Race rules

2.1 Structure: The Rules are divided into the following four parts:

• Part A (Introduction)
• Part B (General Rules – Applicable to All Riders)
• Part C (Rules Applicable to Pro Riders)
• Part D (Penalties and Fines)

2.2 Updates. The Rules are intended to be definitive and complete but may be updated and amended from time to time. External rules or regulations only apply where the Rules specifically incorporate them (see, for example, Rule 31). The version of the Rules in force on the start date of the Race will govern the Race in that year.

2.3 Non-Compliance. Penalties specific to violations of certain Rules are set out in Part D below. For violations of any other Rules, the penalties will be in the discretion of the Race Jury.

2.4 Interpretation of Rules; Finality. The interpretation of any Rule will be made by the Race Jury and will be final and binding.

2.5 Decisions. The Race Director or race official, will make decisions that are required to be made immediately or promptly during a Race stage. All other decisions will be made by the Race Jury.

2.6 Language. If the Rules are translated into any language other than English, the English language version of the Rules will govern and control in the event of any conflict with the translated version.

2.7 Headings. Headings in the Rules are used for convenience only and will not be utilised in the interpretation of the Rules.

2.8 Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of the Rules, the following capitalised terms are defined as follows:

• “DNF” means the status of “did not finish the applicable stage.”
• “DNS” means the status of “did not start the applicable stage.” A rider whose status is DNS by definition also has DNF status.
• “DQ” means “disqualified”.
• “GC” means “general classification” which is calculated by time as accumulated stage results.
• “Maximum Stage Time” means the maximum amount of time allowed (as determined by the Organisers from time to time) to officially complete any stage of the Race.
• “Organisers” means the Race organisers that represent the owner of the Race.
• “OR” means the status of “out of rankings”, assigned to a rider who has failed to complete any stage within the Maximum Stage Time, but is allowed to continue the Race in terms of Rule 13.5.
• “OTL” means the status of “outside of time limit”, assigned to a rider who completed the applicable stage, but exceeded the Maximum Stage Time. A rider whose status is OTL by definition also has DNF status.
• “Padstals” means service stations on the Race route provided by the organisers, typically providing hydration, nutrition and tech support, and each a “Padstal”.
• “Physical Assistance” means the sharing of water and nutrition, sharing of bike parts and accessories, assistance with maintenance and repairs, any similar type of assistance [and any other type of physical assistance as may be determined by the Race Director, race official or Race Jury as provided for in Rule 2.5 above].
• “Podium Contender” means a rider that, at the beginning of any stage, is in the top 5 positions in the relevant category or whose total time is not more than one hour off the total time of the 3rd placed rider in the relevant category at the beginning of such stage.
• “Pro Rider” means a rider who is registered for the Race in the Pro category in accordance with Rule 24.
• “Pro Rider Guide” means the Race information booklet distributed to Pro Riders prior to Race registration.
• “Team” means a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of four (4) Pro Riders registered to compete in the Team Classification in accordance with Rule 26.
• “Race Director” means the primary supervisory Race-operations staff member employed or contracted by the Organisers.
• “Race Jury” means the Race Director, acting jointly with the commissaire(s) appointed by the national cycling federation (Cycling South Africa) and any other persons appointed by the Organisers in their sole discretion.

3.1 Eligibility.

3.1.1 Riders must be at least 19 years old on 31 December of the year in which the Race takes place.

3.1.2 At Race registration, each rider must (a) produce a valid identity document, (b) meet all requirements of the Race’s national cycling federation (including but not limited to licensing requirements), and (c) have completed the rider’s medical form (available on the Race website).

3.1.3 Each rider is responsible for ensuring that they have adequate medical insurance.

3.2 Registration.

3.2.1 All riders must have registered by the time registration closes as indicated on the Race website on the day before stage one of the Race.

3.2.2 No category changes will be permitted after Race registration closes.

3.3 Briefing. A pre-Race briefing which may be online will take place at the time and place indicated on the Race website. Riders must familiarise themselves with all briefings, including any issued before each stage.

4.1 Categories.

4.1.1 The Race offers several riding categories, based on biological gender and age. Available categories are published on the Race website.

4.1.2 Age is determined as per 31 December of the year in which the Race takes place.

4.2 Elixirr Challenger Jersey. The Elixirr Challenger Jersey is a Special Competition Jersey awarded across all age group and Pro Rider categories.

