[Closed] If you thought mandatory full facers were a pain for UKGE...

So silver then, just like anything else...

Reads like an advert for bespoke to me. I do not for a single second believe that UKGE would go so far as they have without some kind of incentive. It's barely even hidden. I hope that those who race go elsewhere.

so its 20 quid a year more to race ukges for a season than bds, but you get insurance too?

and still they whinge.......... 😳

Pretty sure the included BDS uplift is better

I'm guessing their logic is if a rider gets a payout from their own PA cover, he won't come after UKGE with a claim.

Then they're idiots, as where do you think an insurance company will go to recoup their losses? Far more likely to happen too than an individual, I'd never consider going after an organiser if I got injured, but if I'd forked out for PA insurance I'd sure as hell be claiming on that.

so its 20 quid a year more to race ukges for a season than bds, but you get insurance too?

You're comparing a DH race with an enduro race. Not sure what it's like down south but the SDA rounds up here are a lot more expensive than an SES round. I sense it's just a given that DH is more expensive.

These new mandatory "extras" are a lot of additional costs. Maybe UKGE is the top series in the UK and only attracts the mega hardcore gnarly ENDURO doodz, but for the average Joe Bloggs rider they have to find

~£150 for an "enduro" full facer (could do it in a cheap DH full facer but that would be brutal
~£100 for insurance they may not want or need

I sense it's just a given that DH is more expensive.

which is funny as at ukge you get 6 timed stages over 3 days and a waymarked route of 30k or so, compared with 2 timed runs and maybe 30 minutes of riding time!

if people accept that DH is expensive, why not enduro?

if people accept that DH is expensive, why not enduro?

DH is a pretty niche discipline and with that comes expense (rightly or wrongly)

Enduro is pitched as "the type of riding you do with your mates". The thing being, when I go riding with my mates no one tells me I can't do it unless I wear a specific type of helmet and buy the insurance they think I need.

It's a better statement but still doesn't answer the essential question "what minimum level of cover is required". The longer it takes to answer that, the more suspicious people will be since it funnels everyone towards Be Spoke.

Re licences, you can race in many point scoring BC events including the SDA with just a Bronze membership and provisional licence, which is £18.90. You don't accumulate any national points, though, but for most people that's a non-issue. You can race in the welsh champs with no licence at all, you just can't compete for a champs category. again a non-issue for most.

I don't think the comparison with the BDS is accurate- it might be in a few years' time but right now enduro doesn't have that multi-level structure or level of competition.

With the BDS comparison I was just heading for national series vs national series which is how UKGE presents itself, I raced DH for a couple of years without a licence.

Kimbers, with my BC race licence I can also race road/XC/CX/DH and it gives me 10M of public liability insurance for competitive and non-competitive riding, comparing it to the policy put forward by UKGE (by the look of it) is apples-oranges.

It was a terrible statement it did not answer the fundamental reason why we actually are required to have this insurance. Other than that they feel they know what is best for us.

In the UK you are required to have at least 3rd party liability cover for car insurance, you are not required to have comprehensive cover.

It appears that the race organisers have decided that we all must have comprehensive cover because they know what is best for us. Sorry but I think I can make my own decision on what insurance I need beyond 3rd party liability.

I think this will be a disaster for UKGE as the insurers of these private policies will try and recoup the cost of their claims against UKGE's insurance, before long Enduro events wont be able to get affordable insurance.

Further to the above it's a terrible statement because it is based on seemingly untruths about BC licenses and insurance. Either UKGE have been badly advised or it's dodgy, either way it looks iffy IMO.

Dragon:You do realise the Federation meeting was held at BC HQ with 2 BC reps present? there are no untruths re: insurance and memberships, I've looked into all of this and can fully see why BC pulled out of Enduro/Gravity Enduro...

This wailing and gnashing of teeth happens with all new sports as they find their feet, progress, advance etc...

The bleating about Enduro "being a ride around with your mates" is fine for low key events or back in 2011 when organisers were having to publicise Enduro as people didn't know what on earth it was...it is now established and UKGE want to position themselves as the National series, the small club ethos of 2011 will of course be lost...these are timed events after all, it's racing and some people take it seriously. You can make a living now racing Enduro so why try to stifle the development of the sport just because some grumpy old men on STW don't like change!?

