Race Rules

Ideally, if you adhere to the TLC MTB Code of Conduct, we would love to say that “There are no Rules”. But sadly, we need to ensure that there is a comprehensive list of “Do’s and Don’ts”. Read on….

Please adhere to the D.B.A.P.B.L. code – aka The Horrie Code

The rules and regulations pertaining to The Great Kei Trek may change slightly in the weeks leading up to the race.

Mountain Bike racing is by nature self-reliant and often held in remote areas. All competitors must participate with an understanding and acceptance of this ethos.

Riders

Medical Condition

Participants may only start any stage of this race if they are in good physical and medical condition.
During the race the Senior Medical Officer reserves the right to withdraw any participant who he may deem physically or psychologically incapable of continuing with the race.
All riders need comprehensive medical aid to cover medical expenses

Race Briefings

A stage briefing will take place on the evening before the race at rider briefing sessions, typically starting at 18.00 at the Morgan Bay Hotel, unless otherwise advised.
Riders 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.

Prize Giving and Award Ceremonies

Bicycles

The Team

Helmets and Riding Attire

Only recognised hard shell cycling helmets complying with recognised standards will be acceptable. The Race Organiser will rule on the permitted use of any questionable helmets.
Any riders not wearing their helmets, with the retention strap properly fastened, at any time during the race will be disqualified.
It is strongly recommended that protective eyewear be worn.
No cameras or Go-Pro’s are allowed to be worn on your helmet.

The Start

Individual and Team Results

Rider Identification and Timing

Rather than a classic timing system, we will have a “Rider Tracking” system.
Each day there will be a few “tempting” stops where you as the rider may feel you and your partner are not sufficiently hydrated and need to quench your thirst further. Whilst your Strava will be paused at this point, we will have cut off times, and should you not make the cut off, you will be deemed as a non-finisher of the day. (What that means is don’t spend all day in the pub)
All riders must display their Great Kei Trek race number at all times during a stage. Riders not displaying official race numbers will be regarded as non-participants, and prevented from continuing on the route by marshals.

Nutrition and Hydration

The Great Kei Trek will take place in May. Weather is unpredictable at this time of the year. It can be hot, windy or rainy, and the temperatures may reach over 35˚C. Ensure that you have appropriate clothing.
Riders must ensure that they keep themselves properly hydrated and carry sufficient nutrition for at least 35km of riding.
The Great Kei Trek will provide water, limited volumes of energy drinks, at neutral feed stations at accessible and appropriate refreshment stations on the route.

Seconding and Support

Riders may not receive outside assistance or help, other than from fellow competitors, at any point along route.
No towing between riders is allowed, in line with international rules.
No drafting is permitted behind any other vehicles on the route, including private motorcycles and race support vehicles.
Supporters are not permitted to follow or drive ahead of riders or be on any section of the course, while the race is in 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 will be demarcated on maps and explained at the stage briefings.
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 If such riders are found to be on the course and they can be linked to a participating team, that team will be “penalised” at the discretion of the Race Organiser.

Withdrawals and Formation of New Teams

Any team/ rider not able to continue the race, for whatever reason, must inform the Race Office immediately. This can be done at the finish, at a feed zone, or by contacting the emergency number displayed on the Number Board.
In the event of a search and rescue operation being launched for a rider or team who has withdrawn, but has not informed the Race Office, the cost of such an operation will be for the rider or team concerned.
In the event of one member of a team being incapable of continuing in the race, this must also be reported to the Race Office so that the remaining rider may continue as a solo rider.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

Littering on the route, damage to property, lighting of fires or damage to the environment will not be tolerated.
Any littering will lead to immediate disqualification.
Physical and/or abuse of Great Kei Trek Crew and Officials, or fellow competitors will not be permitted.
Infringements of the above rules will result in disciplinary action and possible disqualification.

Traffic Regulations

The Great Kei Trek will not have exclusive use of any public or private roads during the race. Owing to the fact that we are guests of the landowners and the various resorts, we are to respect their wishes to allow them to continue operating their businesses with minimum interruption. For safety reasons, all riders are expected to stop or give way to machines, transport vehicles, until the road is clear and an official or marshal waves the riders on.
Riders must ride with 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.
Riders are not permitted to ride on the opposite (right) side of the centreline on a public road.
Care must be taken when negotiating "blind corners" on farm and district roads where vehicles and machines may be operating.
Infringements of traffic regulations may result in disqualification.

Basic Race Rules and Etiquette (DBAPBL)

All riders must complete the entire distance of the race to be deemed an official finisher.
While utmost care will be taken to provide a comprehensive GPS file, mark and marshal the route, the responsibility for following the official route lies with the rider.
No rider is permitted to take any shortcuts, or take advantage of any similar nature over other participants.
Riders who leave the stage for any reason whatsoever must return into the stage at the same place from where they exited it.
Riders must act in a polite manner and permit any faster rider to pass unhindered as soon as conditions allow.
Riders must respect the environment, and ride only on the official demarcated route.
No pollution of any kind is permitted.
No glass containers are permitted.
Riders must not use abusive language, act in an unsporting manner, and be disrespectful to Great Kei Trek officials, crew, marshals, medical attendants, supporters, the media or the traffic officials.
Riders are expected to administer basic first aid to injured team partners and other competitors, and if required, take necessary steps to summon assistance in the case of a serious injury.