1.1 INTRODUCTION

The official language of the CHALLENGE is German.

For reasons of readability, only the masculine forms are used in this text. Ladies are of course included.

It is the responsibility of the participants to read these rules before the briefing and to direct any questions directly to the race committee or in an e-mail to info@tortour.com . Claiming ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse for not adhering to the rules.

The Ridersbook, which will be launched shortly before the event, forms a supplementary part of these regulations.

The rules restrict race strategy and performance to the minimum-possible degree They are in place to help control the race and to avoid hazardous situations. CHALLENGE is a serious test of endurance for all those who take part. Ultimately, responsibility for safety and fair play always lies with the participants (athletes and crew members).

Penalties and sanctions are always imposed on the entire team. Ultimately, responsibility for safety and fair play always lies with the participants (riders and crew members).

The organiser expressly reserves the right to reject registrations.

1.2 LIABILITY / LEGAL INFORMATION

All those who participate in CHALLENGE do so at their own risk and assume full responsibility for their own safety. The organisers deny any and all liability for injury to persons and property (riders, crew members, accompanying persons, vehicles, materials, etc.). No liability claims may be made against the organisers. Each individual participant (i.e. every rider and every crew member) is responsible for his/her own accident, health, property and liability insurance. In registering for CHALLENGE, all participants must accept and sign the CHALLENGE exclusion of liability and release the race organisers and its helpers from all liability claims, to the extent that the law allows. Signing the exclusion of liability is a prerequisite for participating in CHALLENGE.

1.3 REGULATIONS LAID DOWN BY THE RACE COMMITTEE HAVE PRIORITY

It is the sole discretion of the race director to interpret the rules in the spirit of the CHALLENGE philosophy. The race director may issue new rules before and during the race, and can also adapt the rules if this is deemed necessary to ensure CHALLENGE remains fair and safe. The race director assumes full responsibility for such decisions. The race committee assumes full responsibility for such decisions. except in accordance with point 1.5.

1.4 1.4 UNFORESEEN INCIDENTS

Cancellation or termination of the event for reasons of safety, force majeure or other important reasons will not trigger a refund of the participation fee or claims for damages in favour of the participants. Also for hotel costs of crew members or possible cancellation fees in case of a short notice cancellation of the event no claims for damages can be made to the Cycling Unlimited AG.

In the event of cancellation up to 6 weeks before the event, a transfer to the following event is possible. Entry fees will not be refunded. Also not in case of cancellation with medical certificate.
The organizer recommends to sign an insurance against cancellation costs. This insurance is not offered by the organizer and is the responsibility of the participant.

During the race, the riders and crew may possibly be confronted with unforeseen events. The race committee and race organisers cannot be held accountable for such eventualities. In such cases, they will not grant any time bonuses, deduct time from the total time of a rider/team, or favour a rider/team in any way. Such eventualities include traffic lights, traffic jams, trains, wind, storms, snow, avalanches, earthquakes or other hindrances that are outside the organisers’ control.

1.5 PANDEMICS/EPIDEMICS

If the event has to be cancelled due to a pandemic or epidemic (such as Covid-19), the participation fees will be subject to the following scheme:

Cancellation 6 weeks before the event. You have a choice:
– 100% refund (admin fee CHF 15)
– Transfer of the starting place to the following

Cancellation 2 weeks before the event. You have a choice:
– Refund 2/3 of the participation fees
– Transfer of the starting place to the following event (admin fee CHF 15)

Cancellation less than 2 weeks before the event:
– In case of cancellation due to a pandemic/epidemic in the last 2 weeks before the event , the organizer reserves the right to first assess the situation and based on that, decide on the procedure with already paid participation fees.

With the registration all riders and the team commit themselves to accept all guidelines, protective measures and concepts which are set up by Cycling Unlimited AG due to a pandemic/epidemic.

