1. Aim of the competition
1. Promotion of Mountain Biking and Bike touring in Sikkim.
2. Promotion of local, regional, and international trails and recreational resorts.
3. Select the best riders in the region.
4. Promotion of healthy lifestyle and active R&R.
2. Name of the event
MTB Race 2008
3. Organizers
Department of Tourism, Sikkim Govt
Contact information:
Sikkim Tourism
MG Marg, Gangtok 737301
Sikkim, India.
Ph : +91-3592-221634 / 227720
Fax : +91-3592-205647
Contact Person : Mr. B. R. SUBBA
brsubba@sikkimadventures.com
New Sikkim House
14, Panchsheel Marg,
Chanakya Puri, New Delhi – 110021
Ph : +91-11-26115346 / 26115171
Contact Person : Dr. Anil Mainra
anilmainra@sikkimadventures.com
4/1, Middleton Street, Kolkata-16
Ph : +91-33-22815328, 22817905
Contact Person : Mr. Madan Pradhaan
madanpradhaan@sikkimadventures.com
4. Date of the event
March 3-14, 2008
5. Stages
GANGTOK – RANKA – RUMTEK – SANG
SANG – MARTAM – RABONG
RABONG – KEWZING – TASHIDING
TASHIDING – PHAMRONG FALL – YUKSAM
YUKSAM – DARAP – PELLING
PELLING – DENTAM – HEE BERMIOK
HEE BERMIOK – KALUK – SORENG
SORENG – SOMBARIA – DARAMDIN
DARAMDIN – JORETHANG – NAMCHI
NAMCHI – NAMTHANG – RONGPO
Approximate overall race length - 495 km
Approximate altitude difference - 14000 m
6. Participation
Participants of MTB Race 2008 have to fulfill the following conditions:
1. Fill out the application form available on http://sikkimadventures.com/events.html
By filling out the entry form, the riders accept the following clause:
"Disclaimer of Warranties. The Organizer shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, resulting from the organization of the race before, during or after the said race. Riders taking part in the race expressly agree that the participation remains at their sole risk. The Participant is liable for all damages which may rise caused in whole or in part by their or others' negligence or other fault of the parties or persons they are hereby releasing. By signing this disclaimer, the Participant waives releases and gives up any claims, demands, liability damages, costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever, including personal injuries or wrongful death, against the Organizer or his contractors. I am aware of any potential hazards and I fully understand that I am forever giving up in advance any right to sue or make claim against the parties I am releasing. I agree to obey the orders of the security forces on the course and to observe the Rules & Regulations of the Race. I agree to the above terms and conditions and I enter my participation in the race. In case of a minor below the age of 18 years, a parental or legal guardian's approval is required by signing a pertinent document. I release pictures, film recordings or interviews with me for the public use by the press, radio or television. By signing below, I agree, warrant and covenant the Rules & Regulations of the Race. I filled out the entry form truthfully and completely. I agree to the processing of my personal data by Sikkim Tourism, MG Marg, Gangtok 737301, Sikkim, India."
2. Submit payment of the entry fee for the chosen Race package before the final sign-up date. The original proof of payment must be retained for inspection at the Organizer's Office before the start.
3. Sign the starting list before the race.
4. Only riders above the age of 18 years (on the event date) can participate in the event.
5. All riders participate at their own responsibility.
6. All riders must wear a rigid bike helmet during the race.
7. Divisions
MAN - two male riders in a team
WOMAN - two female riders in a team
MIX - mixed team
MASTERS - team of two riders whose cumulative ages exceed 80 years.
