RULES

Riders

• Riders must be in good health and well-trained.
• Riders will start in different blocks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone.

Medical

• The Medical Officer reserves the right to withdraw a rider who is not deemed physically capable of continuing.
• Any medical expenses incurred will be the competitor's responsibility and will be claimed from their medical aid.
• All competitors need comprehensive medical aid to cover any medical expenses incurred while participating in the race.

Bicycles

• Only mountain bikes in good working order will be allowed to start the race.
• Bikes must be marked with the official race number board, securely fitted and visible from the front. Numbers must not be modified or mutilated in any way.
• Maintenance of bicycles during the race is the responsibility of each rider.
• Bike repair services will be provided by outsourced service providers at stage finishes.

Helmets and Clothing

• A rider not wearing a helmet at any stage of the race will be removed from the course immediately.
• All helmets must comply with international “ANSI” standards.
• Appropriate riding attire, including a shirt, must be worn at all times.
• Eye protection is strongly recommended.
• It is recommended that fully enclosed footwear be worn.

Obligatory Equipment

• These items are the bare minimum, and it is strongly recommended that riders ensure they are fully prepared for emergencies:
  • First Aid Kit consisting of:
    • Foil survival blanket
    • First Aid Dressings (sizes 2, 3, and 4 recommended)
    • Adhesive first aid plasters x 5
    • Sunblock with a minimum SPF factor of 15
  • Personal medications as needed.
  • At least 2 liters of liquid capacity per rider.
  • Multi-tool or bike repair tools.
  • Mobile and working telephone (South Africa uses Dual Band GSM 900/1800).

Finish

• The finish line closes at 15h00 on the first day and at 14h00 on the second day.
• Riders arriving after the cut-off time will be swept off the route by the sweep vehicle.

Traffic Regulations

• The race will not have exclusive use of public roads.
• Regular traffic regulations must be observed at all times. (In South Africa, we drive/ride on the left-hand side of the road.)

Nutrition and Hydration

• Riders are responsible for carrying enough water and nutrition.
• The race organization will provide water and fruit at feed stations along the route.

Withdrawals

• Riders who cannot continue for any reason must immediately inform the Race Office at the start, finish, or water points. Withdrawals are official only once the bike board is handed in.
• If a search and rescue operation is initiated for a rider who has withdrawn but not informed the Race Office, the cost will be transferred to the rider.

Ethical and Environmental

• No littering or unnecessary damage to the environment will be tolerated.
• Littering related to sports nutrition and feeding stations will be tolerated within the direct area of the feed stations.

Disqualification

A rider may be disqualified for:

• Riding without a helmet.
• Excessive littering.
• Disrespect or damage to the environment.
• Bad sportsmanship.
• Abuse of race officials.
• Traffic rule violations.

Basic Mountain Bike Racing Rules and Etiquette

• Riders must complete the entire race distance, and following the official route is their responsibility.
• Riders must act politely and allow faster riders to overtake without obstruction.
• Riders must respect the countryside, stay on the official route, avoid polluting, and not leave waste.
• No glass containers are permitted on or near the course.
• Riders must not use offensive or abusive language, act unsportingly, disrespect officials, or ignore race regulations.

Registration and Briefing

• Race registration takes place at the venue at the time and place indicated on the race website.
• All riders must register by the cut-off time indicated on the race website on the day preceding the race.
• A rider must inform the race office if substituting another rider. The race organizer is not responsible for incorrect information supplied in medical or other emergencies when a rider has not completed the substitution form at registration.
• A pre-race briefing will take place at the time and place indicated on the website.