Rules and Regulations

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The following guiding principles are the foundation of the Rules and Regulations and the intent behind them will dictate decision-making by the Race Committee on any issue not specifically covered in the rules.

• Safety of all persons involved
• Running a Clean and Healthy race with a level playing field for all
• Maintaining a Race of the Highest standards
• Protecting Race integrity and reputation

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DEFINITIONS

• Participants refer to Solo and Team participants.
• Race Format refers to the distinct choice between racing solo and as a team and within these formats that are defined by number of ghats/climbing sections, age, and gender.
• Equipment refers collectively to the Bicycles and Gear listed in Section 6 that are required to pass inspection before the race starts.
• Electronic Equipment refers collectively to the Lights, chargers, batteries, Phones, Power banks, and charging cables that are required to pass inspection before the race starts.
• SP – Starting Point refers to the specified location at the start of the section that acts as a control on the passage of participants and has a timing solution.
• RHQ – Race Headquarters refers to the phone number provided to participants that acts as the point of contact for essential information.
• RD – Race Director is in charge of all race decisions and penalties for misconduct.
• Race Officials refers to all Race Representatives, including RD, Officials, Marshalls, Race Committee, and volunteers operating Race Headquarters and various checkpoints on the route.

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THE RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE RACE ARE SUBDIVIDED INTO SECTIONS AS DESCRIBED BELOW:

• Section 1 – Conduct – Applies to ALL events, formats, categories, and distances.
• Section 2 – Equipment & Safety – Applies to ALL events, formats, categories, and distances.
• Section 3 – Compliance – Applies to ALL events, formats, categories, and distances.
• Section 4 – Race Criteria – Applies to ALL events, formats, categories, and distances.
• Section 5 – Self-Supported Format
• Section 6 – Mandatory Pre-Race Requirements

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1. CODE OF CONDUCT

1.1. General

A. All participants are responsible for reading and understanding the rules, event information, and instructions given before and during the event.
B. All rules and regulations must be obeyed by all participants at all times.
C. Standard RQ Race Rules have been applied within these Rules and Regulations, with some exceptions to accommodate local conditions and laws.
D. The Race Committee has the authority to override, modify, or create rules even during the ongoing race based on extenuating circumstances.
E. Safety is the primary concern. In case of an emergency, participants are expected to assist others. Racers may be given time credit if assistance during a medical emergency causes a delay.
F. Race registration is open to any cyclist over the age of 18 as of race day.
Only cyclists aged 15–18 may participate in the “U-18” (One Ghat category) with written parental/guardian consent and the presence of a guardian/parent during the race.

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1.2. Conduct

A. Participants must conduct themselves in a civil and respectful manner at all times during the entire duration of the event.
B. Participants may not act maliciously toward any other person for any reason.
C. Participants may not intentionally impede or misdirect any other participant.
D. Participants must behave respectfully toward all Race Officials and Volunteers at all times.
E. Violation of conduct rules or any inappropriate behavior will result in immediate disqualification and possible suspension from future Sahyadri Classic events.

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1.3. Littering

A. Racers may not litter or discard garbage, plastic, packaging, etc., except in proper disposal bins at any point during the race — including the start, finish, and hydration points.
B. All waste must be disposed of only in private or public garbage bins at designated waste collection points.
C. Throwing waste in public parking areas or on streets near the finish venue is strictly forbidden. Participants must clean their vehicles and bikes only at their hotels and dispose of waste as per hotel recommendations.
D. Participants must ensure strict compliance not just during the race, but also during post-race events and until their departure from finish venues.
E. Any breach of these rules may result in a time penalty.

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1.4. Substance Abuse

A. Consumption of alcoholic beverages, drugs, narcotics, opioids, or any intoxicating substances is strictly prohibited for all participants.
B. This rule applies from the start of the race until the participant finishes. For safety reasons, participants are expected to enforce this restriction upon themselves.
C. Race Officials will take the strictest action in case of any breach, including suspicion or evidence of intoxication. In addition to disqualification, Race Officials reserve the right to report the offender to local authorities.

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1.5. Support, Vendors & Resources

A. Sahyadri Classic provides information on technical support, accommodation, and en-route restaurants, and offers assistance through volunteers. However, Sahyadri Classic cannot be held responsible for any dissatisfaction with goods or services obtained from these resources.
B. Participants must behave respectfully toward all vendors and support personnel associated with Sahyadri Classic. Any disagreements must be resolved amicably. All related expenses are to be borne by the participant.
C. Participants must maintain respectful interactions with the local community and culture, both before and after the race, including at Start/Finish venues.
D. No misuse, littering, or property damage is permitted in hotel rooms or restaurants used by participants. Any damages must be compensated by the participants. Sahyadri Classic will not be held responsible for any penalties imposed.
E. All expenses for the duration of the race, including accommodation at start and finish venues, must be borne by the racer.

