EVENT RACE RULES
Please note that these are generic race rules and will apply to all Leverage Corporation events. If there are changes/ amendments, these will be communicated to you prior to the event or at the race briefing on the day of the event.
The rules and regulations pertaining to the event may change slightly in the weeks leading up to the race. The final version will be communicated at the race briefing on race day.
Mountain Bike racing and Trail Running are by nature self-reliant and often held in remote areas. All competitors must participate with an understanding and acceptance of this ethos.
1. Riders
1.1 All riders participating in the event must be aware of the relevant age categories, in particular the minimum age requirements.
See below to familiarise yourself with the various distances and minimum age categories as stipulated by Cycling South Africa (CSA).
Marathon Distance: 61 –160 Km
Target Race Time: 03:00 –04:00
Age Restriction: Both Male and Female 19+
Half Marathon Short Distance: 11 –25km
Target Race Time: 00:30 –01:15
Age Restriction: Both Male and Female 8 –12
Half Marathon Short Distance: 26–35km
Target Race Time: 00:30 –01:30
Age Restriction: Both Male and Female 13 –14
Half Marathon Long Distance: 36 –60km
Target Race Time: 02:00 –02:30
Age Restriction: Both Male and Female15+
Team Events Age category is based on the age of the youngest rider and age distance rules apply.
The tandems Age category is based on the age of the youngest rider and age distance rules apply.
1.2 All riders participating in an event, but are too young, may not enter the event unless permission is granted by the Chief Commissaire prior to the event.
1.3 All participants must be healthy, and in a very fit state of training, particularly for the longer distances.
1.5 All riders must have good technical bike skills for off-road conditions.
2. Categories
2.1 Refer to Prize Money & Categories page on the event website.
3. Medical Condition
3.1 Participants may only start any stage of this race if they are in good physical and medical condition.
3.2 During an event the Senior Medical Officer reserves the right to withdraw any participant who he may deem physically or psychologically incapable of continuing with the race.
4. Registration
4.1 Registration details will always be communicated to you prior to the event. Alternatively, consult the event’s website or Facebook Page
4.2 It is NOT required that bikes be brought to registration.
4.3 No rider or runner will be allocated their race number until the race organisers are in possession of an indemnity form signed by the entrant.
5. Race Briefings
5.1 Full race briefings for riders and runners will take place separately in the Start chute 10 minutes before your respective start times.
5.2 Riders are expected to attend this as important information related to possible changes and particular hazards could be announced.
5.3 Riders and runners who do not attend the race briefings and are not aware of changes made will not be accommodated if they miss their start time, or any similar issue related to their not attending the race briefing.
6. Prize Giving and Award Ceremonies
6.1. All riders receiving an award are required to attend. Absence may result in a time penalty.
6.2. Prize-giving details will always be communicated to you prior to the event in the “Tips & Instructions” email, and this can also be found on the event’s website, in the week leading up to the event.
7. Bicycles
7.1. Only mountain bikes in good, safe working order, at the discretion of the Chief Commissaire, will be allowed to start the stage each day. Unprotected sharp bar ends, in-operative brakes, etc will not be permitted.
7.2. Maintenance of the bicycles used in the race is the responsibility of each participant and the Chief Commissaire reserves the right to insist that a participant repair or attend to a bicycle should the Commissaire be of the opinion that it is unsafe or dangerous.
7.3. The participants must start and finish the event with the same bike.
7.4. Riders may not change their bike or frame of their bicycle during the race without the permission of the Chief Commissaire. Change of a frame will only be allowed in the case of a warranty breakage.
7.5. Rims, spokes, tubes, tyres, wheels, gears, hangers, sprockets, cables, brakes, forks, and shocks may be replaced.
7.6. Limited bike maintenance and spares will be provided by various local bike shops on registration day and after each of the stages.
7.7. No outside assistance for bicycle repairs will be allowed during the race. Participants may only accept assistance from their partner or another competitor, or the official “tech support” in the race.
7.8. Riders are expected to complete the full distance of each stage within the time allowed. Repairs to bicycles during the stage must be carried out within this time limit.
7.9 Riders with e-bikes are welcome to attend, but the onus is on them to bring along additional batteries and tools for repairs.
8. Helmets and Riding Attire
8.1. Only recognised hard shell cycling helmets complying with recognised standards will be acceptable. The Chief Commissaire will rule on the permitted use of any questionable helmets.
