| 1. | Riders |
| 1.1. | The minimum age of participation is 18 years on the day the race starts. |
| 1.2. | There are 4 riding categories for teams, namely men, ladies, mixed and masters. |
| 1.3. | To start in the masters category both riders must be 40 years or older on the day the race starts. |
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| 2. | UCI Points Ranking |
| The mens's category is a UCI licensed race. Teams in the men's category that wish to compete for prize money and that would like their race results to contribute to their riders’ accumulated UCI point ranking must register as UCI licensed riders during online registration, at which time they must provide their UCI license numbers. These select teams in the men's category are then also subject to the following additional rules: |
| 2.1. | Both team members must show a valid UCI license with UCI number at registration in Cape Town, national license numbers like Cycling South Africa (CSA) are not acceptable. |
| 2.2. | Both team members must ride in identical cycling jerseys and cycling pants. |
| 2.3. | Teams where one or both riders do not complete a stage within the cut-off are out of the race and both riders may not continue riding the next day. Blue number boards and the formation of new teams (see rule 13) do not apply and both riders are out of the race. |
| 2.4. | Teams where one or both riders have not registered as UCI licensed riders do not qualify for prize money or UCI points. |
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| 3. | Medical |
| 3.1. | Riders will only have their entries confirmed after the race organisation receive a signed Absa Cape Epic medical certificate from a medical doctor verifying the rider’s health status to compete in an endurance race of this nature. |
| 3.2. | Riders must be in good health and well trained. |
| 3.3. | The organisers reserve the right to prevent a rider from continuing the race on advice of the official race medics. |
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| 4. | Bicycles |
| 4.1. | Only mountain bikes in good working order will be allowed to start the race. |
| 4.2. | Bikes must be race-ready at the start of each stage, and during the race. Race ready means the following: |
| 4.2.1. | The front number board is securely fitted and visible from the front. |
| 4.2.2. | The frame marking is displayed as per instructions received at registration. |
| 4.2.3. | The bike is in safe working order. |
| 4.3. | Handlebar ends and handlebar extensions shall be plugged and must not have sharp or jagged edges. The use of tri-bars and tri-bladed wheels is not allowed. |
| 4.4. | Maintenance of bikes during the race is the responsibility of each rider. |
| 4.5. | Basic bike repair services are provided by the Absa Cape Epic technical service partners at stage finishes. |
| 4.6. | In all cases of maintenance and repair, riders are required to complete the full distance of the stage with their bikes and must complete the stage before the designated cut-off time. |
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| 5. | Helmets and Clothing |
| 5.1. | A rider not wearing a helmet at any stage of the race will be disqualified. |
| 5.2. | All helmets must comply with international ‘ANSI’ standards. |
| 5.3. | Appropriate riding attire, including a shirt, must be worn at all times. |
5.4. | Both team members must ride in identical cycling jerseys. |
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| 6. | Separation Time Penalties (STP’s) |
| 6.1. | Riders must ride with their team partner at all times. |
| 6.2. | Riders who are separated by more than 2 minutes from their team partner at any point in the race will receive a Separation Time Penalty (STP) of 1 hour. |
| 6.3. | Team rider separation may be measured at the start, at the finish, and at various check points, but can also be enforced at any point during the race. |
| 6.4. | More than 1 STP per stage can be encountered and will be enforced. |
| 6.5. | 3 STP’s will result in the disqualification of the team, even if obtained during a single stage. |
| 6.6. | STP’s will be applied to both stage results and overall results. |
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| 7. | Rider Identification |
| 7.1. | Both riders in a team must display their race numbers at all times. |
| 7.2. | Bike numbers must be firmly fixed on the front of the bike, and may not be obscured by cables or any other item. |
| 7.3. | Race numbers may not be modified or mutilated in any way, including cutting, adding stickers, removing existing stickers or trimming. |
| 7.4. | Removing or obscuring any official Absa Cape Epic sponsor logos or advertising may result in disqualification from the race. |
| 7.5. | Race and category leaders are obliged to wear the leader jerseys supplied by the Absa Cape Epic. |
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| 8. | Recommended Equipment |
| These items must be considered the minimum, and it is strongly recommended that riders ensure that they are fully prepared to deal with emergencies they may encounter. |
| 8.1. | First Aid Kit – consisting of a minimum of: |
| 8.1.1. | Foil survival blanket |
| 8.1.2. | First aid dressings x3 (sizes 2,3, and 4 recommended) |
| 8.1.3. | Adhesive first aid plasters x5 |
| 8.1.4. | Sun block with a minimum SPF factor of 15 |
| 8.1.5. | Whistle |
| 8.2. | Any riders on specific personal medications are responsible for supplying and carrying such medication. |
| 8.3. | At least 3 litres liquid capacity per rider |
| 8.4. | Multi-tool or bike repair tools |
| 8.5. | Mobile telephone (South Africa uses Dual Band GSM 900/1800 – this is the same as in Europe. |
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| 9. | Time Trial |
| 9.1. | One of the stages takes the form of a a team time trial.