4.2.1 The Elixirr Challenger Jersey is awarded to the male and female rider with the biggest upward movement on results within their respective gender rankings (regardless of age group) as defined here:

• Stage 1: no jersey awarded
• Stage 2: difference between position on stage 1 and position on stage 2
• Stage 3: difference between GC position after stage 2 and position on stage 3
• Stage 4/5/6/7: difference between GC position after stage 3/4/5/6 and position on stage 4/5/6/7 respectively

4.2.2 If two riders moved up the same number of positions, the jerseys will be awarded to the rider with the faster time on that stage.

4.3 Toyota Power Climber Jersey. The Toyota Power Climber Jersey is a Special Competition Jersey awarded after every stage. Different rules apply to the Pro Rider categories (set out in Rule 25) and the age group categories as set out below.

4.3.1 Each stage features a timed hill climb segment, identified as the Toyota Power Climb.

4.3.2 A rider’s average speed is calculated for the time taken to complete the segment.

4.3.3 A boost index is applied to a rider’s average speed based on their age group.

4.3.4 After each stage, the male and female rider with the highest adjusted average speed over the timed segment are awarded the Toyota Power Climber jersey.

4.3.4.1 Each time a rider is awarded the jersey, their boost index is reduced by one age group.

4.3.4.2 For riders in the 19–34 age group, the boost index continues into negative values, with each subsequent reduction following the reverse of the Age Group boost index scale (-4%, -10% etc).

4.4 Other Classifications. The event may include additional activities or classifications including the Night Burn that fall outside the official Race and these Rules. Relevant information is available on the Race website.

5.1 Responsibility. Each rider warrants that they are in good health and well-trained for the Race.

5.2 Medical Removal. The Organisers may prevent a rider from starting or continuing the Race on receipt of medical advice and such decision is final.

6.1 Drop Bars only. Bikes must have drop bars. Flat mountain bike style bars, aero-bars or tri-bars are not allowed.

6.2 Responsibility. Each rider is responsible for the maintenance of their own bike for the duration of the Race. Subject to Rule 18 riders may make use of the neutral tech support provided on route during a stage, or tech support from any service provider between stages, but the ultimate responsibility remains with the rider.

6.3 Race-Ready.

6.3.1 Only Riders whose bikes are, in the opinion of the Race Jury, in good working order and race-ready (defined below) at the start of each stage will be allowed to start that stage.

6.3.2 For purposes of Rule 6.3, “race-ready” means the following:

6.3.2.1 Race numbers and frame markings are securely fitted and displayed as per instructions received at registration.

6.3.2.2 The bike is in safe working order, as determined by the Race Jury.

6.4 Propelling. Bikes may be propelled only through a chain set (or belt) and only by the rider’s leg action, without any form of assistance, subject to Rule 19.3. E-bikes are not allowed.

6.5 Tandem Bikes. Tandem bikes are allowed and form a non-competitive category. Tandem riders receive a stage time and GC time but do not form part of any age group competition.

6.6 Same Frame. Riders are required to complete the race on the same frame. Should a frame change between stages be required due to mechanical failure, prior approval must be obtained from the Race Jury. The fork is considered part of the frame.

6.7 Adaptive Cyclists. The Organisers may, at their sole discretion, grant exceptions to the Rules concerning bicycles to accommodate adaptive cyclists. Riders must obtain approval in writing for any such exception from the Organisers prior to registering for the Race.

7.1 Helmet Requirement. Each rider must wear a helmet at all times while riding during the Race.

7.2 Helmet Standards. All helmets must comply with applicable international safety standards.

7.3 Proper Attire. Appropriate riding attire, including a shirt, must be worn at all times.

7.4 Leader Jerseys. If a rider qualifies for a leader jersey or a special jersey, he/she may only wear it during the applicable stage(s).

7.5 Prohibited Jerseys. Unless otherwise expressly approved under the Rules, no rider may wear any original or replica version of a leader or special jersey contemplated in Rule 7.4 including any such jersey from a prior year’s Race.

7.6 Restriction on Logo Use. No rider may display or reproduce the official Race logo or any derivative thereof without the prior written approval of the Organisers (in its sole discretion).

8.1 Audio. The use of earphones/ear buds, two-way radios (i.e., ‘walkie-talkies’) and portable speakers is not allowed during the Race.

8.2 Cameras. Cameras may be mounted on the rider’s bike, but not on the rider. Cameras mounted on the rider’s bike must be positioned in a safe location and manner (and otherwise in compliance with any applicable UCI regulations), and cannot protrude an unreasonable (in the Race Jury’s opinion) distance from the bike (for example, no ‘selfie’ sticks).

