EVENT RULES & REGULATIONS

The Etape Loch Ness is intended to provide every cyclist with the best event experience. In order to do this, the following Event Rules & Regulations are in place to ensure the smooth running of the event.

This list is not exhaustive and the Organisers reserve the right to amend these Rules prior to the event.

• Participants must ensure they adhere to the mandatory kit rules – these will be strictly enforced.
• Safety-approved cycle helmets (CE standard EN1078 or equivalent national standard) are compulsory and must be worn at all times when cycling. Any cyclist not wearing a helmet whilst participating in the event will be excluded.
• You must use a bike that is deemed safe for the purposes of the event in the opinion of the Event Organiser. Specifically, the following bikes are NOT permitted:
  • Fixed wheel with no brakes
  • Fixed wheel with only a front brake
  • Any bicycle with only one brake
  • Unconventional handlebars (including triathlon bars, aero bars, clip-ons, prayer bars, Spinaci bars and cow bars) are not allowed. However, MTB bar ends are permitted on mountain bikes
  • Handlebars without bar-end plugs are not permitted.
  • Handcycles
  • Unicycles
  • Penny Farthings
  • Quadcycles
  • BMX
  • Towed trailers
  • Child carriers/child seats
  • Tag-a-long trailers bicycles
  • Trailer bicycles
  • Cargo bicycles
  • Specialist time-trial bicycles are not allowed as they do not allow for immediate control of the bicycle.
  • Stride driven or stand up machines such as elliptical cycles
  • Any bicycle without 360° rider visibility
• An electric bike or Ebike is permitted, provided it is a UK road legal bike with maximum electro speed of 15.5 mph (25 kph) and rated power output of 250 watts or less.
• A recumbent bicycle or trike is permitted however riders will be required to have a head height safety flag attached to the bicycle.
• Participants must display all rider numbers provided at Registration at all times: a bike number (with timing chip attached) fixed to the handlebars and a rider number attached to the back of cycle top with emergency contact / medical information completed in full on the reverse of the rider number.
• You may NOT ride under someone else’s rider number under any circumstance. Doing so will result in disqualification
• You must register on the date and times as specified by the Event Organiser.
• Participants will set off in waves every 3 minutes at the Start. Please do not start earlier than your allocated time.
• Please cycle ON THE LEFT at all times.
• Keep left and in single file if you have dismounted.
• Be aware of other participants around you and allow faster riders to pass you on the right.
• Please note that there is one section of the route that is left lane closure only. This is the final section on entering Inverness (from Holm roundabout) to the finish where traffic will be travelling on the opposite carriageway. Participants must take extra care on this section and must NOT cross the central white line at any time, which would result in disqualification.
• You must not deviate from the official event route which will have directional signage throughout. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
• Participants must adhere to the minimum speed of 13mph. Participants falling behind this will be given the option of returning to Inverness in the sweep convoy or can complete the course on open roads. The Event Organiser reserves the right to use their discretion to insist that riders get on the Sweep Bus. This will be on the grounds of safety of the rider or other road users, specifically on the section of the route on the A82, or for medical reasons. Please note the Event Organiser’s decision is final.
• For safety reasons, please do not leave the course without informing an Event Official.
• You must follow the instructions provided by Event Officials, Marshals and Event Organiser at all times. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
• The Event Organiser will provide water and support stations at specific locations around the route, but we encourage you to start the event with two full water bottles and enough snacks for the duration of the event.
• It is your responsibility to dress appropriately for the conditions on the event day. Remember that the weather can change and deteriorate very quickly in the Scottish Highlands; you should therefore bring appropriate clothing to keep warm and dry in any adverse weather.
• Please adhere to both the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the Highway Code for the duration of the event.
• You may not use your mobile phone while cycling. You must stop at the road side if you need to make or receive a call.
• You may not use a music player with headphones while participating in the event.
• Littering is both against the law and unacceptable behaviour, especially in an area of such outstanding natural beauty. Any participant seen disposing of litter other than in the bins provided at feed stations and at the Event Hub will be disqualified from the event.
• Toilets are available at all support stations on the route, on the King of the Mountain and at the Event Hub. Please use these facilities and respect the local area and residents.
• The Event Organiser will make every effort to provide participants with a finish time but is not responsible for any electronic timing issues.
• The Event will only be cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances. In such an eventuality all participants will be notified by email or SMS as soon as possible. The Event Organiser shall not be liable in respect of any costs and expenses you may incur as a result of such cancellation or postponement.
• The Event Organiser has event insurance cover; however we recommend that participants have appropriate personal insurance cover.