SOLO MANSOLO WOMANSOLO MASTERS
8. Race packages
Standard
» Full marking of each race stage» Road Book» Digital map for GPS devices.» number plate with the rider's name,
» full medical coverage of the event,
» Individual accident insurance for each rider during the event
» time measurement,
» name tags,
» event t-shirt,
» access to feed stations on the course,» access to an aid station at the end of each stage,
» luggage bag, one for each competitor (82x38x36cm),
» luggage transport between stages,
» access to showers,» cleaning and bike maintenance stations,
» service station at the end of each stage,
» accommodation at the MTB Race camp; sleeping mats and bags in care of each competitor,
» t-shirt for finishers,
» individual stage results,
» invitations to Race Parties,
» full board: 12 breakfasts, 11 dinners
»Fees for Standard package per person : before 28.02.2008 – Rs. 20000/- , $250
After due date
Additional options:» Accommodation in hotels or guesthouses during the event (accommodation database available on http://sikkimadventures.com/index.php (booking and payments not covered by the Organizer)
» Accommodation in tents /pensions/ (with full board) ensured by the Organizer (9 nights/person), double rooms, transport from/to pensions/hotels covered by the Organizer – actuals
» Energy (without Prologue) – Rs. 0000 » professional massage after the stages 1-7 – Rs. 0000
» cycling jersey with full name and national flag MTB Race Special Edition – Rs.
» event film and photos of MTB Race 2008 (2 x DVD) - US$100
» Accommodation for accompanying party (competitor standard, transport not covered by the Organizer) Rs. 10000/-,
After signing-up online, participants shall be required to make a bank transfer of the full entry fee to the organizer's bank account as listed above, with an identification of the team making the payment. The entry fee should be transferred to the organizer's bank account only. If the entry fee is not accounted for on the organizer's bank account within 14 days of signing-up, the team shall be withdrawn from the start list.
9. Fees for withdrawing from race
In case of early withdrawal from the race, the organizer shall refund the entry fee in the following amounts:
» 100 per cent of the entry fee made before 20 Feb 2008,
» After 20 Feb 2008 or in case of withdrawal from the starting line, the entry fee will not be refunded.
Changes in team composition up to 10 days before the event are free of charge. Within the week preceding the event all changes in team composition shall be possible at a charge of Rs. 2000/-.
In case of disqualification or withdrawal from the running race the entry fee shall not be refunded.
10. Rules of the competition
Kanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expedition- MTB race shall abide by the following rules.
All disputes shall be resolved by the College of Commissaries together with the Organizer of MTB Race-2008. Race eligibility: teams of two riders are eligible to compete in the race without changing of the registered team members.
Number of teams competing in the MTB Race-2008 is limited to 100. Order of entries is sorted by the accounting date of the entry fee on the organizer's bank account.
Members of one team are obligated to complete the course of MTB Race 2008 together. Time difference between both riders may not exceed 20 seconds.
Race time entered into the general classification is the time of the second rider in the team.
The team with the lowest cumulative time at the end of the full eight stages MTB Race 2008 in its respective division shall be the winner of the general classification.
The team with the lowest time at the end of the stage is the stage winner.
Number plates damaged beyond identification or missing shall be penalized by the Commissaries.
Only mountain bikes in good technical condition are allowed for use in the race. The responsibility for the technical condition of a bike lies solely on the rider.
Official doctor of MTB Race 2008 reserves the right to withdraw a rider unable to continue the race from the competition.
Start of all seven stages shall be at 800 a.m. The start line shall remain open for 15 minutes from the start signal. Teams starting after that time shall not be included in the stage classification and shall not be qualified to complete the race.
Start line order of riders shall be sorted according to Open general classification results:
» 1st sector: positions 1 through 10,
» 2nd sector: positions 11 through 30,
» 3rd sector: positions below 31.
Start sectors shall be open till 8.30 a.m.
The cut-off time to reach the finishing line of stages 1-6 shall be at 4 p.m. The cut-off time to reach the final stage finish line shall be announced separately in the pre- stage briefing on the last day of the event.
Teams exceeding the cut-off time are permitted to continue the race but shall not be included in the general classification. In exceptional cases the organizer may allow for the late team to be classified after submitting a motion by the team's captain.
During MTB Race 2008 the following time bonuses will be given three winning teams in each division: 1st position - 20 seconds, 2nd position - 10 seconds, 3rd position - 5 seconds.
Stage winners must be present at the award ceremony that shall take place after every stage (approx. at 6.00 p.m.); failing to appear during the ceremony shall be penalized with time penalties: first absence - 3 min., every next - 5 min.
The course of each stage shall be marked and supervised by Commissaries and medical rescue teams.
The course of each stage shall include check-points. Failing to pass a single check- point shall result in disqualification.
There will be feed zones on the course of the MTB Race 2008 stages.