8.3 Other Equipment. The Race Jury may at any time prohibit any other item of equipment (other than essential cycling equipment) in its discretion.

8.4 Inspection. The Race Jury may inspect, at any time, any rider’s bike, apparel, gear, equipment, components, and accessories used in the Race.

9.1 Displaying Race Numbers. Riders must display their race numbers at all times, as per instructions received at registration.

9.1.1 The front race number may not be obscured by cables or any other item. It may not be folded back or up and must be clearly legible from the front.

9.1.2 Race numbers on the rider’s back must be attached to the rider at all times in a visible position either on the rider’s jersey or on the back of their hydration pack. A rider will not be penalised if their number is obscured while wearing a jacket.

9.2 No Modification. Race numbers may not be modified or mutilated in any way, including without limitation cutting, adding stickers, removing existing stickers, trimming, removing or obscuring official sponsor logos.

10.1 Chute Opening Time. The start chute opens 30 minutes before the start of each stage, unless communicated otherwise.

10.2 Start Zones; Staggered Starts.

10.2.1 Differential start zones will be allocated according to overall ranking in the Race (as indicated in the seeding index), and the Organisers may allocate different (i.e., “staggered”) start times for each start zone. Any reference to start times in the Rules will be to the start time applicable to the particular rider’s start zone.

10.2.2 The start zones will close 10 minutes before their start time. Riders arriving late must start in the next later start zone or as instructed by the Race Jury.

10.2.3 Riders once entered must remain in the start zone with their bikes. No bikes may be left in the start zone unattended.

10.3 Late Starts.

10.3.1 Any rider who misses the last start zone must report to the Race Jury at the start line within 10 minutes after the final zone has departed to request approval for a late start.

10.3.2 No rider is allowed to start late without approval. If no approval for a late start is given, the rider will be considered a DNS, and therefore as a DNF for that stage.

10.4 Non-Starting. Any rider who does not start a stage at all will automatically be deemed a DNF for that stage.

10.5 Call Ups. In start zones where provision for a call up has been made, eligible riders (as indicated in the seeding index) may line up at the front of their respective start zone. Such riders must assemble in the call-up zone immediately next to the start line no later than 10 minutes before their start time.

11.1 Transponders. Each rider must carry their transponder at all times during the Race. No rider may carry a transponder that was not assigned to them by the Organisers at any time, and no rider may pass their transponder on to anyone else at any time.

11.2 Timing. Each rider’s stage times are recorded from the start time of their allocated start group (as set out in Rule 10.2.) to the time of their detection on the finish line. No provision applies to credit riders with the same time as the rider before them if there is less than a certain gap between them, or to credit riders with the same time as the group they were riding with in case of an incident in the final kilometres of a stage. In other terms, the “bunch time” rule and the “3 km” rule commonly used in road cycling stage races do not apply to this event.

11.3 GC Times and Rounding: Stage times are rounded down to the second. The GC is calculated based on the sum of all rounded stage times. Where two or more riders have the same time, ties are broken by considering the sum of places obtained on all stages and if there is still a tie, the place obtained on the last stage.

11.4 Effect of Time Penalties. All time penalties under the Rules will be added to the rider’s time for the stage in respect of which the penalty is given (and as such to GC time), but, pursuant to Rule 13.4, will not be taken into account in determining whether the rider has exceeded the Maximum Stage Time.

12.1 Completing Routes.

12.1.1 Riders must complete the full, final designated route and distance of all stages, including any liaison section.

12.1.2 Where a stage includes a liaison section after the timed finish, riders must complete the full liaison distance within the allocated time. The Rules relating to rider conduct, route compliance, safety and equipment continue to apply during the liaison section, but the liaison does not form part of the rider’s stage time or GC time.

12.1.3 Only riders who complete each of the stages within the Maximum Stage Time will qualify as official Race finishers.

12.1.4 A rider must follow the official route, obey the directions of the route marshals, and not take any shortcuts or take any other advantage of a similar nature against other riders.

12.1.5 The responsibility for following the official route lies with each rider.

12.1.6 The route is signposted and GPS tracks are made available at registration, the day before the Race start.

12.2 Route/Distance Variances. The actual Race route or distance may vary from the published or briefed distance.

12.3 Exit and Re-entry. Riders who exit the route for any reason must re-enter the route at the same point from which they exited.

12.4 Activity Outside of Route. Any walking, running, or riding by a rider outside the Race route that is carried out without the intention of promptly re-joining the Race route, or any other activity in violation of the Rules that takes place outside of the marked Race route area, is not permitted.

