Timing is a very important part of the traditional Long Format Event. With the Cross Country split into four phases (A, B, C and D) it can be difficult to navigate.
Advice from Cameron Beer
“Timings are absolutely crucial through phases A, B, C and D and your stopwatch is going to become your absolute best friend.
When the speeds and distances are out, you are going to do a bit of your own maths to work out where you need to be for every single Kilometer.
In my opinion, it is a very good idea to then write these calculations on a piece of paper and sellotape it to your arm so that you know where you should be at every Kilometer mark. It’s best for it to be laminated or in something to stop it from getting wet.
In my opinion, for Phase A, I would be counting up with my watch. Phase B I would be counting down and then I would let my watch count up again for Phase C.
If you’re having a bit of trouble with this, I would advise chatting to your coach or a British Eventing Howden Way Coach to ask for any advice.”
Cross Country Advice from British Eventing
All Cross Country phases are independent of each other, meaning that any loss of time in one phase cannot be compensated for by gaining time in another phase.
Going over the time limit in any phase will result in elimination.
The optimum time for each phase is calculated by dividing the distance by the speed as specified below:
Phase A – Roads and Tracks
- Distance: 3,520m – 4,400m
- Speed: 220 mpm
- Time: Time limit of 120% of the optimum time which if exceeded incurs elimination (Every second in excess of the optimum time incurs one penalty).
Phase B – Steeplechase
- Distance: 1,375m – 1,650m
- Speed: 520 mpm
- Time: Time limit of 200% of the optimum time which if exceeded incurs elimination (Every second in excess of the optimum time incurs 0.8 penalties).
Phase C – Roads and Tracks
- Distance: 4,000m – 6,400m
- Speed: 160 mpm
- Time: Time limit of 120% of the optimum time which if exceeded incurs elimination (Every second in excess of the optimum time incurs one penalty).
Phase D – Cross Country
- Distance: 2,475m – 3,150m
- Speed: 450 mpm
- Time: Time limit of 200% of the optimum time which if exceeded incurs elimination (Time penalties as per BE Rule Book Clause 6.3.10).