8.2. Any riders not wearing their helmets, with the retention strap properly fastened, at any time during the race will be disqualified.
8.3. Generally accepted cycling clothing, including a shirt, must be worn at all times during the race.
8.4. Proper, fully enclosed cycling shoes, or at least running shoes must be worn.
8.5. It is strongly recommended that protective eyewear be worn.
8.6 No GoPro’s or any other cameras may be affixed to your helmet. You will be asked to remove this. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
8.7 No audio devices, other than medically approved hearing aids, are permitted to be worn during the race. Any riders using such equipment will be disqualified.
9. Compulsory Equipment
Although paramedic and medical services will be provided during the race and for a period after the completion of each stage, the self-reliant and remote nature of a mountain bike race requires that each rider carries the following items to be prepared to deal with emergencies they may experience:
9.1. A multi-tool to effect repairs to bikes.
9.2. At least 1 spare tube.
9.3. At least one good pump and a puncture repair kit.
9.4. At least 1,5 litres of hydration liquid per rider at the beginning of each stage. (2 x water bottles).
9.5. At least one cell phone.
Optional Recommended Equipment
9.6. Windbreaker or preferably a lightweight rain jacket.
9.7. Sterile First-Aid dressings.
9.8. Adhesive plasters.
9.9. Sun block with a minimum factor of 40.
9.10. Foil survival blanket.
9.11. Lip Balm
9.12. Whistle
10. The Race and Stages
The race may consist of stages. The results of each day will count toward the overall race results.
ALL STAGES will start and finish at a venue communicated to you prior to the event.
10.1. Feed stations (water, energy drinks, and fruit) will be provided at appropriate points. Please refer to the route maps on the Race Info Menu of each event.
10.2. The total race distance will be outlined on the event’s website.
10.3. Riders must complete the full distances of all stages of the race to be an official finisher and record an official result.
10.4. Cut-off times will also be communicated prior to the event.
11. The Start
11.1. The start chute will open 10 minutes before the start time of your race. Please refer to Start Times on this website
11.2. Depending on the event, riders may be seeded. These details will be communicated to you prior to the event.1.
11.3. The start zone closes 5 minutes before the start.
11.4. Any riders and runners not in the start zone 10 minutes before the start will be required to begin at the back. It is also the riders’ responsibility to ensure that they are at the start on time, even if the start is delayed for whatever reason.
11.5. The start will remain open for 10 minutes after the start for any late starters. Late riders and runners must advise the Chief Commissaire of the late start so that the official sweep and other vehicles can be advised accordingly.
12. Individual Timing
12.1. Timing will start with the start siren/ whistle at the start of each stage.
12.2. Riders who arrive later than 15 minutes after the designated start time will not be allowed to start.
12.3. The cut-off time will not be adjusted for any rider/runner permitted to make a late start.
13. Rider Identification and Timing
13.1. No timing chips are required for the event.
13.2. All riders must display their race number boards at all times during the event. Riders not displaying official race numbers will be regarded as non-participants and will be prevented from continuing on the route by marshals.
13.3. Race numbers must be properly attached to the handlebars of the bike with cable ties provided, and must be placed in front of cables, etc so as not to be obscured in any way. Riders will be required to remove and reaffix numbers if they are found to be obscured. Runners will be provided with a race number.
13.4. Riders & Runners must not cut, modify or mutilate their race numbers in any way. No stickers may be added or removed.
13.5. It is each rider’s responsibility to keep their race numbers relatively clean and legible at all times, and no rider may start a stage with a dirty number. The loss of a race number will cost R150 to replace.
14. Nutrition and Hydration
14.1.Depending on the event, it could be extremely cold, conversely, extremely hot, so please ensure that you have appropriate clothing and hydration.
14.2. Riders must ensure that they keep themselves properly hydrated and carry sufficient nutrition for at least 45km of riding.
14.3. The race organisers will provide water, and limited volumes of energy drinks, at neutral feed stations at accessible and appropriate refreshment stations on the route.
15. Seconding and Support
15.1. Riders and runners may not receive outside assistance or help, other than from fellow competitors, at any point along the route.
15.2. No outside seconding, assistance, or feeding other than that provided by the event staff at an official refreshment station is permitted.
15.3. Bike repairs may be carried out on the route without outside assistance, but care must be taken not to obstruct other riders.