12.5 Trespassing. No rider may trespass, at any time of the year, on land that is not open to the public for cycling and that forms part of the Race route of any edition of the Race.

12.6 Finishing on Foot. Riders may cross any stage’s finish line on foot provided that they have their complete bike with them when doing so.

13.1 General. Maximum Stage Times are determined according to the length of each stage and the terrain to be covered and are included in the Race registration pack and/or the Race website. The Maximum Stage Time will not be adjusted for any rider who is permitted a late start and/or who started in a start zone with a later start time than their own.

13.2 Intermediate Cut-Off Points.

13.2.1 The Race Director may designate intermediate cut-off points on each stage (“Cut-Off Points”) which must be reached by specific times designated by the Race Director (“Cut-Off Times”), and may at any time impose additional Cut-Off Points and Cut-Off Times due to safety reasons.

13.2.2 Any rider that fails, or will in the sole opinion of the Race Director be unable, to reach any Cut-Off Point by the applicable Cut-Off Time will be prevented from continuing to ride, removed from the route, and classified as DNF for that stage.

13.2.3 The Race Jury may waive a Cut-Off Time for certain riders, in special circumstances, if the Race Jury believes the rider will ultimately be able to reach the next Cut-Off Point by the applicable next Cut-Off Time (or, as the case may be, to reach the finish of the stage within the Maximum Stage Time).

13.3 No Extensions to Maximum Stage Times. Riders are required to complete the full distance of the stage and must complete the stage within the Maximum Stage Time. Time spent on maintenance and repair will not entitle a rider to any extension of the Maximum Stage Time.

13.4 Time Penalties Disregarded. No time penalties under the Rules will be taken into account in determining whether the rider has exceeded the Maximum Stage Time.

13.5 Shortfall. Any rider who does not complete a stage within the Maximum Stage Time will be classified DNF. DNF Riders may continue the Race (i.e., they may start the following stage), but will not be classified as official Race finishers and no longer qualify for GC and stage rankings.

14.1 Duty to Immediately Inform. Riders that cannot continue the Race for any reason must immediately inform the Race office. This can be done at the Race start, the finish, Padstals, route marshals or by calling the emergency phone number as specified in the Race registration packs and/or the rider accreditation wristband.

14.2 Cost of Search and Rescue. If any rider fails to inform the Race office of their withdrawal, and if a search and rescue operation is initiated for such rider, such rider will be responsible for the cost of such search and rescue.

15.1 Organisers’ Discretion. The Organisers may abandon, shorten, or cancel any stage at any time, in their sole discretion, due to safety concerns or any other reason that they consider appropriate. In cases of an abandoned stage, the following Rules will apply:

15.1.1 If three riders have completed the stage prior to the time at which it is abandoned, the stage will be classified as an official stage of the Race and count towards the GC results. Otherwise, the stage will not constitute an official stage and will be disregarded for purposes of the GC results.

15.1.2 Where an abandoned stage will count towards the GC results, each rider who is on the route (and otherwise not disqualified or withdrawn) when the stage is abandoned will be allocated a projected stage-finish time estimated by the Race Jury, where such estimate is calculated taking into account the stage winner’s time, and based on the rider’s position in the field at the time the stage is abandoned or the last timing point or other relevant point (e.g., Cut-Off Point, Padstal, etc.).

15.1.3 Riders will be classified as DNF if, before the stage is abandoned or shortened, they withdraw from the stage or do not reach any Cut-Off Point by the applicable time.

16.1 Shared Roads. Riders might not always have exclusive use of certain public or private roads (or other pathways) during the Race.

16.2 Traffic Regulations. All traffic regulations must be complied with at all times during the Race.

16.3 Closed Roads. No supporters may follow the Race route while the race is in progress, this includes public roads.

16.4 Marshal Instructions. Riders and supporters must strictly adhere to all Race route-related instructions from Race route marshals.

16.5 Wildlife Crossings. The race traverses areas with dangerous wildlife. Marshal instructions are to be adhered to at all times. Where riders are held up due to wildlife (or similar situations such as road crossings, railway crossings or obstacles on the route) it is at the discretion of the Race Jury whether to classify this a mere race incident, or whether to award a time bonus. Any time bonus awarded should be applied to GC results only, but may in exceptional circumstances be awarded to stage results.

