RULE GUIDE ORYX ENDURANCE EVENT MANAGEMENT
Oryx Endurance Event Management - Official Rider Rules & Regulations
These rules and regulations govern the participation and conduct of riders in cycling events organized by Oryx Endurance Event Management. The regulations are based on the Cycling SA Regulations, with precedence given to UCI regulations. The anti-doping rules of the UCI, World Anti-Doping Agency, and Drug-Free Sport SA also apply. It is crucial for all riders to familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure fair competition and a safe racing environment.
Before the Event
1. Entries & Briefing
* Online entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
* Your entry is only guaranteed upon full payment.
* Failure to make payment by the specified deadline may result in your removal from the system.
* All riders must register and attend briefings as specified in the Event Guide (where applicable).
* Please report to registration with valid identification.
2. Racing License and Identification (Where applicable)
* All participants must possess a valid Cycling South Africa membership/license or a foreign license to compete. (Where applicable)
* You must present your membership/license at registration.(Where applicable)
* If you do not have an annual membership/license, you must purchase a Day License for each day of the event.(Where applicable)
3. Age and Racing Categories (Where applicable)
* Riders are categorized based on their age as of December 31st of the current year.
* Female Categories:
* JG: Sub Junior Girls 13-14 Yrs
* YW: Youth Women 15-16 Yrs
* JW: Junior Women 17-18 Yrs
* UW: Under 23 Women 19-22 Yrs
* EW: Elite Women 23+ Yrs
* SX: Sub Vet Women 30-39 Yrs
* VW: Veteran Women 40-49 Yrs
* MW: Masters Women 50-59 Yrs
* GW: Grand Masters Women 60+ Yrs
* Male Categories:
* JB: Sub Junior Boys 13-14 Yrs
* YM: Youth Men 15-16 Yrs
* JB: Junior Men 17-18 Yrs
* UM: Under 23 Men 19-22 Yrs
* EM: Elite Men 23+ Yrs
* SV: Sub Vet Men 30-39 Yrs
* VM: Veteran Men 40-49 Yrs
* MM: Masters Men 50-59 Yrs
* GM: Grand Masters Men 60+ Yrs
4. Medical
* Riders must be in good health and adequately trained for the event(s).
* Completion of an online medical form may be required.
* Race organizers reserve the right to prevent riders from continuing the event if advised by the race medic/doctor.
5. Route Knowledge & Responsibility
* It is the rider's sole responsibility to know the official event routes, even though they will be clearly marked.
* Oryx Endurance Event Management has done everything possible to ensure riders are familiar with the route, as set out in the official Event Guides and via links for the routes on
RIDE WITH GPS.
* Indemnity regarding downloaded routes: Oryx Endurance Event Management takes no responsibility for any discrepancies that may arise if the routes are downloaded by riders. Riders download and use routes at their own risk.
6. Cancellations
* No cancellation refunds are allowed.
* Transfers of entries are not permitted unless otherwise stated by Oryx Endurance Event Management.
During the Event
7. Identification of Riders during Competition
* Riders must display their race numbers clearly on the handlebar and ensure they remain visible throughout the event.
* Only the organization may place advertising on the front number plate.
* Riders must not cut, fold, or mutilate their race numbers.
* Race numbers must be returned to the organizers (where applicable) after the event.
8. MTB and Gravel Rules - Equipment, Clothing, Protective Gear
* Bicycles:
* Must have two wheels of equal diameter, with a steerable front wheel and a driven rear wheel.
* Must have at least two brakes in good working condition.
* Handlebar ends and extensions must be plugged and without sharp edges.
* Bicycles used must be powered by human power alone.
* Unicycles are not permitted.
* E-Bikes and Tandems are not part of a competition unless a specific category is provided.
* Each rider is responsible for maintaining their own bike throughout the race.
* Clothing:
* Footwear must be fully enclosed.
* Riders must wear appropriate riding attire, including a shirt with sleeves that reach halfway from the shoulder to the elbow.
* Eye protection is strongly recommended.
* Wearing a helmet that meets minimum ANSI/European standards is mandatory during training and racing.
* Proper riding attire must be worn at all times.
* Wearing previous edition leader jerseys or displaying the event logo without approval is prohibited.
