Event Regulations
Version – July 28, 2011 – SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Please read carefully!
1. Eligibility
Participants must be experienced riders and be in excellent physical condition to participate in the TransRockies. All participants must hold either: a) a provincial cycling association membership from a Canadian provincial cycling association, b) a UCI international racing license, or c) may purchase a single-event membership from the Alberta Bicycle Association at registration for a nominal fee. Minimum age to enter the race is 18 years. Participants as young as 15 years of age are permitted only in the case that the team leader is the parent or legal guardian of the minor, and that the team leader is a past participant of TransRockies.
2. Categories and UCI Licenses
The TransRockies TR7 offers six different categories: Open Men, Open Women, Open Mixed, 80+ Men, 80+ Mixed, 100+ Open Gender. In 80+ Categories, the combined age of the team must be 80 or higher. In the 100+ category, the combined age of the team must be 100 or higher, and may be comprised of all males, all females, or be one male and one female. The minimum age for participation is 18 years. 100+ teams have the option to choose between the 100+ Open Gender Category or the appropriate gendered 80+ category. Categories where there are fewer than 5 teams registered will be combined with another category at the organizer’s discretion. All ages are calculated as of the END OF THE CALENDAR year in which the race takes place.’
The TR4 offers three different categories: Open Men, Open Women, and 40+ Men. Categories where there are fewer than 5 people registered will be combined with another category at the organizer’s discretion. All ages are calculated as of the END OF THE CALENDAR year in which the race takes place.
For the TR7 and TR4 all categories will be eligible for product and registration credit prizes, as well as leaders jerseys and medals.
The TR3 offers three different categories: Open Men, Open Women, and 40+ Men. Categories where there are fewer than 5 people registered will be combined with another category at the organizer’s discretion. All ages are calculated as of the END OF THE CALENDAR year in which the race takes place.
For the TR3 Open Men and Open Women’s Categories, only the UCI classes will be eligible for cash prizes and UCI points. The 40+ Men category will be eligible for product prizes and leaders jerseys. All UCI licensed racers must show their license at sing-on in Fernie, BC.
Age group categories (40+, 80+, 100+) may elect to challenge open categories. Teams and individuals are not permitted to change their category once the first stage of the event begins.
3. Withdrawal
Teams or individuals who cannot continue the race or wish to withdraw for whatever reason must inform the race organizers (race office) immediately at the start, control points or finish, or by calling the emergency phone number published in the route book.
Failure to inform the race organization will cause a search and rescue action (rescue, mountain rescue, helicopter) at a charge to the participant/s. If one team member quits but the other team member wishes to continue, the participant may form a new team combination with another racer. These newly formed teams do not qualify for a placing, daily or overall prize money, or UCI points, but the results of their finish will be listed as unclassified and they will receive a finisher T-shirt.
In the event you need to withdraw from the race you must contact one of the following immediately:
- Inform one of the TransRockies rescue team personnel
- Inform one of the TransRockies personnel at one of the check points
- Inform the start or finishing official (on motorcycle)
- Call our emergency number on your race pass or in your route book
TransRockies will not be responsible if you drop out and inform another participant. If you do not inform one of the above contacts we will be required to start a search and rescue at your expense. If you withdraw from the race the organizers will ensure that you are transported to the closest town, from which you are responsible for your own transportation back to the start, Calgary or another destination.
4. Environment
- Littering of any kind is prohibited. This includes Gel and Energy Bar wrappers and applies to the race course, as well as camps and staging locations.
- Washing of bikes or clothing in rivers, streams and lakes is prohibited.
- Shortcutting of trails is prohibited (Riders who inadvertantly deviate from the marked route must return to the marked route at the same place where they left it. Riders who re-join the route at a point past where the left the course may be subject to a time penalty at the discretion of the commissaires panel.)
Every participant who is caught disregarding the environment will be fined with a two (2) hour time penalty at first offense and disqualification at second offense.
IMPORTANT: In the case of environmental concerns, the organizers have the right to make changes to the route on short notice due to fire bans/closures, weather, wildlife concerns, unforeseen construction or other circumstances beyond our control, safety or other reasons. TransRockies has the right to cancel, delay or re-route the race. Participants will not be reimbursed in an environmental situation that is out of TransRockies control. In case of cancellation of a race leg, participants will be brought to the next stage location.