17.1 Responsibility. Riders are responsible for carrying enough water and nutrition with them during the Race.

17.2 Padstals and Use. The Organisers will provide water at official Padstals on the route, which water is intended for drinking purposes only. No excessive use of water for any other purpose will be permitted at official Padstals.

18.1 Neutral Support Zones. The Race offers technical assistance for riders at neutral tech support zones along the Race route, the location of which will be made available on the Race website.

18.2 Spare Parts. Any spare parts must be paid for by the riders. Service received on route is free of charge.

19.1 No Outside Assistance. No outside assistance is permitted under any circumstances. For purposes hereof, “outside assistance” includes Physical Assistance by any person other than (a) a fellow rider participating in the Race, or (b) an accredited Race staff member (provided the staff member’s assistance is within the scope of their official duties for the Race). However, Pro Riders are subject to additional restrictions regarding assistance; see Rule 29.

19.2 Drafting.

19.2.1 Riders may draft behind fellow competitors, but not behind any person who is not a participant in the Race. No riders (other than female Pro Riders themselves) may draft behind any female Pro Riders. (Drafting by Pro Riders is subject to additional restrictions; see Rule 29.2.)

19.2.2 No other form of drafting is permitted whatsoever, including but not limited to drafting behind private vehicles, motor cycles, trucks, or official Race vehicles.

19.3 Towing/Pushing. Towing between or pushing of riders is only permitted in extenuating circumstances and then only by direct hand contact (e.g., hand-to-rider or hand-to-bike), but is always prohibited by means of any mechanical or physical devices. No towing/pushing is allowed for Podium Contenders and Pro Riders; see Rule 29.3.

19.4 Support Vehicles. No escort or seconding vehicles are permitted on the Race route unless such vehicles are provided by the Organisers and display the relevant accreditation.

20.1 Sportsmanship. All riders must display good sportsmanship at all times, and must not use offensive or abusive language during the Race, act in an unsporting manner, or be disrespectful to anyone.

20.2 Littering; Detouring; Smoking. Riders must respect the environment at all times, and no littering or damage to the environment will be tolerated. Without limiting the generality of this Rule, throwing away of water bottles, packaging, or bike spares along the Race route; deviating from the Race route and smoking on the route are prohibited.

20.3 Restricted Areas. No rider and/or rider supporter may access any restricted and/or prohibited area in connection with the Race.

20.4 No Improper Interference. No rider competing in a different category may interfere with the racing dynamics of the women Pro Riders (e.g. by blocking or inhibiting a female Pro Rider).

21.1 Formal Requirements. Any protests related to the Race must be submitted to the Race office in writing on the official protest sheets provided in the Race office.

21.2 Deadline – Race Protests. Race protests must be submitted within 20 minutes after the rider crosses the applicable stage’s finish line.

21.3 Deadline – Stage Result Protests. Stage result protests must be submitted within 2 hours after posting of preliminary results for the relevant stage. Preliminary results are the first set of results published by the Organisers on the Race website.

21.4 Cash Deposit. Before a protest will be considered, the protesting rider must make a deposit of ZAR 300 / USD 20 by cash or card to the Race office, along with the submitted protest. If the protest is upheld, the deposit will be refunded. If the protest is not upheld, the deposit will be forfeited and donated to one of the Race charities.

22.1 Right to Test. The Organisers may test all riders for doping (including mechanical doping) and/or the use of any illegal substances. Consenting to such testing is a condition to competing in the Race.

22.2 Test Results. All test results will be forwarded to the applicable national cycling federations, and positive results will lead to penalties as set out in Part D below.

22.3 Sanctioned Persons. Any person who is under provisional or final sanction by an Anti-Doping Organisation with jurisdiction under the WADA Code (a “Person Under Sanction”) is prohibited from participating or being involved in the Race in any capacity whatsoever. If, after having accepted the rider’s entry and/or rider manager or official’s participation in the Race, the Organisers become aware that such rider, rider manager, or official is a Person Under Sanction, such entry or right of participation shall immediately be cancelled. Normal cancellation fees apply.

22.4 Disposition of Prize Money. If Race prize money is paid to a rider who is later disqualified from the official Race results due to a doping violation (or any other violation), the Organisers may be unable to recover any such monies from such rider. Accordingly, the Race (and the Organisers) cannot be held liable by any party for damages suffered as a result of the loss of any such prize money (including without limitation any rider who would have received the prize money but for the doping-violation rider). The Organisers may remit any recovered prize money (or any portion thereof) to the Anti-Doping Organisation applicable to the Race, which Anti-Doping Organisation may allocate such funds as it, in its sole discretion, deems fit.