It is quite simple, Parr is trying to be the no.1 organisation in the UK, he wants a tier system pyramiding up to a National Championship, he wants all bases covered re. safety, insurance etc...if you don't like it don't enter, there are loads of events where you can wear a piss-pot lid and race without insurance...vote with your feet, if the STW demographic are representative of the wider MTB public the series will fail and Parr will have to reconsider the rules he runs under.

....however I think UKGE will be fine, the events are always over subscribed and plenty of people I have raced with are keen on having a UK Championship, Parr is trying to advance the discipline at a national level, I don't have a problem with that and hope these events are easier to get entries for now that most of STW have gone off in a strop!

you can advance the sport without having to have riders fork out for personal insurance for which they may not even get a spot. If Parr was to properly explain why riders need to pay out for personal insurance then people would no doubt be happy. The lack of any information as to why it is now required is what is pissing most people off probably.

I don't have a problem with that and hope these events are easier to get entries for now that most of STW have gone off in a strop!

This isn't about halting the progression of the sport. I agreed with FF as it actually improved safety this doesn't. People are genuinely concerned that this step could impact on event organisers ability to obtain affordable liability insurance.

So nobody can explain why there is a requirement for personal accident insurance then? Good to see in a few years the comms are still at the top level you expect from a national series pushing the boundaries of the sport.

Its a miracle the Scottish Enduro series managed to succeed last year with any of this crap...

I think that's what you call a non-explanation explanation.

Its a miracle the Scottish Enduro series managed to succeed last year with any of this crap

I think that's what you call a non-explanation explanation.

Nah, it's what you call a load of bollocks.

It blows my mind some of the goons on Facebook still blowing smoke up their arses over the whole matter too.

if your under 18 you dont need insurance 😉

Why do I need Personal accident insurance to race the UKGE series?...
Because I want to cover myself if the worst happens and I can't work! also it's now a mandatory entry requirement.
UKGEs' are technical, Physical and have a risk involved.
The question is not for UKGE to answer, Its YOU the rider who needs to ask...Do I want to race UKGE? If so then I will abide by their rules and get insurance cover, otherwise I will race elsewhere without insurance and accept the risks involved.
UKGE has no control over who enters their races and as such this mandatory rule will make people think twice about entering a national level event and hopefully think "Maybe i'll go and ride regional Enduros first and see how I get on before committing my money and time to a series that is way above my current riding level (fitness and skill)" I know I would...
And before someone says " Its not a national level event as its not BC sanctioned! " It is percieved as national level by all who race it, promote it, market it and enjoy it.

I think that's what you call a non-explanation explanation.

Its all a bit "same words, different order" isn't it. How hard would it be to have a statement along the lines of "in conjunction with our broker we have established that the minimum covers should be x/y/z.

Looking at the BC cover, Silver membership provides personal liability which hasn't been mentioned explicitly anywhere in the UKGE discussion - does that mean that the event is explicitly providing that for all entrants (i.e. insuring rider error as opposed to issues with the way the race is run).

And if its all so important, I don't really see how you can exclude juniors from requiring it.

Still clear as mud 🙁

Why do I need Personal accident insurance to race the UKGE series?...
Because I want to cover myself if the worst happens and I can't work! also it's now a mandatory entry requirement.

Except I don't need PA insurance to race the national DH series or on the road (where people have died racing), the level of cover is also pretty meh and it's still unclear how much life insurance is actually reqd.

I wonder if the Alps holiday insurance companies could conjure up a product that covers both?

Why do I need Personal accident insurance to race the UKGE series?...
Because I want to cover myself if the worst happens and I can't work! also it's now a mandatory entry requirement.

Yep, that £900 for breaking my back* is certainly going to make all the difference. My employee sickness benefits & PMI are literally quaking in their boots...

*minimum level of cover apparently.

UKGE has no control over who enters their races and as such this mandatory rule will make people think twice about entering a national level event and hopefully think "Maybe i'll go and ride regional Enduros first and see how I get on before committing my money and time to a series that is way above my current riding level (fitness and skill)" I know I would...

Hehe.

Oh, you were being serious?

I can go & race DH in nearly any series in the UK, most of which have tracks so far beyond that raced in a UKGE, at far higher speeds, with far bigger consequences for getting it wrong.

I don't need insurance for that.

You make it sound like UKGE is some brutal, tough killer weekend enduro racing. Jesus Christ. We rode round Afan trail centre for two years on the trot 🙄

@flash aka charlie whiting. Your post explains the rational of ukge to enforce these new rulings and does clear up the question of why, its just a shame that I am going to have to find another £100 this year as consequence of trying to put off people who would be in over there depth, bit miffed about that.

