Cape Outback MTB Race

Rules & Regulations

1.    Riders, Categories & Teams
1.1.    Teams will consist of two riders. For safety reasons team members shall never be separated on the route more than two minutes.
1.2.    Riders that separate from their team members more that two minutes shall be penalised.
1.3.    Rider separation checks can be done during any stage along the route as well as at the finish line.
1.4.    There are four team categories namely men, ladies, mixed and veterans and three solo categories namely men, ladies and veterans.
1.5.    Riders shall be at least 18 years of age on the day the race starts.
1.6.    To be entered in the team Veterans Category both riders must be at least 40 years of age or must turn 40 during the year in which the race takes place. To be entered in the solo Veterans Category the solo rider shall be at least 40 years of age or must turn 40 during the year in which the race takes place.
1.7.    Teams will compete against other teams only and solo riders will compete against other solo riders only. There is no “general” division.

2.    Position Placement
2.1.    The Cape Outback is not a timed event.
2.2.    Position placement is done on a points system called the FTT-system (rules regarding the FTT-system are published on the Cape Outback official website, www.capeoutback.co.za.

3.    Cut-off Times & Withdrawals
3.1.    Each stage will have an announced cut-off time.
3.2.    For a team to receive any points for a particular stage, both team members must complete the stage inside the cut-off time.
3.3.    Cut-off times are fairly generous and will allow for back markers to also finish.
3.4.    The cut-off time of each stage is applicable to all riders, irrespective of their personal situation.
3.5.    Only riders that complete all stages within the cut-off time, will receive the Cape Outback Finishers Medal.
3.6.    Any rider missing a cut-off time or withdrawing from a stage, will be allowed to continue with the race during further stages, but will not qualify for the Cape Outback Finishers Medal.
3.7.    Any rider that withdraws from any stage must inform the race office.

4.    Formation of New Teams/Solo Riders
4.1.    If a team rider withdraws and his/her partner wishes to continue with the race (with another rider or as a solo rider), a new team may be formed.
4.2.    New teams can only be formed after a stage has been finished.
4.3.    The formation of a new team or a former team rider continuing as a solo rider, is the responsibility of the rider. It must, however, be done in consultation with and the approval of the race office.
4.4.    A former team rider that is continuing as a solo rider, but does not request the race office to reclassified him/her as a solo rider, will continue to be regarded as an incomplete team and will therefore receive no stage points.
4.5.    A new team will receive a new team number and number plates. A former team rider who is continuing as a solo rider will retain his/her race number.
4.6.    A new team/solo rider will start with zero points. No points will be transferred.
4.7.    Riders in new teams can still qualify for the Cape Outback Finishers Medal, provided that they finish every stage within the cut-off time.
4.8.    A team that has been discontinued cannot be revived.
4.9.    All the race rules will apply to new teams/solo riders.

5.    Bicycles, Numbers & Protective Gear
5.1.    Each rider is responsible for the maintenance of his/her own bicycle and to ensure that it is in a safe and working condition. Bicycles that are not in a sound working condition, will not be allowed to start any stage.
5.2.    No tri-bars are allowed on the race.
5.3.    The race organisers will supply a technical support area at each race village where bicycles can be repaired and serviced.
5.4.    The race number of all riders must be attached to their bicycle in front of all the cables.
5.5.    The number board may not be removed or altered in any way (cutting, adding stickers, obscuring logos, etc.)
5.6.    Wearing a helmet, that meets "ANSI" standards, is compulsory at all times for all riders.
5.7.    A cycle shirt and short must be worn at all times.

6.    Seconding & Support
6.1.    Medical assistance shall be provided by the race organisers along the route.
6.2.    No outside assistance or seconding is allowed. This includes drafting, nutrition, hydration, medical support, bicycle repairs or any physical assistance.
6.3.    Riders may receive assistance from their team partner or other participating riders.
6.4.    Riders may only draft behind their team partners or other participating riders. No other drafting is allowed.
6.5.    Towing between riders is not allowed.
6.6.    Supporters are not allowed to follow the race route (by any means of transport). Supporters are, however, allowed to view the race from official viewing points and only by using public roads to get there.
6.7.    Participating teams will be penalised if their supporters transgresses any Seconding & Support rules.

7.    Recommended Equipment
7.1.    A first aid kit containing the following items:
2 x sterile dressings
2 x stretch ("crepe") bandages
adhesive plasters
foil survival blanket
sunscreen with a high SPF
whistle
7.2.    A fully charged cell phone with the race emergency number pre-programmed. This number will be provided to all riders before the start of the race. It is a good idea to have both a MTN and Vodacom sim card with you. Please note that the organisers do not provide a specific cell phone charging facility.
7.3.    Basic bicycle repair tools:
Multi tool or bicycle repair tools
Spare tubes
Puncture repair kit & pump
Replacement derailleur hanger

8.    Compulsory Equipment
8.1.    A minimum of 2.5 litres of hydration fluid per rider.
8.2.    Night riding equipment (for night/day stage).
8.3.    Any personal medication.

9.    Hydration & Nutrition
9.1.    All riders are responsible for their own onboard hydration and nutrition.
9.2.    Water, Coke and energy drinks will be supplied at the water stations.
9.3.    The location of water stations along the route will be communicated to riders before the start.
9.4.    Water at water stations is for drinking only.