5. Liability
Each participant is responsible for his/her own safety and security. The organizers, sponsors and event personnel are in no way liable for injury or damage incurred to the participants. A stipulation to participation in the event is that the rider agrees to take responsibility for risks against his/her person and his/her belongings when participating in the race, and give up any right to claim from persons, institutions, or companies running or having run the TransRockies.
The organizers, sponsors, volunteers and event personnel are not responsible for any injury or damage that may occur during the event, cancellations, delays or re-routing due to environmental concerns. Each participant will be required to sign a waiver and an athlete release upon registration declaring that they take full responsibility for, risk of injury, to themselves or their equipment and any lost or stolen items.
6. Prizes
a. Stage Prizes
TR3 Stage Prizes Per Person
| Open Men | Open Women | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Euros | CAD* | Euros | CAD* |
| 1 | € 200.00 | $318.00 | € 165.00 | $282.00 |
| 2 | € 130.00 | $206.00 | € 100.00 | $171.00 |
| 3 | € 100.00 | $159.00 | € 65.00 | $111.00 |
| 4 | € 65.00 | $103.00 | € 50.00 | $85.00 |
| 5 | € 60.00 | $95.00 | € 30.00 | $51.00 |
| 6 | € 55.00 | $87.00 | ||
| 7 | € 45.00 | $72.00 | ||
| 8 | € 40.00 | $64.00 | ||
| 9 | € 30.00 | $48.00 | ||
| 10 | € 30.00 | $48.00 | ||
| Total Per Stage | € 755.00 | $1,200.00 | € 410.00 | $700.00 |
| Total for TR3 | € 2,265.00 | $3,600.00 | € 1,230.00 | $2,100.00 |
* Note: Amounts in Euros are UCI minimums. In the case of currency fluctuation, the UCI minimums in Euros will be observed, which may require an increase in the awards in CAD.
b. Overall Prizes
TR3 Overall Prizes Per Person
| Open Men | Open Women | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Euros | CAD* | Euros | CAD* |
| 1 | € 450.00 | $723.00 | € 397.50 | $655.00 |
| 2 | € 345.00 | $553.00 | € 300.00 | $495.00 |
| 3 | € 247.50 | $396.00 | € 195.00 | $322.00 |
| 4 | € 195.00 | $312.00 | € 150.00 | $247.00 |
| 5 | € 157.50 | $252.00 | € 97.50 | $161.00 |
| 6 | € 135.00 | $216.00 | € 75.00 | $124.00 |
| 7 | € 120.00 | $192.00 | € 45.00 | $74.00 |
| 8 | € 97.50 | $156.00 | € 45.00 | $74.00 |
| 9 | € 82.50 | $132.00 | € 45.00 | $74.00 |
| 10 | € 67.50 | $108.00 | € 45.00 | $74.00 |
| 11 | € 45.00 | $72.00 | ||
| 12 | € 45.00 | $72.00 | ||
| 13 | € 45.00 | $72.00 | ||
| 14 | € 45.00 | $72.00 | ||
| 15 | € 45.00 | $72.00 | ||
| Total TR3 | € 2,122.50 | $3,400.00 | € 1,395.00 | $2,300.00 |
* Note: Amounts in Euros are UCI minimums. In the case of currency fluctuation, the UCI minimums in Euros will be observed, which may require an increase in the awards in CAD.
c. 15% Income Tax is withheld from all international participants in accordance with international Tax Treaties. These funds are remitted to the Canadian Government, and we send winners a tax receipt that can be used to claim these funds back from national tax agencies.
d. Prize Money Cheques will be sent by postal mail no later than 30 days following the conclusion of the event to the address used for registration. To have cheques sent to a different address, please contact us within 5 days following the event.
e. For categories not receiving prize money, product prizes are presented to the top three teams in stage results in each category daily. Trophies are presented to the top three teams in each category overall at the final awards ceremony. Members from the top three teams in each category will receive a complimentary entry in the next year’s event (in the case that they return with a new partner, the new partner will need to pay their half of the registration fee).
7. Start Numbers and Race Passes
Start numbers (both members of each team have the same start number) must be mounted on the handlebars. The sponsor placement on the start numbers must be seen and no additional advertising may be added. The start numbers must not be altered in any way. Penalties will be applied according to UCI regulations in the case that the number plate is altered.