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1.6. Communication Protocol

A. Prior to pre-race formalities, all official communication must be made via email for record keeping.
After that, until post-race day, participants may use phone calls, text messages, or WhatsApp for urgent race-related matters.

📧 Email: sahyadriclassic@gmail.com
📞 Official Phone: +91 70574 84681

B. During race days, participants will be provided the Race Headquarters (RHQ) mobile number for essential communication — such as start-point reporting, route diversions, medical issues, race withdrawal, or other race-related updates.
C. The purpose of all communication must be to seek clarity or share essential race information with officials.
D. All communication — including face-to-face, written, or telephonic — with race officials must remain respectful and polite.
Appeals, protests, and complaints must follow the procedure detailed in Section 3.7.
E. Social media posts are not acceptable for official communication or complaint handling. Sahyadri Classic’s social media platforms are meant for community updates and event promotion.
Any disrespectful or defamatory use of these platforms by a participant toward the race or its organizers may result in disciplinary action.

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1.7. Media, Race Publicity & PR

A. All images and videos shot on or before race day are the property of the organizers. The organizers reserve full rights to use this content for promotional purposes on print or digital platforms.
B. Participants must not engage in any media activity (print, online, or social) that harms the reputation or integrity of the race.
Any action deemed damaging to the race’s reputation may result in disqualification or a ban from future Sahyadri Classic events.

2. EQUIPMENT & SAFETY

2.1. Pre-Race Formalities

A. There are certain mandatory pre-race requirements that all participants must meet to receive clearance to race. This includes submission of physical documents, signatures, and inspection of equipment and electronics.
B. Every item described in Section 6 may be inspected and cleared by a designated Race Official. Participants are given a specific time slot during which all items must be cleared at the specified venue. Racers failing to meet these requirements will be denied clearance to race and their registration canceled without a refund.
C. It is the responsibility of the participants to ensure that only the equipment that passes the Pre-Race inspection is used during the race and continues to meet prescribed parameters for the entire duration of the race.
D. If a change of equipment is required between inspection and race start, or during the event, race officials must be informed. Race officials will provide a convenient time and location for the new equipment to be inspected and approved, subject to race schedule constraints.

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2.2. Bicycles

A. All bicycles must be propelled solely by human force. Disc wheels and wheel covers are allowed. Any form of electric motor or e-bike propulsion is not allowed.
B. Aero bars are not allowed.
C. Participants in the MTB/Gravel category must use only MTB or Gravel bikes. Participants in other categories may use road, MTB, or Gravel bikes.
D. In addition to pre-race inspection requirements, all bicycles must be in full race condition — including brakes, brake pads, and absence of visible damage that could be a safety concern. Brakes must remain in full working condition at all times during the race.
E. If a bicycle is deemed unsafe before or during the race, racers may not use it until the issue is resolved to the satisfaction of the Race Director.

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2.3. Helmets

A. Racers must wear an ISO-certified bicycle helmet, properly fastened at all times when riding. Racers without helmets will not be permitted to start.
B. Racers found riding without a properly fastened helmet, even briefly, will receive a time penalty. A second offense will result in immediate disqualification.

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2.4. Lights and Reflective Gear

Lights (turned ON) and reflective gear (recommended, not mandatory) must be used:

A. During low-light hours before 7:00 AM and after 6:00 PM.
B. Continuously if visibility is poor for any reason.
C. Racers must use at least one steady white front light visible from 500 ft (150 lumens or more) and one steady or flashing red rear light visible from 300 ft.
D. Bike lights (front and rear) will be checked during bib collection. Racers failing to present lights may be refused participation.
E. These are minimal requirements. For optimal visibility, racers are recommended to use a front light of 600+ lumens and a rear light visible up to 500 ft, with a backup front light.
F. Reflective gear may also be worn during the day for added safety.
G. All lighting requirements must be met individually by each racer. Equipment must remain charged or have fresh batteries for the entire race duration.
H. Riding without functioning lights before 7:00 AM or after 6:00 PM (or in poor visibility) will incur a penalty without warning. Racers will be stopped until the issue is corrected.