Team members may not get any technical support from any third parties.
All equipment repairs or other situations requiring the team to stop must be within the course visibility without obstructing the course for other riders.
11. Classification
The team with the lowest cumulative time at the end of the full course of six stages of MTB Race 2008 in its respective division shall be the winner of the general classification. In case of two or more teams completing the course of the prologue and Eight stages in the same total time, the winning team in the general classification shall be decided by the higher position in the last stage.
After each stage, the leading team in the general classification shall be named. In case of two or more teams completing the course of the stage in the same time, the winning team in the general classification shall be decided by the higher position in the stage before announcing the general classification results.
The leaders in each division shall be awarded after each stage of MTB Race 2008 with a special jersey, and shall be required to wear that jersey during the next stage
12. Awards
The organizer shall award the best three teams in their respective divisions. Division winners shall be awarded with sport prizes.
The three winning teams of each stage must be present at the award ceremony held immediately after the completion of each stage and in the final awards ceremony.
13. Penalties
The College of Commissaries together with the organizer of Bike Race 2006 may impose the following penalties:
1. Verbal warning.
2. Time penalty.
3. Disqualification.
A team can be penalized by the Organizer for the following offences:
» not wearing rigid helmets,
» dropping litter (except the special zone of 200 m behind every food station) ,
» not respecting the countryside,
» third repeated offence of time difference exceeding 20 seconds between riders of the same team,
» mechanical failures of the equipment resulting in lowered riding safety,
» behaving in unsporting manner,
» pushing or pulling of a rider by third parties,
» infringements of traffic regulations.
4. Relegation.
In case of disqualification, the organizer shall not refund the entry fee.
14. Withdrawing a team from the Race
Teams withdrawing from the competition during the MTB Race 2008, irrespective of any reasons for the withdrawal shall inform the organizer before the start or after the completion of a stage.
In case of withdrawing from the competition during the course of a stage, the riders must notify the organizer by calling the mobile number: 0000000000000 in order to prevent a rescue action.
In case of not notifying the organizer of the withdrawal and launching a rescue operation, the cost of such rescue operation shall be borne entirely by the missing team.
In case of an inability of one team member to complete the race, the organizer of MTB Race 2008 shall make its best efforts to create a new team. A single rider shall not be allowed to complete the race. Newly created teams shall not be included in the general classification.
In emergencies, bearing in mind the well being of a team, the Organizer with the race doctor reserves the right to withdraw a team from the competition.
15. Luggage transportation
The organizer shall provide the transportation of the riders' luggage of no more than 40 kilograms per team packed into two bags, at most.
Riders are required to deliver their luggage the latest at 7.00 a.m (afterwards it shall not be taken) and to collect their luggage before 7.00 p.m. after completing each stage.
Organizers of the MTB Race 2008 shall not be held liable for the theft of any items.
16. Compulsory equipment of each team:
» at least two liters of drinks,
» energy bars or energy gels,
» basic toolkit for bike repairs,
» spare inner tube,
» a pump.
17. Recommended equipment of each team:
The MTB Race 2008 is a stage race in which riders follow the course of a marked trail. We recommend that riders carry a cyclometer and a mobile phone.
18. Traffic
The MTB Race 2008 shall take place with unrestricted road traffic.
In Sikkim roads riders must keep to the left side and unconditionally observe all statutory traffic regulations.
Riders must exercise extreme caution for vehicles crossing the course from farming fields, country and forest roads or building drive-ins.
The organizer shall not be held liable for any traffic accidents or collisions on the course of the race.
19. Filing protests
Protests to the Chief Commissar can be submitted in written form during the course of the event. A protest must be accompanied with a deposit of Rs. 2000/-. The deposit shall not be returned unless the Chief Commissary with the Organizer consents to the validity of the claim. The Chief Commissary's decision is final.
20. Additional information
The organizer shall not be held liable for accidents en route to and from the event.
All riders take part in the competition at their responsibility.
The organizer shall not be held liable for missing items during the course of the event.
The organizer shall not be held liable for any traffic accidents or collisions on the course of the race.
Failure to read and understand these Rules & Regulations shall not be deemed as an excuse.