Each participant must carry his/her race pass at all times during the race. The race pass includes a picture of the participant.
8. Leaders’ Jerseys
Leaders’ jerseys are presented to the each rider of the leading team in each category of TR7, and the leading rider in each category of TR3 or TR4 following each stage. Leading riders must wear the leaders’ jersey in the next stage of the event.
Riders are permitted to affix their own advertising logos on the leader’s jersys as follows:
- a maximum of only 3 advertising logos are permitted
- on the front of the jersey: on a maximum surface of 200 square centimeters
- on the back of the jersey: on a maximum surface of 200 square centimeters
- on the shoulders: a single line a maximum of 5 cm wide
- on the sides of the jersey: a single line a maximum of 9 cm wide
9. Sponsorship & Branding
Participants may wear sponsor logos on their clothing, bike helmets and bike. Unauthorized signage of any kind is not permitted in start and finish area, checkpoints, stage locations or camps.
10. Start
The start set-up begins 30 minutes before the starting time specific to each stage. The daily briefing for all participants begins 15 minutes prior to the start time. The exception to this is at the first stage, where extensive briefing on the entire race starts 75 minutes prior to the race start. Note that there is also a daily course briefing each evening in the meal hall/tent, going over the next day’s stage.
The start will remain open up to 10 minutes after the start time listed for each day. Teams starting up to 10 minutes after the designated start time will be measured according to the official start time. Teams who start later than 10 minutes after the official start time will not be considered in the overall results.
At the start of the first stage (time trial), the start order will be seeded according by UCI rankings (the lower ranked rider’s ranking will be used for teams) for Open Men and Open Women categories. Non-ranked teams and riders will be randomly seeded after the ranked teams and riders. Starting on Day 2 and for the remainder of the event, the teams and solo riders will be placed in different starting blocks according to their overall ranking in the G.C. within their category.
11. Check Points
Checkpoints will be located on the course on each stage, approx. every 20-30 km. Each stage will have 2 checkpoints. Checkpoints will include a neutral feeding station, and will also be the feed zone and tech support location for UCI team support personnel. Outside support is not permitted at other points on course. Checkpoints will offer water, electrolyte drink, fruit and other energy foods. It is recommended that all participants carry additional food and drink with them in case of emergency or running out between checkpoints.
At each checkpoint all riders (both members of each team) must report with their race passes. Teams and riders who do not pass one of the check points (for example because they have lost their way) will receive a time penalty of 60 minutes for each control point missed. The jury reserves the right to impose a higher or lower time penalty in special cases.
Participants will be recorded together at the control points in the order of arrival. Should one participant arrive prior to their team-mate, he/she must wait at the enterance to the checkpoint until his/her partner arrives, within the allowable time limit of two minutes. Otherwise, the 60-minute time penalty will be assessed.
12. Finish
At the finish of each stage, team participants must cross the finish line together with number plates visible on the handlebars. The official evaluation of the stage is located here.
Teams or individual riders who arrive at the finish after the finish time limit due to exhaustion, repairs, injury, etc., but who are still riding their mountain bikes will receive the maximum racing time (from official starting time to finish-time) plus 60 minutes. They are eligible to continue racing the following day. Teams or individual riders who can prove a severe defect or injury and arrive at the finish in/on a different vehicle than their mountain bike, will receive the maximum racing time (from official starting time to finish-time) plus 120 minutes, and can continue the race the following day. If one team member drops out of the race but the other team member wishes to continue, the race organizers will make every attempt to find another riding partner. The ‘new’ teams do not qualify for placement but their results will be listed and they will receive a finisher T-shirt. Each participant must ride the entire distance of every stage to qualify for overall prize money, a finisher T-shirt and certificate.
13. Riding on Open Roads
The race will take place partly on public roads. Each participant is to obey all traffic laws in effect and yield to motor vehicles with right-of-way at all times. The race organization strives to keep the start and finish area clear of vehicle traffic, but be aware that people and their vehicles sometimes don’t adhere to traffic barriers and course marshals.
14. Safety Rules
- Slower participants are required to make way for faster racers.
- Blind portions of the course must be ridden with caution.