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2.5. Support

A. Racers should be self-sufficient and equipped to handle mechanical issues. Participants must carry tools to repair or adjust their bicycles and gear. Race officials may assist but are not responsible for mechanical problems.
B. Mechanical support is available only at the Race Hub. Transportation to the hub is the racer’s responsibility.
C. In case of breakdowns, racers may use outside assistance (e.g., bike shop, transport) but must rejoin the race at the same point where they left. No time credit will be given. The Race Director must be informed and grant approval before continuing.
D. If a breakdown renders a bike immobile, the Race Director may allow the racer to rejoin after repairs — this is entirely at the Director’s discretion. Racers must carry their own repair tools and spares (tubes, pumps). Using transportation to skip course segments will result in disqualification.
E. Having personal support vehicles following the racer in competitive sections is not allowed. Riders found with personal vehicles nearby may be penalized or disqualified. All personal vehicles must stay clear until the racer completes the segment.
F. No hand-offs, resource exchanges, or physical assistance (water, food, equipment, pushing, or drafting) are permitted from personal vehicles during competitive segments. Only race volunteers may provide assistance.
G. Race officials may restrict movement of personal vehicles once racers are flagged off. Vehicles seen in active competitive segments may cause penalties or disqualification to the rider. This rule minimizes traffic, prevents unfair advantage, and maintains race safety.
H. Riders may access their support vehicles before or after competitive segments but not during them or for physical support.

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2.6. Safety and Medical Support

A. This ultra-climbing race format focuses on racing uphill and neutralizing flat/downhill segments for safety. There are no prizes or advantages for going fast on flats or descents. Generous cut-off times ensure riders finish before sunset safely.
B. Participants are fully responsible for their safety at all times and must make decisions regarding rest, withdrawal, or avoiding unsafe conditions.
C. All safety rules must be strictly followed.
D. Riders must use hand signals to indicate turns or stops and pull off completely to the left side before stopping.
E. Race officials may stop any participant riding unsafely and only allow continuation once they are satisfied. Repeated unsafe riding will result in disqualification. Officials’ judgment on safety is final.
F. In a medical emergency, participants must immediately seek local medical help and inform race officials as soon as possible.

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3. Compliance

3.1. Traffic Laws & Law of the Land
A. Participants must obey all traffic laws at all times.
B. This includes, but is not limited to: riding/driving on the correct side of the road, stopping and waiting at red lights until they turn green, stopping at stop signs and checking for traffic before proceeding, using hand signals for all turns, keeping as far to the left as safety permits, ensuring they do not obstruct other users of the road, and using the shoulder whenever possible.
C. Race Officials may directly issue penalties for traffic violations. Participants observed repeating traffic violations will be disqualified.
D. Participants are expected to follow all pertinent laws, regulations, and mandates as declared by government authorities.

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3.2. Compliance
A. Participants must obey all race rules and regulations at all times. There will be no exceptions. The onus is on the participants to ensure that they do not give any cause for doubt.
B. It is the responsibility of the Participants to ensure that compliance is strictly adhered to for the entire duration of the race.

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3.3. Race Officials and Race Committee
A. Race Officials are individuals designated to monitor participants for compliance and to enforce the Rules of the Race. Race Officials include Road Marshals, Control Point Officials, Race Director, and Race Management.
B. Race Officials may be mobile or stationed along the route as well as at Control Points and will be marshaling the route in marked or unmarked vehicles.
C. The Race Committee is comprised of the Race Director, Officials, and the Segment In-Charge. If deemed necessary, the committee may include other Officials or individuals in an advisory capacity.
D. The Race Committee has the authority to override, modify, or create rules based on unfolding circumstances before, after, or during the course of the event. Race Officials have complete authority, and the decision of the Race Committee is final on all matters.

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3.4. Warnings and Penalties
A. Race Officials and volunteers may issue warnings and provide clarification to Participants for minor violations, not including willful cheating. If the situation warrants, a penalty may be issued on the first offense.
B. In a race such as this, Race Officials and the Race Committee may take spot decisions that will be conveyed to the RHQ. Every attempt will be made to inform participants, but Race Officials cannot be held responsible if communication is delayed.
C. Repeating an offense will result in a penalty, regardless of whether the racer has been notified or warned about the first offense.
D. Race Officials reserve the right to immediately disqualify a racer and ban them from future races for inappropriate behavior or if the situation warrants it. It is within the discretionary powers of Race Officials to decide on warnings, penalties, or disqualifications based on their judgment and observations.
E. Each violation of rules will result in a 5-minute time penalty depending on the offense and subject to circumstances. Serious offenses may garner a longer time penalty if required. Accumulation of more than three penalties will result in disqualification. Issuing of penalties is not limited to the breaches of rules listed here.

