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Volunteers’ Info

Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the stewarding operation and are responsible for assisting in maintaining the integrity of the route. For many people, you will be the public face of the event and should act accordingly.

Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the stewarding operation and are responsible for assisting in maintaining the integrity of the route. For many people, you will be the public face of the event and should act accordingly.

This handbook has been created using experience and feedback from our loyal volunteers who come to our races each year. The aim is to create a go-to document to answer any questions you have about being a volunteer.

ROLES

Volunteer roles at the OVO Energy Tour of Britain fall under three categories:

Start Race Maker

KoM/Sprint Race Maker

Finisher Race Maker

Exceptional circumstances aside, it is extremely unlikely that fans will be able to volunteer at a (a) start and KoM/sprint or (b) KoM/sprint and finish.

Roles will include marshalling the route, start/finish and surrounding area.  This will require a committed approach to marshalling. Your role is vital in ensuring crowd control is maintained during the race, whether you are positioned on a crossing point with our security teams or situated in our Tour Village watching for unusual behaviour.

You may be asked to assist in answering spectator questions – a number of FAQs are listed below. If you are unsure of anything please do not hesitate to ask your supervisor.

There is potential you could be tasked with overseeing the parking of VIP, team or official vehicles for the race. This will require a direct and logical mind to ensure these tasks are completed efficiently.

ON THE DAY

Adhering to the following will ensure that your volunteering experience is hassle-free.

Arrive on time.

Arrive 10 minutes before your given meeting time.

Wear suitable clothes

This is an outdoor event so please dress accordingly. Dress comfortably and please wear closed shoes. Please keep jewellery and valuable to a minimum for your own protection. You will be given a high-vis jacket which will distinguish you from race fans. 

Bring food/water

Due to the nature of the event and volunteer poisitioning please bring your own refreshments with you for consumption. This includes food and water for the time you will be volunteering.

Plan your day

Please do not leave your post unless asked to by a member of SweetSpot staff or your supervisor. Prior to your departure you will be required to meet your day supervisor for a short debrief process and to collect your volunteer t-shirt.

Please advise in advance if you have any particular issues to volunteer@thetour.co.uk.

EXPECATIONS

At all times you should:

Be polite, courteous and helpful to all members of the public.

Assist in providing information as required, including advising spectators of local facilities.

Staff your designated area – do not leave your post unless instructed to do so.

Comply promptly with any instruction given in an emergency by a member of OVO Energy Tour of Britain staff or MJ Event Security.

Report anything dangerous or suspicious to a member of OVO Energy Tour of Britain staff.

Assist in giving out leaflets to the public if required.

Always cooperate with the police and other emergency services as necessary.

MEETING POINTS

Start volunteers: please meet at the stage start (which will be located at the address and postcode below).

KoM/sprint volunteers:

Finish volunteers: please use the address and postcode below and look out for a large red flag labelled VOLUNTEERS in the Tour Village. You will report to Paul Baillie.

Please note that the postcodes given are an indication only. We encourage you to consult a map before arriving on the day to ensure you know where you are meeting.

It is vital that you arrive on time at the meeting point as volunteers will need to be deployed to the various positions quickly. If you arrive late we cannot guarantee you will be able to take part.

Volunteers are required to make their own way to meeting points; unfortunately travel expenses cannot be reimbursed. To say thank you, we will give you an official OVO Energy Tour of Britain volunteer t-shirt, from our Official Clothing Sponsor, Dare2B.

PRE-RACE QUESTIONS

The below FAQs will assist volunteers in their pre-race planning.

Have I been accepted as a Race Maker?

Yes, unless you have been contacted otherwise by the organisers.

Are there training sessions?

We want our volunteering to be as accessible as possible so you do not need to attend any training courses directly. You will be briefed thoroughly on the day in your role but please make sure you read this guide in full beforehand.

Is there a place to park?

We would suggest using public transport, walking or cycling to the event as race-related road closures and parking restrictions are likely to be in operation.

Can I bring a friend to volunteer?

We would encourage you to invite any friends you want to volunteer. However, they must apply through the volunteer system prior to the event.

Can I bring my children?

Unfortunately, you are unable to bring your children to volunteer with you. The event requirements your full attention to ensure the safety of the riders and the public. We appreciate your co-operation with this.

Can I volunteer for more than one day?

Absolutely! Please note that, exceptional circumstances aside, it is extremely unlikely that fans will be able to volunteer at a (a) start and KoM/sprint or (b) KoM/sprint and finish.

POSSIBLE SPECTATOR QUESTIONS

You will be dealing with members of the public and acting as a point of information. Below is a list of likely questions and answers; if you have any doubt, refer to a member of OVO Energy Tour of Britain staff.

Can I cross the course?

Yes, where and when it is deemed safe to do so.

Where is the toilet?

You should familiarise yourself with the nearest public facilities when you arrive at your allocated position.

Where does the race go?

The routes are published for download on our website. You should familiarise yourself with the map which relates to the stage you are volunteering on.

Where is the nearest first aid station?

An OVO Energy Tour of Britain staff member will inform you of this when you arrive at your allocated position. But there will be dedicated MediBikes who travel with the race convoy, along with dedicated onsite first aid.

I have lost my children, where can I find them?

Direct them to a member of OVO Energy Tour of Britain staff.

I have found a child, what should I do?

Direct them to a member of OVO Energy Tour of Britain staff.

EVENT INFORMATION

Please refer to the OVO Energy Tour of Britain website for all event timings for the stage(s) you have agreed to volunteer on.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

For your own safety and for the safety of members of the public it is extremely important that you read and familiarise yourself with the information below. If you have any questions, please contact a member of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain team, or your supervisor.

Only use equipment that you have received training and instruction to do so.

Please point out to your section supervisor or nearest radio anything that you feel may be dangerous to yourself or others.

Flat, protective, robust footwear should be worn at all times.

Do not attempt to touch any form of electrical equipment.

Do not attempt to lift any heavy loads (including people) without instruction.

Do not attempt to perform any task that may have the potential to cause you or others harm.

Always wear the hi-visibility clothing issued to you so that you are easily visible in the crowd.

If the weather is hot you must ensure you wear suitable head protection and sun lotion with a high protective factor. You must also ensure that you consume plenty of water or soft fluids during the course of your shift.

If the weather is cold, you must ensure that you wear a suitably protective and warm outer garment.

Please remove any jewellery that could be hazardous.

Do not attempt to tackle any outbreak of fire. Please bring it to the attention of your nearest radio holder.

Do not attempt to give any form of first aid.

Always obey any warning or mandatory signs.

If you witness any type of accident or injury, please provide your section supervisor with full details.

A site risk assessment will be carried out for this event. Any information relating to hazards identified that could affect you will be brought to your attention during your event day section briefing. You must comply with all precautions in place to reduce or prevent the risk from the hazard affecting you.

At all times, you must be alert to what is happening around you, if there is any crowd build up or heavy movement you must at all times stand out the way of the crowd to prevent yourself being crushed.

CONTACT INFORMATION (PRE-EVENT ONLY)

If you have any questions prior to the race start, please contact Grace at the OVO Energy Tour of Britain office during working hours on (01932) 831485, or by email at info@thetour.co.uk.

THANK YOU

Thank you again for your time to assist on our race. You will make a huge difference to the spectator, rider and organiser experience by following these instructions. Feel free to ask if you have any questions; we would be happy to help.

 

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