- Be prepared to brake during steep downhills.
- Repairs must take place in a visible area to the side of the course, outside the normal riding lanes.
- Changing lanes is not allowed in the lead-up to the finish line.
- Course hazards are often not marked. Ride in control and be prepared for possible course hazards.
These rules primarily serve to assure the riders’ safety. Violating these rules can also lead to subsequent time penalty or disqualification from the race.
15. Pulling / Pushing
While it is allowed for team members to support each other by pushing or pulling manually, it is prohibited for saftey reasons to use any kind of device or mechanical aide to do so. There will be repated checks at the start and along each daily stage to ensure compliance with this regulation.
16. Protest and Jury
Each participant can file a protest in writing against other teams for disregarding the rules or against decisions of the Commissaires Panel. Protests can be filed in the President of the Commissaires Panel or his designee up to one hour after the finish time limit of each stage. Witnesses should be named. A jury panel of three members will debate the protest and render a decision prior to the start of the next stage. The protest fee is $50 Canadian. The fee will not be reimbursed unless the protest is upheld. The President of the Commissaires Panel can also form a Jury to rule on an infraction observed by a race official or TransRockies Crew Member.
The Jury will be selected by the President of the Commissaires Panel and will be composed of the President of the Commissaires Panel, a second member of the Commissaires Panel, the Race Director, a second director of TransRockies Inc., and one of the following: a) Senior Member of the Timing Team, b) Athlete’s Representative, or c) Course crew chief. The Jury may decide to take one of the following actions: a) no action, b) impose a penalty or penalties, c) award a time credit, or d) neutralize the stage results for some or all categories (in extreme cases). The Jury may call on racers, crew or spectators as witnesses.
17. Penalties and Suspensions
The President of the Commissaires Panel, in consutation with the race organizer reserves the right to issue warnings, fines, relegations or disqualifications for participants and teams when one of the following applies:
- Technical defects with the equipment
- Participant health problems
- Violating rules and regulations of the event
- Unfair or unsportsmanlike conduct
- Any disregard for the environment
- Disregard for traffic rules
The Commissaires will post a Communique after each stage at the catering hall/tent and at the race office motorhome with any applicable penalties. One of the Commissaires will be positioned at the start line before the start each day and also at each finish line to be available for questions and/or protests. The commissaires may be contacted through the race office motorhome if not easily found at the finish line.
18. Bike Check
Riders should be prepared to perform regular maintenance and repair (i.e. changing brake pads, replacing chains, cables, etc.). We strongly recommend that you start the challenge on a mechanically flawless bike. Please note that we do not offer technical support at control points. Independent service providers will be set up in the TransRockies expo area, providing mechanical support on a user-pay basis, should you require assistance. Limited spare parts will be available for purchase as well.
18. Team Ranking
Due to safety considerations, all participants of the TransRockies TR7 will start in teams of two (does not apply to TR3/TR4). Both participants on each team must appear together at the start, at all control points and at the finish. If this does not occur, the team will not be considered in the daily results. Should one team member arrive more than two minutes before their partner at one of the control points, the team will be given a 60-minute time penalty.
19. Safety Equipment
1. CSA (or equivalent: snell, ANSI, etc.) certified bicycle helmets are compulsory at all times.
2. Each team must carry rainwear and warm clothes for each participant.
3. Each participant must carry Bear Spray on their body (jersey pocket or on a pack) for the entire event. Bear Spray will be available for purchase or rent through the TransRockies merchandise tent.
20. Bike computer, altimeter and GPS
The TransRockies is race where participants will follow a preset route with the help of course markings. Maps are provided for backup and reference. Please note that we use a variety of methods for calculating distance and elevation gain, and route book measurements may not match your personal measurements. Data may vary due to differences in personal calibrations and measurement methods.
We are not currently providing GPS data for the route, but participants are welcome to use GPS units for their own purposes.
21. Health & Travel Insurance
Participants must be in good health and be experienced, well-trained mountain bikers. All participants are responsible for their own health and travel insurance. Participants will be asked to show proof of insurance upon registration and will not be allowed to participate in the event if they do not have the proper documentation. In the case that a search and rescue or medical evacuation is required the participant will be responsible for any expenses incurred. Proof of health and travel insurance is mandatory.
