Here in the US, ROAR is equally idiotic in their rules enforcement re. numbers. No trimming of the white, and three numbers on the shell. (Best thing is to stick them on your shirt first so they come off easily.)
What's good is that technology and independant spirit are overcoming the organizors. First, as use of personal transponders grows, many clubs no longer supply transponders -- having yourself counted becomes your responsibility. Only the ever-dwindling number of long-in-the-tooth race announcers even know how to hand count, much less are willing to do it.
Second, ROAR is rapidly becoming irrelevant. Even their National Championship races are not covered as much in the magazines as are a number of private races, both on-road and off-. But that's another thread...
I think the numbers thing is all about power and control. As the organization becomes less important, they must demonstrate how important they are.
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