15.4. No towing between riders is allowed, in line with international rules.
15.5. Riders are not permitted to draft behind cycles not participating in the event, but may however draft behind other participating riders.
15.6. No drafting is permitted behind any other vehicles on the route, including private motorcycles and race support vehicles.
15.7. Supporters are not permitted to follow or drive ahead of riders/runners or be on any section of the course, while the race in is progress, on any of the stages, but may access a number of vantage points and public road crossings to vocally support the teams. These points may be demarcated on maps and explained at the stage briefings.
15.8. Cyclists that are not entered in the event are not permitted to ride on the course or any sections of the course. Refer to Rule 13.2. If such riders are found to be on the course and they can be linked to a participant, that rider will be penalised at the discretion of the Chief Commissaire.
16. Withdrawals
16.1. Any rider/runner not able to continue the stage or race, for whatever reason, must inform the Race Office immediately. This can be done at the start of any stage, the finish, at STP checkpoints, at a feed zone, or preferably by mobile phone (082-550-1628).
16.2. If a search and rescue operation is launched for a rider/runner who has withdrawn but has not informed the Race Office, the cost of such an operation will be for the participant concerned.
17. Protests
17.1. Any protests must be submitted in writing, on official protest forms available from the Chief Commissaire, by the rider/runner concerned within the allocated time period after crossing the finish line.
17.2. A deposit of R150 must accompany the protest before the protest will be considered.
17.3. If the protest is upheld, the deposit will be refunded.
17.4. Race protests must be submitted within 15 minutes of the team crossing the line or within 30 minutes of the provisional results being posted. Race results will be posted on an ongoing basis.
18. Ethical and Environmental Considerations
18.1. Littering on the stages, damage to property, lighting of fires, or damage to the environment will not be tolerated.
18.2. Physical and/or abuse of Crew and Officials, or fellow competitors will not be permitted.
18.3. Infringements of the above rules will result in disciplinary action and possible disqualification.
18.4. Littering by riders/runners even at feed zones will not be allowed, and participants are requested to kindly use the litter receptacles provided.
18.5. If a rider/runner is reported for littering at any time during their respective race, it will lead to immediate disqualification of that participant.
19. Traffic Regulations
19.1. The event will not have exclusive use of any public or private roads during the race. Because we are guests of the various farmers in the region, we are to respect their wishes to allow them to continue operating their businesses with minimum interruption. For safety reasons, all riders/runners are expected to stop or give way to machines, and transport vehicles, until the road is clear and an official or marshal waves the riders/runners on.
19.2. Participants must have due regard for other road users, and all traffic signs and regulations must be adhered to unless a traffic officer instructs him/her to do otherwise.
19.3. Riders are not permitted to ride on the opposite (right) side of the centreline on a public road.
19.4. Care must be taken when negotiating “blind corners” on-farm and district roads where vehicles and machines may be operating.
19.5. Infringements of traffic regulations may result in disqualification.
20. Basic Race Rules and Etiquette
20.1. All riders and runners must complete the entire distance of the race.
20.2. While utmost care will be taken to mark and marshal the route, the responsibility for following the official route lies with the participant.
20.3. No entrant is permitted to take any shortcuts or take advantage of any similar nature over other participants.
20.4. Riders who leave the stage for any reason whatsoever must return to the stage at the same place from where they exited it.
20.5. Any walking, running, or riding by any participant, with the intention of not directly re-joining the course, or any other activity in breach of the regulations, which takes place outside the demarcated stage area, can result in disqualification.
20.6. A rider may not receive any outside technical assistance from anybody, other than a fellow competitor.
20.7. Riders must act in a polite manner and permit any faster rider to pass unhindered as soon as conditions allow.
20.8. Participants must respect the environment and proceed only on the official demarcated route.
20.9. No pollution of any kind is permitted.
20.10. No glass containers are permitted.
20.11. No one must: use abusive language, act in an unsporting manner, and be disrespectful to evet officials, crew, marshals, medical attendants, supporters, the media, or the traffic officials.
20.12. Riders/runners are expected to administer basic first aid to injured competitors, and if required, take necessary steps to summon assistance in the case of a serious injury.
21. Doping
21.1. The event organisers reserve the right, in terms of SA Mountain biking rules and regulations, to implement doping tests on any riders.
21.2. Positive results will result in immediate disqualification, and forfeiture of any result by the rider concerned.