Setting aside the compulsory issue, and I'm too old to enter this type of thing, £96 for an annual sports cover doesn't seem too bad. Insurers got all tetchy when I said I was going to the alps for a long weekend and demanded that cover was only in place for riding on way marked trails, but not competitively.
So this policy covers everything, off piste skiing, alps racing, no conditions, exclusions or warranties?

For a year, £96 doesn't seem bad.

*but hasn't been on comparethemarket etc.
** and is just based on costs for a weekend cycling in the alps, that's as gnar as I get.

the flash - Member

The question is not for UKGE to answer

Of course it is! "Because we said so" is the sort of argument that works when you're 5 years old but it's a ridiculous way to treat your riders. If you make a decision but can't explain that decision then that's as good as admitting it's a bad one. Or possibly that they've got reasons that they don't want public.

In the same way, if they can't explain what a suitable level of coverage is other than "it's whatever Be Spoke say it is" then they're admitting that they don't know what they want.

So where does that leave you? They can't tell you what they want you to do, they can't explain why they want you to do it... But you've got to do it, whatever it is.

UKGE have two jobs to do now. They need to explain exactly what cover riders are required to have. And they need to explain exactly why riders should want this. And for as long as they can't or won't do either of these things, there's going to be problems and doubts. It's not that hard a hole to get out of.

The payouts are crap and it only covers a small range of injuries that could keep you off work.

Surprised that the size and scale of the reaction to this hasn't given them cause to consider that maybe some of the "whingers" might actually know a thing or two and that this might actually be a mistake.

That explanation just makes me think that either the organisers are a bit daft or they think that we are, tbh.

good summary and critique of it you two

Page 2 of the cover document refers to there being a need to declare if any person takes up a hazardous activity between taking supplying the application form and taking out the policy.
That suggest a raft of activities will be named, possibly excluded, so I would have thought a full policy wording, including conditions and exclusions should be posted.
It certainly doesn't sound like it covers everything "extreme", at all times, for a year.
And yes, the fracture payouts are poor levels.

I'm amazed that dogtag and snowcard haven't jumped all over this. It's their bread and butter (just without the possible airlift and private medical costs as it's uk).

I'm still sitting on the fence about this...

On one hand I think personal accident insurance is a useful thing to have, no matter what employee sickness benefits you may have, an extra bit of money while you're off work is never a bad thing. And for those self employed among us, it's a no brainer. However the payout from Bespoke for a list of EIGHTEEN FRACTURES does seem rather poor, there are many other potential injuries one could have from a MTB accident - including much more serious long lasting muscular problems. Overall PA insurance is an excellent idea to protect yourself.

On the other hand I think the UKGE team have rushed into this, similar to their British Cycling colleagues (or should I say - acquaintances). If the long term plan is to have a UK federation for Enduro, why not wait for everything to be ready and put it all together in one launch. I think the announcement of this insurance requirement could be a grave mistake, and it would be interesting to know Parr's expectation for the number of entries they will receive this year, but then UKGE weekends are awesome, and what's an extra £8 per month really simply to meet a requirement?

What I'd like to see is the UKGE organisers realising their mistake (clearly from the FB and STW reaction), and hence retracting their personal accident insurance statement with the full intention that it will be brought into play when the federation is created and it can all be put together in a membership/race licence when there is a specific need for it. This year there is clearly no need for the PA insurance cover but what's done is done and sadly I can't see them turning back on it now, especially when a certain number of people will have already purchased their insurance policies from the likes of Bespoke.

@dandasbike who's Charlie Whiting?

Apologies my bad mr williams 🙄

The bleating about Enduro "being a ride around with your mates" is fine for low key events

EWS Tweedlove managed a "low key" event without this level of belligerent bureaucracy

The level of arse kissing fan buoyism is just unreal on the UKGE FB page! Informed comments and questions met by "because that's how it is lolz", without a hint of questioning 'em or even bothering to understand the difference between personal accident and public liability insurance, worst is all the likes the dumb shit comments get.

As a comparison, I was quoted a premium of £40 pcm for £1000 pcm payout (for a maximum of two years) if I can't work though having an accident on my bike - didn't cover for DH though.

This is at 50 y/o. Another riding buddy (rugby player) recommended them to me, he pays £25 pcm for £1000 pcm payout, but he's only 30 y/o.

They also payout additionally for various injuries, but didn't get the details.

So, if this is an indication of the premiums that are going to be have to be charged..., rather expensive.

