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Equipment
If you have any questions about the terms used in this page then you can refer to the Glossary page.
Bobs are sleds with 4 runners (1 pair of front
runners, and a pair of rear runners), with which competitions are carried out on iced
tracks. To drive the bob, only the pushing force of the team, when starting, and the force
of gravity are admitted.
Two types of bobsleds are recognized:
The two-man bob: 2 bobsledders
The four-man bob: 4 bobsledders
For bobsleds, it is forbidden to use plexiglas, transparent material and any material
which may splinter as a result of an impact. The rear part of the bobsleds must be open.
The bobs have to be constructed under the responsibility of the bob producers so that the
bobs stand the stress during the drive on the bob track.
Weights
Maximum weight of the bobs with team, including the equipment required is limited. The
following is admitted:
The two-man bob : maximum weight 390 kgs
The four-man bob: maximum weight 630 kgs
Maximum weight admitted may be achieved by means of ballasts. Ballasts must be fastened to
the bob firmly, and it must be possible to plumb them.
Dimensions and Construction
Following main dimensions and constructive elements of the bobs are fixed (all dimensions
refer to bob without any load on a flat surface, if not specified to the contrary):
Gauge (c/c of opposite runners): The gauge is the same for the front and rear runners. 67
cm ± 0,1 cm.
Distance from the front tip of the front runners to the rear tip of the rear
runners:
The two-man bob: max. 270 cm
The four-man bob: max. 335 cm
Distance from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle (referred to the
plane of symmetry of the bob):
The two-man bob: 169 cm ± 3 cm
The four-man bob: 213 cm ± 3 cm
Frame
The front portion of the bob must be provided with a continuous supporting frame made of
steel.
Helmet
During training and races, all bobsledders must wear a fully protective helmet, which has
to comply with the minimum EEC safety rules. It is forbidden to apply aerodynamic elements
to helmets.
Clothing
Shorts and short sleeves are forbidden in all races.
It is forbidden to apply any extra aerodynamic element to the outside and/or beneath the
competition clothing.
Shoes
The use of spikes on shoes worn by team members to push the bobs is allowed, provided that
spikes are arranged like a brush. The top of spikes may not be thicker than 1 mm; spikes
may not be longer than 4 mm and they may not be arranged further than 3 mm from each
other.
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