22. Participant Support
Participants may bring friends, family or tech support during the race. If the participants wish to purchase a meal package for friends, family or tech support they can purchase the package prior to the race, at sign-on at the start or at the race office at the daily stages. Support vehicles will be charged a daily or weekly rate for a confirmed site. Support crew/vehicles will not be allowed to park or enter the TransRockies staging area unless they purchase a camping pass. Participant support crews will be responsible for their own accommodation and transportation to each stage location.
23. Camp Locations
August 7 Start – Fernie, BC (no camp offered)
August 7/8 Fernie, BC
August 8/9 Fernie, BC
August 9/10 Fernie, BC
August 10/11 Little Elbow Campground, AB
August 11/12 Little Elbow Campground, AB
August 12/13 Rafter Six Ranch, AB
August 13 Finish – Canmore, AB (no camp offered)
24. Luggage
At sign-in each participant who has booked the camping package (two per team) will receive a TransRockies duffle bag (approx. 36”x16”x16” or 90cm x 40cm x 40cm) with his or her start number. This bag should also be used to store a sleeping bag, thermal mattress, clothing and personal belongings for the duration of the race.
Each participant must drop off his or her bag at the transportation truck on the morning of each stage (location and time will be announced). The bags will be transported to the next stage location where they can be picked up on arrival in the finish. We can only transport one bag for each participant and will not accept any additional items UNLESS an additional duffel bag is purchased. Registrants can purchase an additional bag online during the registration process.
When you arrive at the start location we ask that you transfer the contents from your traveling bag into the bag that is provided by TransRockies. The remaining items such as bike box, suitcase etc. will then be transported directly to the finish and can be picked up at the end of the race. TransRockies will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.
25. Accommodations
Teams in the ‘Epic’ package will be provided with tent accommodation during the race. Tent accommodations are 2-per person (sharing with your teammate) unless you purchase an upgrade to single occupancy. Tents are approximately 7’ x 7’ floor space. The camp in Fernie will be housed at the Raging Elk Hostel.
Teams in the ‘Expedition’ package will be provided with motorhome accommodation during the race. The motorhome will be transferred to each stage location for you. Fuel and water/septic service will be provided as locations permit.
No accommodations are provided for the nights prior to the start, or following the finish of the race. Participants are encouraged to book hotel accommodation for those evenings. A list of stage locations and contact numbers are listed on www.transrockies.com.
We are generally able to accommodate all participants with access to showers. However, there will be limited use. Showers must be limited to 5 minutes to conserve hot water, fresh water and grey-water storage.
26. Catering
Meal packages are optional. Participants who purchase the meal packaget will receive an evening meal and breakfast at each stage location, starting with dinner on Sunday, August 7th. It is recommended that if you require additional food/drink during the day that you make the necessary arrangements in advance by purchasing food either in the communities or from the TransRockies caterer at each stage. WARNING: Do not bring food into tents in the tent camps!!! We will provide a storage area if you need to store food.
27. Bike Storage
At each stage location you can drop your bike off for the night in a secured Bike Park until 11 PM. TransRockies is not liable for bike thefts or vandalism. For this reason, we strongly advise you to have a lock for your bikes. We will re-open the Bike Park each morning at 6:00 am. To receive your bike, the start number on your accreditation and the one on the bike must be identical. Once your bike is dropped off at the Bike Park, you will not have access to it again until the following morning starting at 6:00am. Bikes must be picked up by 7:30 AM.
28. Massage & Chiropractic service
The TransRockies expo area offers chiropractic, athletic therapy and massage service on site. Therapists are avaiable on a pay-as-you-go basis. It is strongly recommended that you make arrangements with the therapists in advance.
29. Transfers
Transfers to the start and from the finish will be available for participants at an additional charge. Transfers need to be booked in advance of the race. Please see www.transrockies.com for more information on transfers.
30. Sign–In
Due to the volume of people signing in we ask that participants make arrangements to do so as early as possible on Saturday, August 7th.
Hours of Sign–In:
Saturday, August 6 Noon – 6 pm
Sunday, August 7 am – 8:30 pm
31. Technical Service
Bike service partners will be offering technical service for the mountain bikes both prior to the start and after the finish each day. Repair work is available on a user-pay basis. Any required parts must be provided or paid for by the participant.