Monkeyfudger, perhaps that's because it's a non issue for some people?

Just as some on here seem to be getting their knickers in a twist over the full-face rule and insurance there are sure to be a load of people who don't give a toss, love the series, can't wait for the Nationals and just want to race.

STW isn't necessarily representative of everything that's going on in mountain biking, as others have said there are enough events in this fastest growing discipline that you won't miss out on any racing by shunning the UKGE series if the rules don't work for you, during the summer months there are usually a couple of events on at any given weekend.

Nobody is putting a gun to your head and making you race UKGE and they are just one of many promoters jockeying for position as the no.1 organisation in the UK...vote with your feet and boycott that organisation, if strength of feeling is anything like that being displayed on here then UKGE will falter and have to concede to it's public.

deviant - Member
Monkeyfudger, perhaps that's because it's a non issue for some people?

At last a Statement, with info on what you need, why they didn't do this in the first place would of solved a lot of issues/questions etc.

AS stated above, it was "you need this", and no real reasons why or what level you need, and expecting people to just go "yeah ok, I get my money out, no questions" border line insulting.

All sorted now, it's just potential customers that don't like it and they don't count anyway:

"The insurance is a requirement to race UKGE in 2015, simple if you don't want to race UKGE then we are not forcing you too. It's that simple people, because the people making the most noise here are people who have not raced a UKGE before."

They've got to be completely crackers if they think this won't affect the popularity of the series. How many only raced 1 or 2 rounds? The majority i suspect given how spread out around the UK they are. Are these pople going to want to add another £100 odd for a crap level of insurance cover?
This page is laughable;
http://www.ukgravityenduro.com/love-sport-protect-ukge-bespoke-financial/
I would like to know how Mr Parr answers when asked if they/he benefit/s from bespoke policies being sold. He's little more than an insurance saleman at present. And they still don't seem to have a main sponsor as yet.
National series my arse.

I would like to know how Mr Parr answers when asked if they/he benefit/s from bespoke policies being sold.

Bespoke is the insurer that have chosen to do there insurance. There is your relationship and what is wrong with that?

Steve Parrs latest comments are really disappointing. If they want to be the national series then they are going to be scrutnised by their community. Why does he believe because we told you so is good enough.

I hope this guy has very little to do with a Enduro governing body, I'm sure he is a half decent organiser but he is totally incompetent when it comes public relations.

EDIT Not to my surprise I was removed from the UKGE FB group 😉

I don't believe that Bespoke are the PL provider, as far as I'm aware they're just the 'recommended provider' of PA cover for the rider.

because the people making the most noise here are people who have not raced a UKGE before.

There are also plenty of people who've done a few and would have continued to race one or two a year when close enough.

Now I suspect many will treat the series and organiser with the same contempt that they're showing us.

I'd heard people moaning at the races that Parr's only interested in the elites and his mates - and it does look a bit that way now.

It might be a big deal for some this season, but the fuss will die down. UKGE is, and has been, pitching itself to be the premier UK series and this is a move to edge closer to that.

Within a couple of years it will probably consist of the cream of the crop of UK bikers; ex-pros, ex-elites, top 10 placing riders in other series. The kind of talented riders that have the time to train, the skills to mix it at the top level. The kind of riders who have a degree of sponsorship, or at least shop-backing.

You only have to look at the top 10-20 riders in any given event to see the same names, and a lot of these names will have bikes supplied to them by local sponsors, shops etc. At that kind of level, a hundred quid or so to insure yourself becomes irrelevant as you aren't spending your cash on bikes, spares, clothes etc.

Maybe I am wrong, but Parr has said as much that he wants the series to be the pinnacle. As others have said - if you don't like it, don't enter. I don't mean it disrespectfully, but the majority of those moaning are probably hobby rider standard anyway. Those who aren't moaning probably fall somewhere into the category of riders I mention above.

Bespoke is the insurer that have chosen to do there insurance. There is your relationship and what is wrong with that?

There's a very high chance UKGE will be getting an introducer's commission

scottfitz - Member
Steve won't be benefiting but the UKGE probably will by developing a relationship with an insurer that can offer them the cover they need for there events.PL used to be from BC but as said in statement that's no longer available.
Bespoke is the insurer that have chosen to do there insurance. There is your relationship and what is wrong with that?

Then they should explain it like that.

Bespoke are just a broker, the documents put up on UKGE site are Friends Life docs.

