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Race Rules

The Course

The actual race distance may vary from the published or briefed distance.

The course will be clearly marked by arrows, signs and bunting tape.   Riders must follow the course and must keep going in the marked direction of the course.  A rider who leaves the course for any reason must return to that same point on the course to resume a lap.

It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure that the correct course is followed.

Carrying Items During the Race

iPods or other musical playing devices are not permitted for riders while on course.  This is solely due to the safety of all riders on track.

Caring for the Environment

Please take care not to litter or cause damage to the environment – this includes throwing away of gel and energy bar wrappers, water bottles, packaging & bike spares.  There will be plenty of rubbish bins at the event centre.

Discretion of the Race Director

The Race Organisers and Race Director reserve the right to change any rules and regulations at any time to provide fair and safe riding conditions.  After rider registration closes any changes to rules and regulations will be announced at the race briefing.  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 Race Director will be absolute and final.

General Mountain Biking Etiquette

Riders wishing to pass should call ‘Track, on your left’ or ‘Track, on your right’ and the rider being overtaken should yield, if necessary, at the earliest safe opportunity.

If you need to return along a section of track, you may only ride if there is adequate room. You must give way to all oncoming riders at all times.

Riders pushing their bikes should give way at all times to those riding. They should attempt to walk on the least rideable portion of the trail.

In the event of injury or accident, riders must stop to assist an injured rider, prevent others from entering the accident zone, and inform a race official of the incident at the earliest opportunity.

If you stop to give assistance for a health or safety reason, you may report this to a race official and let them know the reason and the duration of your stop. A time adjustment may be made. Note that this does not apply if you stop to offer mechanical assistance.

Helmet

A rider not wearing a securely fastened helmet at any stage of the race will be disqualified.  All helmets must comply with “Australian Standards” and display a compliance sticker.

Hydration

A rider must carry water or similar hydration fluid for the full distance of the race.  There will be neutral water available to replenish these supplies at a mid-way check point and in the feed zone at the completion of the lap.

Medical Assessment and Assistance

The Course Director, and other nominated first aid officials, will provide general first aid care during the race from the moment riders enter the starting area until they leave the finishing area.

If you are injured and assisted back to the event centre, then your lap will not count and your team will be withdrawn from the race and recorded a DNF.

The Course Director may remove a rider from the course for assessment if, in the Course Directors opinion, the rider is showing signs of extreme fatigue, heat stroke or other condition which may be detrimental to the rider or to other riders in the race.

Following medical assessment, the Course Director will either:

  • allow the rider to resume racing;
  • mandate a rest period before the rider can resume the race; or
  • withdraw the rider from the race.

This decision is the sole responsibility of the Course Director and is non-appealable.   There will be no compensation for the rider for the time taken for the assessment process.

Mechanical Assistance

Mechanical assistance during the race can be provided from other riders entered in the race while out on course.  Outside assistance on course from support persons or spectators is not permitted. If you have a mechanical problem and continue to walk your bike along the course to the end of the lap, then that lap will be counted.   If you shortcut the course to return to the start or are assisted back to the start, then that lap will not be counted your team will be withdrawn from the race and recorded a DNF.

Podium Presentations

Podium presentations will be as soon after the race as is practicable.

Rider Age

The age for category entry is the age you turn on the day of the race.  Both riders in the pair must be in the same age category unless entering in the Family category.

Race Officials

Riders and support persons must obey the directions of Race Officials and Volunteers at all times.

Registration

Registration will open at 07:00.  You must bring your completed, signed waiver to Rider Registration before you will be issued with your race number plate.  You may not enter the course for official practice unless your race number plate is fastened to your bike.

Race Number Plate

Attach your bike number plate to the front of your bike using at least 3 ties, securely fastening it to the handle bar and ensuring that it can be easily seen from the front.   Your number should be in front of the brake cables and not wrapped around any part of the bike.  Both riders in a team must display their number plates at all times.

Race Start

Race Start is 09:30 on Saturday. Each pair must start and finish the race together. The start order will be posted at the event centre on the morning of the race. The position of riders on the start grid is at the sole discretion of the Race Director.

Race Finish

Each pair must start and finish the race together. The finishing time of the pair will be recorded as the second rider crosses the finish line.

Results

Progress results may be published at regular intervals throughout the race.

Race Briefing

All riders must attend the mandatory Rider Race Briefing at 09:00 at the event centre.

Withdrawing From the Race

A rider may withdraw from the race at any time.   If they choose to withdraw they must notify the event staff at the timing tent.   A rider who withdraws is not allowed to rejoin or resume the race and both riders in the pair must leave the track and record a DNF.