10.    Registration & Briefings
10.1.    The race registration will take place at the race office located in the first race village on the day before the start of the race.
10.2.    Both team riders must report for registration (preferably together) with positive identification of themselves (i.e. bar coded ID, passport, drivers licence).
10.3.    No late registrations will be allowed.
10.4.    The compulsory pre-race briefing will take directly after dinner on the night before the start. This will be immediately followed by the stage 1 briefing.
10.5.    All other stage briefings will be held the night before every stage immediately after dinner.
10.6.    All briefings are compulsory for all riders. Supporters are also welcome to attend.

11.    At the Starting Line
11.1.    All stages will start daily at the sound of the starters bell.
11.2.    The starting chute will open 30 minutes before the start and will close 10 minutes before the start.
11.3.    From stages 2 to 4 there will be a leaders section at the front of the starting chute.
11.4.    Any riders arriving late will start at the back, irrespective of their points standing.
11.5.    All riders must start at the official starting point. Any rider failing to do so will be disqualified from the race.
11.6.    No rider will be allowed to start more than 10 minutes after the starters' bell.

12.    Stages & Routes
12.1.    It is each rider's own responsibility to follow the correct route.
12.2.    If a rider exits the route for whatever reason and wants to rejoin the route, he/she must rejoin the route at the exact point where he/she exited the route.
12.3.    The organisers reserve the right to change a stage or to completely abandon a stage if they deem it necessary.
12.4.    If a stage is completely abandoned (before or during the stage), the stage shall be declared null and void and no points shall be awarded to any riders for that stage.

13.    Medical Matters
13.1.    All riders must be in good health and well trained before and during the race. It is the responsibility of each rider to ensure that he/she is fully prepared for an event of this nature.
13.2.    The race organisers and the race medical officer reserves the right to prevent any rider from continuing the with the race. Their decision shall be final.

14.    Rules off the Road
14.1.    The Cape Outback does not have exclusive use of public roads during the race.
14.2.    All traffic rules and regulations still apply on all public roads and must be adhered to at all times.
14.3.    Riders must always keep to the left of the road and pass on the right.
14.4.    The instructions of traffic officials and race marshals must be strictly adhered to.

15.    Ethics, Environment and Etiquette
The organisers of the Cape Outback expect all riders to compete within the rules and to act with integrity and a respect for rider etiquette at all times:
15.1.    No littering (throwing away of packaging, water bottles, bicycle parts, etc.) is allowed along the route or at the race villages. Riders must keep all trash with them and dispose of it at disposal bins at water stations or at the finish.
15.2.    No environmentally irresponsible behaviour (deviating from path, etc.) is allowed along the route. The route traverses through ecologically sensitive areas and unacceptable behaviour will be penalised.
15.3.    In addition to all race rules mentioned, the following rider etiquette is also expected of all riders at all times during the race:
No smoking is allowed on the route.
Open fires in campsites are only allowed in designated areas or portable braai facilities.
The responsibility of following the correct route lies with each rider.
Riders may not take any shortcuts along the route.
All riders must allow faster riders to pass them without obstruction.
No glass containers are allowed on the route.
No toileting is allowed in the veld.
Large sections of the route traverses over private land or under special concessions. Riders and their supporters are strictly forbidden to trespass on any of this land that forms part of the Cape Outback route during any time of the year outside the official race dates.
All riders are expected to act in a polite and respectful manner towards fellow riders, race organisers, support crews, land owners and spectators.

16.    Prize Giving & Awards Ceremony
16.1.    A prize giving ceremony will be held at the finish on the last day of the race.
16.2.    All riders must be present at the prize giving ceremony to qualify for any prizes, unless they are officially excused.
16.3.    All category winners must be available for media interviews and photo opportunities directly after the last stage as well as directly after the prize giving ceremony.

17.    Protests
17.1.    Any protests must be submitted in writing to the race office on the prescribed form accompanied by a R200 cash deposit.
17.2.    If the protest is upheld, the deposit will be refunded. If the protest is not upheld, the deposit will be forfeited and donated to a charity of the organisers' choice.
17.3.    Riders must submit any route protests within 30 minutes after crossing the finish line and any result protests within 30 minutes after the results were posted.
17.4.    The race organisers have the final say about the interpretation of the rules of the race.
17.5.    The race organisers will decide over all protests. Their decision will be made and communicated on the same day that the protest was received. Their decision will be final.

18.    Doping
18.1.    The Cape Outback reserves the right to test any rider before, during or after the race for the use of any illegal substance.
18.2.    Positive results will lead to a rider's disqualification as well as a lifetime ban from any future events presented by the race organisers.
18.3.    The Cape Outback reserves the right to forward any test results to national cycling bodies.

19.    Rules Updates & Changes
The organisers of the Cape Outback may change and/or update the rules of the race from time to time.

20.    Penalties and Disqualifications
Transgression                                           1st offence            2nd offence         3rd offence
separation penalties                                  20 points              40 points              disqualification
riders trespassing on the route                  disqualification
littering                                                       warning                20 points             40 points
environmental damage                              warning                20 points             40 points
riding without a helmet                               disqualification
traffic rule violations                                   20 points               40 points             disqualification
use of abusive language towards
officials, crew or fellow riders                     20 points               disqualification
doping                                                        disqualification
taking short cuts                                         disqualification
not attending briefings                                warning                  20 points             40 points
insufficient night riding
equipment (for dark stage)                         stage disqualification
backup teams rendering support                stages disqualification
backup teams transgressing on the route   40 points    disqualification
Removing/altering race number cards        40 points    disqualification

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