Bespoke is the insurer that have chosen to do there insurance. There is your relationship and what is wrong with that?

The problem is that it could set a precedent for other race organisers misguidedly attempting to push insurance on racers who don't need it.

I would hate for this to be applied across the whole of bike racing over the next few years just because people can't engage their brains this year.

Anyway the rumour I've heard is that next year he'll be demanding that all racers carry a pound of saltcod from his preferred supplier Reg the fishmonger (Why? In case you get hungry, stupid!) and two lucky horseshoes, again from a preferred supplier, err just for luck. The year after he'll be demanding everyone ride in Scooby Doo onesies and singing Miley Cyrus songs. Just because!

snorkelsucker - Member
It might be a big deal for some this season, but the fuss will die down. UKGE is, and has been, pitching itself to be the premier UK series and this is a move to edge closer to that.

Why is forcing us to have insurance we don't need moving us toward making the series better.

are probably hobby rider standard anyway

They probably are, but if such riders don't enter these races to make up the numbers then the races wont happen. Just look at how many mincers the EWS allows in!

Some nice exclusions for their fracture cover

Where more than one of the above
fractures occurs at any time, we will only pay
fracture cover benefit for one of the fractures.
You can decide which fracture you are
claiming for.

We will only pay fracture cover benefit to you
for one fracture suffered during any 12 month
period.

Yeah but you'll be stinking rich after the first claim so wont even care about making another one

IdleJon - Member

Bespoke is the insurer that have chosen to do there insurance. There is your relationship and what is wrong with that?

The problem is that it could set a precedent for other race organisers misguidedly attempting to push insurance on racers who don't need it.

BTW If anyone fancy setting up a second UK wide series I'm sure Steve and team would relish the challenge/compaction

"[i]Why is forcing us to have insurance we don't need moving us toward making the series better?[/i]"

Premier doesn't always mean better. It means first in importance, order, or position; a leading series.

"[i]but if such [hobby] riders don't enter these races to make up the numbers then the races wont happen.[/i]"

They will. It will just be that the other series are where such riders reside. "feeder series". Parr has said as much.

Anyway, my post is just IMHO. I raced 3 events last year; 2 x mini enduros and 1 x borderline. I was going to go for a UKGE round this year but 1. my winter training has been rubbish and 2. all these new rules and increased costs mean that because of 1. I'd really be wasting my money.

FYI
Enduro1's take on the subject:

[b]Regarding Insurance

Most of you have are no doubt aware of the debate regarding competitors having to obtain their own personal accident insurance in order to ride certain Gravity Enduro races.

I have been looking into this matter as I firmly believe it is the way forward for riders who race or partake in a sport that is considered dangerous. However, at this stage the way cover is underwritten and the criteria required by the underwriters in order to quote it is impossible to obtain blanket cover as a race promoter that covers their competitors in case of injury. Underwriters will only quote on an individual basis as they need to know your details, claim history etc before quoting as everyone is different and not just regarding age.

As a race promoter I only have to obtain third party public liability insurance that indemnifies the landowner and myself in the event of a member of the public being injured during the event. It does not cover you as a rider and you would have to pursue my insurers or me personally to obtain a financial payout, that is hard to win unless of course I am guilty of gross negligence, which I do everything in my power not to be.

Think about this. If you are self employed and god forbid sustain an injury preventing you from working are you sufficiently insured that your mortgage and bills can be paid and you can provide for your family, should you have one? If you have insurance does it cover you for competitive mountain bike racing?

Those of you employed, are you sure your companies sick pay policy covers you for competing in a dangerous sport? Some don’t so check.

Please be aware that British Cycling insurance will no longer cover you for any Enduro racing in the UK including our Enduro1 races.

We are working on a cost efficient why of implementing this but it will take time. So, I will not be insisting that you have personal cover to race the series at this point in time, however, I strongly advise that you obtain it as it’s a no brainer, especially for the self employed!
[/b]

I think that post may be the nail in the coffin for those who were previously sat on the fence about entering the UKGE races!

id say most people raced the whole series or more than 50% at least judging by the faces you see at each round, infact much more:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/163145548/Series-Points-2013
the point about newcommers is probably right, the UKGE team focus on the overall series racers, they see it as being the national series and other local races and series as feeders into it

a lot of people have raced the whole series, some since the start, those people know that parr and the gang are passionate about it and enduro in general and that parr wants to get a federation setup and that will include insurance for the riders, like BC gold
they might also know that Steve and the team as well as having 9-5 jobs dedicate nearly every weekend of the year to organising, digging and managing the series in wales scotland and england

they also know its a brilliant and challenging race series and if you race the entire season the chances of being injured at some point are quite high!