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| 9.2. | Participation in the time trial is compulsory for all teams. |
| 9.3. | A team’s time in the time trial counts towards the team’s overall time and overall ranking. |
| 9.4. | Each team will receive a pre-allocated start time for the time trial. |
| 9.5. | Teams must report at the entrance to the start chute at least 15min before their allocated start time. |
| 9.6. | Timing will start at the allocated start time. |
| 9.7. | If a team misses their start time, they will be allowed to start at the back of the field but their time will be taken from their allocated start time.
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| 9.8. | The cut-off time is taken from the time the team started. |
| 9.9. | Teams or riders who do not finish the time trial will receive blue numbers and will not be considered race finishers (as per rules – see 13.6.). |
| 9.10. | All other race rules apply, including STP’s (see 6.) |
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| 10. | Stage Starts |
| 10.1. | The start chute opens 45 minutes before the start of each stage. |
| 10.2. | Differential start zones will be allocated according to overall ranking in the race. |
| 10.3. | The leading 5 teams in the men category as well as the overall leaders in each of the other categories (category leader jerseys) will be called up. Teams are obliged to assemble in the start paddock immediately next to the start line no later than 10 minutes before the start. |
| 10.4. | The seeded starting zones will close strictly 10 minutes before the stage start. |
| 10.5. | Riders must enter the start zone as a team with their bikes, and once entered must remain with their bikes. |
| 10.6. | Teams who are not in their start zones 10 minutes before the start will be required to start in the open zone at the back. |
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| 11. | Route and Stages |
| 11.1. | Riders must complete the full designated route and distance of all stages, including the time trial.
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| 11.2. | Only riders who complete all 8 stages within the cut-off times will be considered Absa Cape Epic finishers. |
| 11.3. | The actual race distance may vary from the published or briefed distance. |
| 11.4. | GPS tracking of the Absa Cape Epic route is prohibited. The use of GPS units to monitor heart rate, cadence, speed etc is only allowed if the track log has been disabled. The responsibility of switching off the tracking functionality is with the rider. Any rider found tracking the route will be disqualified. |
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| 12. | Race Timing |
| 12.1. | Only team times will be advertised, but individual rider times will be recorded for the allocation of STP’s. |
| 12.2. | The team time is determined as the time at which the second team member passes the stage finish line. |
| 12.3. | Teams where one rider carries 2 or more transponders will be disqualified. A rider who passes his/her transponder on to anyone else to ride the race will be disqualified. |
| 12.4. | Timing will start with the start gun each morning. |
| 12.5. | The start line will remain open for 15 minutes after the start gun. |
| 12.6. | Any rider who cannot make the stage start time must report to the Chief Commissaire within 15 minutes of the start gun to request approval for a late start. |
| 12.7. | No rider is allowed to start late without approval. If no approval for a late start has been given, the rider will be considered a DNS (did not start), hence receive no stage result and not qualify as a race finisher. |
| 12.8. | The finish cut-off time will not be adjusted for riders who are permitted a late start. |
12.9.
| Time bonuses may be awarded on selected stages. Details will be made available in the final race instructions. Time bonuses are applied to overall results. |
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| 13. | Finish and Cut-off Times |
| 13.1. | Daily cut-off times are based on the length and terrain for each stage and will cut-off, this will be advertised in the Ride Guide, as well as during the race briefing the previous night.