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3.5. Drafting
A. Drafting of any motorized vehicle is strictly forbidden. Any racer seen attempting to gain an advantage by drafting a motorized vehicle will be immediately disqualified.
B. Drafting any other cyclist or Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) that is not participating in the race is strictly forbidden and will be considered cheating.
C. Any violation of the drafting rules 3.5.A and 3.5.B will result in a racer’s immediate disqualification.
D. Racers within the same format or across categories of the race may ride together and draft each other provided it is with mutual consent. If a racer explicitly states that they do not wish to have a competitor draft or accompany them, that must be respected.
E. Drafting other racers may only be undertaken if road and traffic conditions permit, without causing obstruction to others or compromising safety.

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3.6. Cheating
A. Any deliberate act of taking advantage of others is considered cheating and will lead to immediate disqualification.
B. Racers may not be pushed, pulled, towed, or otherwise assisted by any motorized vehicle. Towing any vehicle is strictly forbidden for all racers. A violation will lead to immediate disqualification and a ban from future races.
C. No racer is allowed to move in the competitive zone or neutral zone without their bike. No racer is allowed to sit inside a moving vehicle within the competitive segment or neutral zone until their race is finished.
D. Any Solo Racer seen utilizing a motorized vehicle to move ahead on the course will be disqualified. If, for any reason, a racer is required to enter a motorized vehicle (withdrawal, mechanical issue, or medical assistance), they must inform a Race Official before the vehicle starts moving. If telephonic contact cannot be established, a text/SMS or WhatsApp message must be sent and shown as proof if requested.
E. A very serious view is taken of any manner of cheating. If found cheating, Race Officials will immediately disqualify a racer and ban them from future races.

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3.7. Appeals, Protests, and Complaints
A. During the course of the race, participants may seek clarification or make a verbal protest via text or WhatsApp regarding a warning or penalty to the Race Committee, but this must be done privately and respectfully. Any public protest or display of disrespect toward the rules or Race Officials may result in an escalated penalty.
B. Any participant wishing to make an official protest must do so in writing and submit it to the Race Director along with a Complaint Fee of ₹5000/-, no later than two hours after the final race cutoff time. The Race Committee will rule on all protests after thorough investigation and deliberation.
C. Participants are encouraged to remain supportive of all racers. Your priority is racing, not officiating. Focus on your race—Race Officials will focus on rules. Becoming fixated on perceived violations or officiating mistakes will generally distract and reduce performance. Remember: Mistakes happen; cheating is intentional.
D. Participants are encouraged to report any suspected rule infractions during the race to Race Officials, providing racer/team number and location details. Failure to report observed cheating may result in the witness being considered complicit in the act.
E. Participants may gather photo or video evidence if possible, without hampering their own race. However, without substantiating evidence or official observation, RHQ may be unable to act immediately.
F. Making allegations or complaints about the Race or Race Officials on social or other media before or after submitting a formal protest—especially if harmful to the Race’s reputation—may result in disqualification or a ban from future races.

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4. Race Criteria

4.1. Cutoff Timings and Order of Ghats / Competitive

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4.2. Route and Tracking
A. The entire route as given on the website and in verbal briefings must be covered on bicycle by the racers, Solo, or in Team, except descending. If racers choose to walk any distance, they must do it while pushing their bicycle themselves. No one else is permitted to handle the bicycle to assist in the forward motion on competitive route.

B. Racers must complete the competitive segments in the order mentioned in the race route for their specific category. All the cut-offs and segment start & end times are planned accordingly, and if a rider does not follow the order of competitive segments as per their category, they might end up outside the time limit for competitive segments, which will lead to failure to officially complete the race within cutoff time.

C. Racers must stay on the route at all times, taking no shortcuts or detours, unless specifically instructed on route changes by the Race Officials. If a racer leaves the route for any reason, and using any means, they must return to the route at the same point at which they departed the route before continuing to actively race again in the direction of the race route. The racer must inform Race Officials as soon as they leave the route and when they rejoin the route. This restarting of the route/ghat will be allowed only within the overall cutoff times and the timings specified for the start and end of the availability of the timing strips.