that being said, its not been explained well, and bespoke just seem like any other insurance company rather than someone who is really involved and aware of the sport

I think it also shows that since BC pulling out any enduro federation should be chaired by someone independent of any series

i also think all the meanspirrited "they are all amateurs, I hope the series fails" stuff is pretty sad

snorkelsucker - Member
I think that post may be the nail in the coffin for those who were previously sat on the fence about entering the UKGE races!

even though the enduro1 races are good, they arent a patch on the UKGE races!

if you race the entire season the chances of being injured at some point are quite high!

The chances aren't high. I do this for a living (life, health, accident, disability etc insurance) and the claim incidence rate is very, very low. Even for people doing things far more hazardous than riding a pushbike through some muddy woods.

well me and my mates must be naff then (which is pretty true im a consistent last 25% finisher at ukge!)

but between the 5 people i ride at ukge with 4 have broken bones riding or racing in the last year (3x hands, 1 x ribs!)

but between the 5 people i ride at ukge with 4 have broken bones riding or racing in the last year (3x hands, 1 x ribs!)

So did you all feel the need to buy PA immediately after getting those injuries then? And if not, why not?

the only 1 of the 5 that didnt get injured does have PA from Totally?!!!

hes been banging on that we all should too for a while now

and after loosing a lot of blood going over the bars 2 weeks ago, im shopping around for quotes at the moment!

That might be the case kimbers but they can at least string a coherent sentence together.

So, I will not be insisting that you have personal cover to race the series at this point in time, however, I strongly advise that you obtain it as it’s a no brainer, especially for the self employed!

So when did Enduro organisers think they know more about people's personal financial situation and appetite for risk?

Mikewsmith nails it above, for some people it is probably worth it, but for others it's a waste of space and hence, a worthless expense.

So to re-cap; you need to wear a full face and you need to have insurance...

hmmm, the cynic in me wants to suggest that UKGE are more interested in protecting themselves against claims rather than perhaps having their competitors best interest at heart. (the comments about it being not necessary for under 18 competitors)

Steve Parr's comments on FB about how most noise is coming from people that are new or potential riders and the other's of UKGE suggesting how some sponsored riders sre not worrying about this; is telling, I don't think he wants us plebs to ride in his series TBH.

So it looks like the real answer is Steve Parr knows best for all our personal situations and therefore can make us get personal insurance. This is something that even the government doesn’t force us to do when it comes to cars and driving.

[quote=nickc ]I don't think he wants us plebs to ride in his series TBH.maybe he's trying to filter out all the cheapskates so that he only has nice, new, shiny bikes taking part?

Within a couple of years it will probably consist of the cream of the crop of UK bikers; ex-pros, ex-elites, top 10 placing riders in other series. The kind of talented riders that have the time to train, the skills to mix it at the top level. The kind of riders who have a degree of sponsorship, or at least shop-backing.

cream of the crop of UK bikers; ex-pros, ex-elites, top 10 placing riders in other series

hobby rider standard

hmmm, the cynic in me wants to suggest that UKGE are more interested in protecting themselves against claims rather than perhaps having their competitors best interest at heart.

Absolutely NOTHING wrong with an event organiser wanting to protect themselves against claims. It's sensible.

What's a "competitors best interest"? Allowing you to crash out on a fast stage in an XC lid and smash your face in? How about the impact on other racers, for example someone stopping to help you and in so blowing their own race? Or the landowner who then refuses to let a race come back, so losing a venue? Or the organiser who ends up facing a liability claim?

Improving safety with a FF is fine and reduces the organisers liability.

Personal insurance (a) does not improve safety and (b) does not reduce the organisers liability.

Allowing you to crash out on a fast stage in an XC lid and smash your face in?

Helmets aren't some magical device that totally prevent head injuries, full facer or otherwise

How about the impact on other racers, for example someone stopping to help you and in so blowing their own race?

What's that got to do with personal accident insurance?

Or the landowner who then refuses to let a race come back, so losing a venue?

Again, what's that got to do with personal accident insurance?

Or the organiser who ends up facing a liability claim?

How does personal accident cover trump the organisers liability insurance?

maybe he's trying to filter out all the cheapskates so that he only has nice, new, shiny bikes taking part?

There's still time for them to put in a rule about wheel sizes!