media will be present to record the event.

What should each national team do for the opening ceremony?

Each country should bring a flag -- flagpoles will be provided, and it is recommended to have a national uniform or team T-shirt. Each country should attempt to have a one- to three-minute routine for the opening ceremony. Riders who have not prepared a routine will ride around the gym as a team. The size of the flag should be approximately 3 m x 1.5 m.

What will happen at the closing ceremony?

The closing ceremony will start after the championship basketball game. Government officials, sponsors, and members of the media will be present. The World Champions will be recognized at this time. World Champions and other select routines will be asked to perform during the closing ceremony.

Will Unicon X events be held on time?

The Chinese National Unicycle Conventions have been so punctual that events have been planned minute by minute. They will do their best to carry this tradition to Unicon X. The organizers of Unicon X will make every effort not to cancel any events due to time constraints.

What about the final party?

The final party will start in the evening after the closing ceremony. Light food and drink will be available. This is a good time to exchange gifts and T-shirts with other delegations.