23.1 Pro Riders Only. The Rules in this Part C are applicable only to riders registered in the Pro category.

23.2 Inconsistencies. If there is any inconsistency between a Rule in Part C and any Rule outside of Part C, the Rule in Part C will apply to Pro Riders to the extent of the conflict with such other Rule.

24.1 Eligibility Requirements. Registration in the Pro category is subject to approval by the organisers.

25.1 Timed Segment: Each stage features a timed hill climb segment, identified as the Toyota Power Climb.

25.2 Points Allocation: Points are awarded per stage according to a rider’s position in their category based on average speed over the timed segment. Points are accumulated throughout the event.

25.3 Jersey Award: After each stage, the male and female Pro Rider with the highest accumulated points are awarded the Toyota Power Climber Jersey.

26.1 Team Classification. The Team Classification is an additional classification within the Race for Pro Men and Pro Women. Teams are ranked on points awarded based on the combined stage times of their highest-placed riders.

26.2 Team Formation. A team consists of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of four (4) Pro Riders of the same gender. Riders must declare their team affiliation during registration. No Team changes will be permitted after Race registration closes.

26.3 Points Allocation. The stage times of the three (3) highest-placed riders from each Team are added together to determine the Team stage time. Teams are ranked by Team stage time and awarded points according to their Team stage finishing position, as set out in the Team Points Table below. Points are accumulated throughout the event.

26.4 Race Completion. A Team must have a minimum of three (3) riders in the official rankings to be eligible for the Team Classification. If fewer than three (3) riders from a Team are included in the official rankings for a stage, the Team is excluded from the Team Classification from that stage onward, irrespective of any points accumulated during previous stages.

27.1 Identical kit each day. Each Pro Rider must wear the identical kit (jerseys and shorts) during each day of the Race that he/she wears on every other day of the Race (i.e., different colours and logos may not be worn on different days), subject to any reasonable, minor deviation that the Organisers may, in their sole discretion, approve in advance. Sleeveless jerseys are not permitted.

27.2 Leader and Special Jerseys. If a rider qualifies for a leader jersey or a special jersey, they must wear it during the applicable stage(s).

27.3 World/National/Continental Jerseys. Notwithstanding Rule 27.1, any Pro Rider who is a current world or national or continental champion in the UCI Gravel elite category will be required to wear their world or national or continental champion jersey at all times, unless required to wear a leader jersey or special jersey.

28.1 Start Groups. The Pro Men and Pro Women categories each have their own dedicated start groups and start times.

28.2 Relegation. Any Pro Rider who does not finish within 20% of the winner’s time in their respective category may, at the sole discretion of the organisers, be relegated to start with the age group categories. This is for the sole purpose of start times; it does not affect the Race category.

28.3 DNF. Further to Rule 13.5, any Pro Rider who is classified DNF will be relegated to start with the age group riders. Pro Riders classified DNF may not take an active part in the Race and/or provide Physical Assistance to any other Pro Rider or Podium Contender.

29.1 Permitted Assistance.

29.1.1 Subject to Rule 29.1.2, Pro Riders may receive Physical Assistance and technical assistance (including replacement bike parts but excluding frame) only from other Pro Riders in the same biological gender category.

29.1.2 Pro Riders may not receive Physical Assistance, technical assistance, or any other assistance from any DNF classified rider.

29.2 Drafting. Pro Riders may draft behind only other Pro Riders in the same biological gender category.

29.3 Towing/Pushing: Pro Riders may not be towed or pushed.

30.1 Presence at Ceremonies. Podium finishers and GC category leaders must be present at the finish line awards ceremony as advertised in the Pro Rider Guide, including the final ceremony.

31.1 UCI Anti-Doping Rules. All Pro Riders must comply with Part XIV of the UCI Regulations (Anti-Doping Rules).

31.2 UCI Discipline and Procedures. All rider managers and other applicable licenced officials involved with the Race must comply with Part XII of the UCI Regulations (Discipline and Procedures) and will be subject to the penalties set out therein.

32.1 Penalties Table. For violations of any other Rules, the penalties will be in the discretion of the Race Jury and may include warnings, financial penalties, time penalties and disqualification.

33.1 Discretion to Suspend/Ban. In addition to any other penalties available under these Rules, the Organisers may suspend any rider for any fraudulent conduct or representation, or for illegal transfer of entries, repeated Rule violations, intentional route-cutting, doping, mechanical doping, or dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct. Such suspensions may be imposed for any time period up to and including the rider’s lifetime.