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13.2.
| Riders may cross the finish line on foot provided that they have their bicycle with them. |
| 13.3. | Teams that do not reach designated cut-off points in time will be prevented from continuing to ride and will be swept from the course and classified as DNF (did not finish) for that stage. |
13.4.
| Cut-off points can be enforced at any time if the organisers deem the situation as unsafe. |
| 13.5. | The first time that a rider does not finish within the cut-off time and receives a DNF, he/she can continue to ride the race the next day, but will not be classified as a finisher. A rider that does not finish within the cut-off for a second time during the course of the race will be prevented from starting the next day and may not continue the race. |
| 13.6. | Number boards of riders that DNF will be removed and if allowed to continue, the rider will be issued a blue number board with which to start the following day. On the last stage, all riders with blue number boards will cross a different finish line to the official Absa Cape Epic finish line and will not be recognised as official finishers. This rule is applied even if the rider/team has ridden the entire race but did not finish within the stipulated cut-off time on one stage. |
| 13.7. | Any rider not able to complete a stage will be transported to the stage finish. If a rider cannot continue the race for whatever reason, all effort will be made to transport such riders and their bikes to the race finish at their own cost. |
| 13.8. | Podium finishers and overall category leaders must be present at the daily awards ceremony at 18h45 in the rider dining marquee, including the final ceremony. Absence will result in time penalties. |
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| 14. | Abandoning of a stage |
| If the organisers for any reason abandon a stage due to safety concerns the following applies: |
14.1.
| A stage can only count towards the overall results if all categories have finishers in all podium places. If this is not the case the abandoning of the stage will have no impact on the overall results and the stage will be declared a non event. |
14.2.
| If all categories have finishers in all podium places when a stage needs to be abandoned, the riders still on the course will be allocated a percentage of the category winners' time at the time when the stage is cancelled. |
14.3.
| Riders who did not start the stage or did not reach the point where the stage is abandoned, will be considered a DNF and will not qualify as race finishers. |
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| 15. | Traffic Regulations |
| 15.1. | The Absa Cape Epic does not always have exclusive use of any public roads during the race. |
| 15.2. | All regular traffic regulations must be observed at all times during the race. (In South Africa we drive/ride on the LEFT HAND SIDE of the road!) |
| 15.3. | Instructions of marshals must be strictly adhered to. |
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| 16. | Checkpoints |
| 16.1. | On each stage, there will be checkpoints, where STP’s will be enforced. |
| 16.2. | Teams that are not detected when passing the checkpoints may be disqualified. |
| 16.3. | The exact location of the checkpoints will not be published, and hidden checkpoints are not excluded. |
| 16.4. | The exact locations of water points will be published. |
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| 17. | Registration and Briefing |
| 17.1. | Race registration takes place in Cape Town on Saturday before the race starts. |
| 17.2. | Riders must report to registration as a team and bring a form of ID with a photograph on it. |
| 17.3. | All riders must have registered by 15h00 on Saturday. No late registrations will be accepted. Teams that have not registered by this time will lose their entry and they will not be allowed to start the race. No refund will be given. |
| 17.4. | A race briefing will take place in Cape Town on Saturday at 15h30. |
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| 18. | Nutrition and Hydration |
| The Absa Cape Epic passes through very dry and very hot areas of South Africa. |
| 18.1. | Riders retain the ultimate responsibility to carry enough water and nutrition with them. |
| 18.2. | The Absa Cape Epic race organisation will provide water at official water points on the route. This water is for drinking only, no bike washing will be permitted. |
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| 19. | Seconding and Support |
| 19.1. | Medical assistance will be supplied by the race organisation at all the official water points. |
| 19.2. | No outside seconding or assistance is permitted under any circumstances. Outside assistance includes assisting with bike maintenance, water and nutrition support and physically assisting riders. |
| 19.3. | Competitors may receive internal assistance from their team partner or from a fellow competitor. |
| 19.4. | No towing between riders is allowed. |
| 19.5. | Riders are not allowed to draft behind other riders who are not participating in the Absa Cape Epic, but may draft behind their own team partner or other riders taking part in the Absa Cape Epic. |
| 19.6. | No other form of drafting is permitted whatsoever including, but not limited to, private vehicles, motor cycles, trucks and official Absa Cape Epic vehicles. |
| 19.7. | Specific escort or seconding vehicles not provided by the Absa Cape Epic race organisers are not permitted to follow the race route. However, supporters may drive their own vehicles along public roads to reach vantage points to vocally support riders. Some sections of the course will be closed to all non-event traffic – including some public roads. Their closure must be respected by all. |
| 19.8. | A team whose supporters follow the route will receive a time penalty, and on a second offence will be disqualified. |