D. If for any reason participants are forced off route by road construction, diversion due to accidents, or by traffic police, they must immediately contact RHQ or one of the Race Committees and report exact details of diversion along with location details including coordinates or location pin of the start of diversion. They must do the same at the time of rejoining the race route.

E. Racers have the obligation to inform the RHQ or Race Officials in case of accidents, closed roads, or detours.

F. Racers who successfully complete the entire Race Distance in accordance with the cut-off timings for their respective category will be deemed a ‘finisher’ in their category and awarded medals accordingly. Racers not finishing in the prescribed cut-off timings of each category will be shown DNQ and may be awarded medals at the discretion of Race Officials.

G. The results of the podiums are announced provisionally at the award ceremony and on social media. Full provisional results are emailed within 2 days after Race Finish, except in case an inquiry is necessitated. Final results are published shortly thereafter on the website and social media. The Finisher Certificate is emailed thereafter in an electronic format.

H. The race will be mass start.

I. The results of the race will be decided on time trial.

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5. Self Supported Format

5.1. Self-sufficiency
A. The Self-supported racing format is hybrid. Each racer is fully self-sufficient for the entire duration of the ghat climbing. No support vehicles of any kind are permitted in the competitive ghat segments of the race. Violation of these rules will result in immediate disqualification of the racer.

B. You can use a vehicle while descending ghat, to reach the next starting point.

C. Racers within the same format may help each other across categories also, i.e. gender, age, or distance. It is prohibited for external support to participants in competitive segments EXCEPT in case of a medical emergency, in which case RHQ must be informed immediately.

D. Getting any form of support or help from a cyclist who isn’t officially a participant of the Sahyadri Classic 6th Edition Race is NOT ALLOWED. All racers can be identified with their bibs on the bike and on the jersey.

E. Racers must be fully self-sufficient in terms of all hydration, food, nutrition, mechanical requirements, etc., and must be fully equipped to combat the elements at all times during the Race.

F. Racers must take care to have enough food and water to make it through the entire duration of the race.

G. Racers may avail of whatever vendors, shops, hotels, and restaurants are available on route only for food & hydration. Racers must ensure that all purchases are paid for in full and interactions are conducted respectfully. Complaints of non-payment or any other form of nuisance will attract a penalty.

H. Racers are encouraged to carry sufficient cash with them in case of lack of availability of mobile network.

I. Racers may not have friends or family come on the route in any way to assist racers in the competitive segments. With prior intimation to Race Officials, they may only cheer at a manned control point. No support, food, drink, or supplies may be exchanged in the competitive sections of the race route. Violation will lead to a penalty or disqualification.

Racers may use technical/mechanical assistance available en route provided they adhere to Section 4.2 of this rule book if they leave the route.

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6. Mandatory Requirements

A. These are the mandatory requirements that each racer and team must meet in order to receive a clearance to race. Racers or teams failing to meet these requirements in the required timeline will be denied a clearance to race and their registration canceled without a refund. (Ref Section 2)

6.1. Bike Inspection
A. All bicycles and gear listed below that racers intend to use at the race must be physically inspected by race officials. The bicycles and gear must meet the following requirements in order to pass inspection. Participants will need to arrange for the required equipment listed below unless otherwise stated.

• Bicycle – Brakes must be in proper working order
• Helmet – The Bib number will be attached as briefed – Provided by Officials at the Inspection
• Venue – Timing chip BIB (with RFID strip on the backside) must be attached on the handlebar in front of the bike with the bib number clearly visible from the front.

– Another bib (without RFID strip) must be pinned on the back of the jersey (outside the jersey pockets) or back of the T-shirt/Vest worn by the rider. This BIB should be CLEARLY VISIBLE from behind for identification.

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6.2. Lighting Equipment
A. Front Bike Lights – at least 150 lumens or visible from 200m (recommended 700 to 1000 lumens) – mounted on the bicycle.
B. Rear Red Tail Lights – each at least 150 lumens or visible from 500m (recommended 200 to 600 lumens) – mounted on bicycle.

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6.3. Documents
A. Participants will have to provide the following documents at the inspection venue. Please note that the inspection venue is NOT equipped to make prints and/or copies. Participants are advised to carry copies of documents themselves.

a. Identity Document of all Racers – Aadhar Card / Driving License / Passport (Passport is mandatory for non-Indian Racers)
b. Waiver / Indemnity / Discharge Forms duly signed by racers and parents as applicable.
c. Medical Fitness Certificate as prescribed for all racers below 18 years of age.