* Forbidden Devices:
* The use of radio links or other remote means of communication with riders during a race is forbidden.
* The use of music players or similar devices (e.g., iPod, MP3 Player, mobile phone) is forbidden during all events, as they restrict hearing and are considered dangerous.
* Each rider must ensure their equipment does not pose any danger to themselves or others.
9. Start Procedure - Call-up and Zoning
* Staging of riders must begin no earlier than 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the race.
* Riders will be seeded based on their rankings on the Oryx Endurance Seeding System/Index.
* Announcements can be made at specific intervals before the start, and the race will start within the designated time frame.
* Riders who jump the start may face penalties or disqualification.
* Riders must start stationary with one foot on the ground.
* The start procedure must be followed (where applicable).
10. The Race
* Riders must complete the entire distance of the race, strictly following the official marked route.
* Shortcutting, omitting circuits, or gaining an unfair advantage against opponents is strictly forbidden.
* If a rider exits the official route, they must return to the course at the exact same point they exited.
* Any activity outside the marked course area or not directly re-joining the course at the point of exit may result in disqualification.
* Code of Conduct: Riders are required to be polite, respect the countryside, and adhere to all race regulations.
11. Route/Course Marking
* The course will be marked with directional arrows indicating changes in direction, intersections, and potentially dangerous situations.
* Arrows and stickers will be placed at frequent intervals along the course to confirm the correct route.
* Upside-down arrows indicate potentially dangerous situations.
* Riders must follow the intended course and are not permitted to take shortcuts.
12. Assistance during Competitions
* Technical assistance is permitted only within designated feed/technical assistance zones.
* Repairs and equipment changes can be carried out by the rider, a team-mate, team mechanic, neutral technical assistance, or any other person.
* Technical assistance outside the zones is only allowed between riders in the same race or a race run concurrently on the same course.
* Riders may carry tools and spare parts that do not pose a danger to themselves or others.
* The spraying of water on riders or bicycles by feeders, mechanics, or support crew is forbidden.
13. Feeding Zones
* Designated feeding zones will be set up along the routes to provide essential hydration for riders.
* Support vehicles may offer assistance and resupply cyclists with water and other necessary supplies at these designated water points.
14. Support Vehicles & Team Logistics and Transportation
* Only authorized vehicles (organizational, ambulance, and official TV crew) are allowed on the race route.
* Riders may not be seconded by "leapfrogging" vehicles.
* Support vehicles are allowed to use the same route as the cyclists, except where otherwise indicated in the Event Guides. They must exercise extreme caution and always look out for other cyclists on the route.
* Support vehicles are permitted to offer assistance to cyclists only at designated feeding zones during the race. No support is allowed outside of these specific locations to maintain fairness and a level playing field for all riders.
* Teams are responsible for their own logistics and transportation between points where necessary.
15. Rider Safety
* Checkpoints may be set up to ensure riders complete the full course.
* When cycling on tar sections of the route, riders must stay inside the yellow line and are required to remain on the left side of the road at all times.
16. Cut-offs
* Official cut-off times will be announced in the event guide(s).
Offences, Protests, and Post-Event
17. Offences, Breaches, and Infringements
* Anti-doping infringements are subject to penalties outlined in the Anti-Doping Regulations.
* Outside technical assistance, illegal repairs or changes to the bike, unauthorized feeding, or assistance from external sources are prohibited and will result in disqualification.
* Unsporting behavior, including pulling, pushing, leaning on other competitors, or irregular assistance between riders of different teams, may result in relegation or disqualification.
* Obstruction of riders, taking shortcuts, substitution for another rider, or unsporting conduct in the final sprint may result in relegation or disqualification.
* Indecent conduct, foul language, or disrespect towards officials or the public may lead to penalties, disqualification, or suspension.
* Fighting between competitors or with officials or the public will result in immediate disqualification and exclusion from the event results.
* Littering and pollution may result in warnings, fines, or disqualification.
18. Protests
* Riders who believe they have been prejudiced can submit a written protest to the Race Director within 10 minutes of the race's end.
* Appeals against penalties imposed by a Panel must be received within 10 minutes of the penalty communication.
* If a protest involves a top-five finisher, the awards ceremony will be delayed until a decision is reached.
* The decision of the Panel, in conjunction with the Technical Delegate, will be final.