Persons riding bicycles on the course of the marathon without a valid number plate shall be kept off the course.
The course of the race includes steep climbs and dangerous downhill sections.
The Marathon shall be held rain or shine, irrespectively of the weather conditions.
The Organizer reserves the right to call off the event due to natural disasters or a "force majeure".
All riders are requested not to litter on the course of the race and to respect the countryside.
The Organizer shall not refund the entry fee due to a withdrawal during the race.
The competitor signs the Entry Form and accepts the Rules & Regulations of the Race, and allows for the processing of the personal data.
The Organizer with the Chief Commissary reserves the right of interpretation of these Rules & Regulations and the right of adjusting thereof.
The office opens on March 2 Sunday from 10.00 a.m. till 8.00 p.m. Friday March 14, 2007.
Additional Info:
Before the start the competitors must come to the office to:
» register and to take the start set/package according to the standard they paid for
» sign the starting list
» confirm their accommodation at MTB Race 2008
» confirm that they take the (complete) food set/package
» take the Road Book
» submit the list of any people who accompany the competitors
» confirm they benefit from additional options
Independently of the set/package the competitors buy they are allowed to get the accommodation starting from the night on Saturday/Sunday (1/2 March 2008) till the night on Friday 14 March 2008). The organizer provides the wash-hand basins, showers, toilets at the place of accommodation. The competitors must have all the necessary equipment for sleeping as sleeping-bags, mattresses etc..
The meals for the competitors (breakfast and late dinner) will be served according to the identification cards that the competitors will get at the office.
Breakfasts: from 6:00 till 7:00, late dinner 17:00-19:00.
The accommodation will be provided by the organizer due to the list of applicants that will be kept at the place of accommodation. The organizer informs the competitors where there are the the wash-hand basins, showers, toilets, medical service and the parking for bikes at the place of accommodation ( the bikes will be given back due to the identification cards that the competitors receive)
Competitors' luggage
All the competitors will get a special bag into which they will have to put their personal belongings according to the paid start sets/packages. The complete set/package of the luggage consists of the labeled bag and the sleeping equipment set/package as the sleeping bag and the mattress. The luggage will be taken by the organizer to transport before the start of each stage till 6.30 a.m. and will be given back due to the identification cards at the finish point of each stage from 5.00 p.m.. The organizer is responsible for the luggage only during the time of the transport between the places of each stage of the race. The organizer is not responsible for the valuables of the competitors and the people who accompany them.
Suggested equipment of the competitor
During Bike Race race each participant should at least have:
» 2 litres of some liquids at each race stage
» bars,energetic gel according to the motto better safe than sorry
» the basic tools to repair the bike
» the additional tube,the inflator
» the distance counter/meter
» the mobile phone
» the sunglasses
» the toilet equipment,the sports clothes for the race and some to change (after the race)
» the bike locker
» the torch
» the suntan lotion
The race itself
» start sectors open at 9.30
» the order of the riders in the start sections will be in accordance with the regulations
» each stage starts at 10:00
» the finish point closes at 20:00
» the finish point closes at 19:00 (the 6th stage)
» on the way of each stage there will be:
- 3 food stations for regeneration (one with bewerages/soft drinks, two with beverages, fruit,bars, cake etc.)
- the check points
- the technical and medical service
» You must be very careful when you go across the busy public roads and streets
» You must be extremely careful when you go through downward and dangerous slopes
» You must attach the start number at the front of the handle-bar to make it possible to identify the competitor by the referee (you must never destroy, cut or deform it)
Additional Info:
» In case of the competitor's/s' withdraw during each race stage you should call +48 501 26 33 00 and inform about it in order not to start the rescue procedures
» The technical condition/shape of your bicycle must be suitable to take part in the race in MTB Race 2008
» The bike service will be available at the finish point of each stage (it will perform only emergency services/repairs).The competitor should have all the necessary spare parts as brakes, cablets/lines etc.
» Your bike will be repaired only if it is clean
» At each finish point there will be the special place to wash the bikes
» Each competitor takes care of his/her bike by himself/herself
» The party and the briefing will be held on March 3, 2008 at 7.00 p.m.
» If you want to have massage you must have your own towel
» The Organizer shall make places available to put up tents after every stage