| 19.9. | Transgressions of access rights in the race village by supporters or riders will lead to time penalties imposed on affected teams and possible disqualification depending on the severity of the offence. |
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| 20. | Withdrawals and the Formation of New Teams |
| 20.1. | Teams or riders that cannot continue the race, for whatever reason, must immediately inform the race office. This can be done at the race start, the finish, or water points or by calling the Absa Cape Epic hotline (0861 MTB 780). |
| 20.2. | In the event of a search and rescue operation being initiated for a rider or team that has withdrawn, but has not informed the race office, the cost of the search and rescue will be transferred to the rider or team. |
| 20.3. | In the event of one team member being incapable of completing the race, the race office will assist to form a new team in which the single rider can participate. The formation of a new team, however, remains the rider’s responsibility. |
| 20.4. | The formation of new teams can only be done at the end of a stage, and by the latest at 06h30 in the morning before the start of the following stage. |
| 20.5. | Single riders will not be allowed to begin any stage on their own. |
| 20.6. | Newly formed teams will not qualify for team ranking, but individual riders will qualify as finishers, on condition that they ride within the newly formed team. |
| 20.7. | Seeding of newly formed teams will be based on the seeding of the slower rider, but the highest seeding for a newly formed team is start zone C. |
| 20.8. | All race rules apply to newly formed teams, including STP’s (see point 6) |
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| 21. | Environmental and Ethical |
| No littering or damage to the environment will be tolerated. Any offence will lead to time penalties or disqualification. This includes but is not limited to: |
| 21.1. | Throwing away of water bottles, packaging, bike spares. |
| 21.2. | Deviating from the path. |
| 21.3. | Smoking on route is not permitted. |
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| 22. | Protests |
| 22.1. | Any protests must be submitted in writing, on the official protest sheets provided in the race office, to the chief commissaire after the rider has crossed the finish line, within the allocated time period (see 22.4 & 22.5 below). |
| 22.2. | A deposit of R250 must accompany any protest, before the protest will be considered. |
| 22.3. | If the protest is upheld, the deposit will be refunded. If the protest is not upheld, the deposit will be forfeited and donated to charity. |
| 22.4. | Race protests must be submitted within 15 minutes of the rider crossing the finish line. |
| 22.5. | Result protests must be submitted by 18h00 on the day of the stage concerned. |
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| 23. | Doping |
| 23.1. | The Absa Cape Epic reserves the right to test all riders for doping. |
| 23.2. | Positive results will lead to disqualification from the Absa Cape Epic and a lifetime ban from future events organised by the race organisation. Test results will be forwarded to the national cycling federations. |
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| 24. | Disqualification and Penalties |
| Teams may be disqualified at the discretion of chief commissaire / race office for any one or more of the following reasons including, but not limited to: |
| 24.1. | Littering |
| 24.2. | Disrespect or damage on the environment |
| 24.3. | Riding at any point on any stage without a helmet |
| 24.4. | Bad sportsmanship |
| 24.5. | Abuse of race officials |
| 24.6. | Traffic rule violations |
| 24.7. | Tracking the race route with a GPS device |
| 24.8. | Breaking of Absa Cape Epic race rules as discribed above |
| 24.9. | Rule of infringements and penalties are provided in the table below, but are not limited to that table (see 26 below). |
| 24.10. | Time penalties will be applied to stage results, as well as to overall results or general classification. |
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| 25. | Basic Mountain Bike Racing Rules and Etiquette |
| 25.1. | Riders must complete the entire distance of the race, and the responsibility for following the official route lies with the rider. |
| 25.2. | A rider is not permitted to take any shortcuts or take other advantage of a similar nature against competitors. |
| 25.3. | Riders, who exit the route of the course for any reason, must return to the course at the exact same point from which they exited. |
| 25.4. | Any walking, running or riding by a rider, which is carried out without the intention of directly re-joining the course, or other activity in breach of the regulations, which takes place outside of the marked course area, can result in disqualification. |
| 25.5. | A rider cannot receive any technical assistance along the course from anybody, other than from their own Absa Cape Epic team partner or another official Absa Cape Epic rider. |
| 25.6. | Riders must act in a polite manner at all times, and permit any faster rider to overtake without obstructing. |
| 25.7. | Riders must respect the countryside and ride only on the official route. Riders must avoid polluting the area, and not leave any waste or litter. |
| 25.8. | No glass containers of any kind are permitted on or near the course. |
| 25.9. | Riders must not use offensive or abusive language during the race, act in an unsporting manner, be disrespectful to the officials, or ignore the race regulations. |
| 25.10. | Any rider reported for trespassing on private land relating to the route of the Absa Cape Epic at any time of the year will receive a lifetime ban from riding the race. |
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| 26. | Discretion of the Chief Commissaire |
| Where any additional rule interpretation is required, or where specific provision for any incident has not been made in these rules, the decision of the chief commissaire will be final. |