19. Prizes and Prize Money
* Prizes and prize money will be awarded according to official notices issued by Oryx Endurance.
* Riders and teams must be present at the awards ceremony to receive prizes or prize money.
* Non-compliance may result in forfeiture of prizes or prize money.
20. General
* Accommodation options are available in surrounding areas at the rider's own cost.
* A 1-week period is provided post-race to claim lost-and-found items.
Categories (Where applicable)
Gravel Bike and Mountain Bike
E Bikes are allowed in all races, but not in contention for podiums. E Bikes are responsible for their own logistics and transportation between points where necessary.
Additional Event Rules & Regulations
21. Environmental Responsibility
Riders are strictly prohibited from littering or polluting the environment along the route. All waste, including gel wrappers, bottles, and food packaging, must be carried by the rider until a designated refuse area or water point is reached for proper disposal. Respect for the natural surroundings is paramount.
22. Emergency Procedures & Withdrawal
In the event of a serious accident, riders encountering an injured participant should alert the nearest marshal or official as quickly as possible as per event guide. Do not move an injured rider unless absolutely necessary for their immediate safety (e.g., out of direct traffic path).
Should a rider need to withdraw from the race for any reason, they must inform an event official, marshal, or contact the designated emergency number provided in the Event Guide. This is crucial for rider accountability and safety tracking.
23. Event Timings & Briefings
Riders are solely responsible for being aware of all official event timings, including race start times, wave starts, cut-off times, and prize-giving ceremonies.
Attendance at the official race briefing (if applicable and specified in the Event Guide) is highly recommended, as important last-minute information, route changes, or safety instructions may be communicated there. We highly recommend being active on the Official WhatsApp Group(s). Crucial last-minute info, route changes, or safety instructions will be shared there as well.
24. Road Conduct & Traffic Management
While on public roads, riders must always adhere to all applicable traffic laws, road signs, and the instructions of marshals, traffic officials, or police.
Riders must exercise extreme caution and be aware of their surroundings at all times, as not all roads may be fully closed to public traffic. Any specific instructions regarding road closures or traffic management will be detailed in the Event Guide.
25. Cut-off Enforcement
Riders failing to meet the official cut-off times at designated points along the route will be considered withdrawn from the official event. They may be removed from the course by event officials and will not be eligible for official results or prizes. Transportation back to the finish line may be provided at the discretion of the organizers.
26. Photography and Videography
By entering the event, participants grant Oryx Endurance Event Management and its partners the right to use their name, image, likeness, and voice in any photographs, motion pictures, recordings, or any other record of the event for legitimate purposes, including but not limited to event promotion, advertising, and marketing, without further compensation or notification.
Discretion of the Race Director and Race Organizers
Where any additional rule interpretation is required in these rules, the decision of the Race Director and race organizers will be final.
Indemnity - Oryx Endurance Event Management
By participating in any Oryx Endurance cycling event, each participant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
Oryx Endurance Event Management, its organizers, officials, agents, employees, volunteers, sponsors, and all associated entities (collectively, "the Indemnified Parties") are hereby fully and forever released, waived, and discharged from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action whatsoever. This includes, but is not limited to, any loss, damage, or injury (including death) that may be sustained by a participant, or to any property belonging to a participant, while participating in the event or while on event premises. This release of liability applies regardless of whether such loss, damage, or injury is caused by the negligence of the Indemnified Parties or otherwise.
Participants understand and agree that Oryx Endurance Event Management has taken reasonable steps to ensure event safety and provide accurate information, including detailed Event Guides, clearly marked routes, and links to routes on RIDE WITH GPS. However, participants acknowledge that cycling events, particularly those on varied terrain, inherently carry significant risks of injury, death, and property damage.
Furthermore, participants accept sole responsibility for any discrepancies, errors, or issues that may arise from routes downloaded from any source, including RIDE WITH GPS. The Indemnified Parties are not responsible for any incidents or deviations resulting from the use of such downloaded routes.
This indemnity applies to all injuries, damages, or losses, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, even if caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the Indemnified Parties. Participants further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties from any loss, liability, damage, or cost, including attorney's fees, that they may incur due to the participant's involvement in the event, whether caused by the participant's own negligence or otherwise.