1.6 CHALLENGING A RACE DECISION

1. Challenges can only be made against warnings, penalties or disqualifications. Only written, detailed challenges submitted by the team leader or his/her substitute will be accepted. These must include a reason as to why a certain decision should be taken or revoked. A written statement from a witness or recordings of the disputed incident can be included as evidence. “Written” denotes either a letter printed on paper or an e-mail, with the latter requiring the team leader to call and confirm that the e-mail has been received. A telephone call to confirm receipt is not necessary if the race committee confirms arrival of the e-mail. Vague complaints do not constitute a valid challenge. Objections must be submitted to the CHALLENGE race management at the latest within 4 hours after the end of the race/finish (of the protesting team).
2. The race committee leads the entire process, and begins by promptly informing the race jury that a challenge has been submitted. The race control conducts the proceedings. At least two members of the race jury must be involved for the jury’s decision to be valid. The team will be informed as to whether their challenge is being investigated or dismissed. The team will be informed as to whether their challenge is being investigated or dismissed.
3. The decision made is at the sole discretion of the race jury. A ruling by the race jury is final.
4. When submitting a challenge, a deposit of CHF 200 must be paid to the race committee. This deposit will be refunded if the challenge is successful; if it is rejected, this amount will be kept as a contribution towards the proceedings.

1.7 OFFICIAL RACE TIME

The official stopwatch is set at the start of the race and is not stopped under any circumstances. However, the race director can award time adjustments under special circumstances (e.g. providing help at the scene of an accident).

1.8 RACE CATEGORIES

The first rider or the first team to cross the finish line in each category is the winner in that category. Bonuses may be given at specific points along the route. To receive the bonuses, the riders must officially finish the race.

1.9 MINIMUM AGES

The minimum age for CHALLENGE riders is as follows (reference is year of birth):

• Solo and two-person teams unsupported: Year of event minus 18
• Two/three-person teams: Year of event minus 16
• Crew members: Year of event minus 18

1.10 FINISHING THE RACE

1. All riders/teams in each category must reach the finish line and the time stations within the allotted time (in accordance with the separate time schedule).
2. If a rider does not reach the specified timestations in the given time, he will generally not be listed in the CHALLENGE ranking. The rider will be entered in the CHALLENGE ranking list with the last officially covered distance. However, the race committee reserves the right to offer the participant the opportunity to make up for the gap on the marching table. This may lead to the communicated finish time being set as the relevant time frame.

2.1 GENERAL

The race committee is the highest authoritative figure. The race committee is responsible for the execution of the entire race and takes decisions on disqualifications. It is provided by a natural person. During the race, the committee is supported by the race office.

The race committee is made up of several members and is the first point of contact for any queries regarding race rules. The race office communicates information via the telephone number provided by each team.

The race jury is the neutral body that makes decisions on any challenges submitted (see Point 1.5). The race jury consists of the race director and six other natural persons. The race committee also acts as chair of the race jury and, as such, is responsible for all proceedings. The race jury is the neutral body that makes decisions on any challenges submitted (see Point 1.5).

CHALLENGE officials are members of the CHALLENGE organisation. CHALLENGE officials on motorbikes are called marshals. To simplify matters, both categories are hereinafter referred to as “officials”.

Officials are advised to interact as little as possible with riders and crew members. They may not provide assistance (except in an emergency) or favour any racer.

1. Crew members and riders may approach officials during the race, but the officials can only pass on information and request further assistance. Officials cannot provide direct help and support in the event of problems (e.g. route, mechanical defects).
2. Any requests or questions regarding the rules should be directed to the race committee or to the officials present along the route.
3. Officials drive designated vehicles (motorbikes and cars) and are present in large numbers throughout the entire race. However, there are also “incognito officials” who might appear anywhere and at any time along the route. These officials will identify themselves as part of the CHALLENGE organisational team.

2.2 PENALTIES (time penalties) AND WARNINGS

1. Time penalties for disregarding traffic regulations and/or CHALLENGE rules are accumulated throughout the race and always apply to the entire team. Riders and teams may accumulate a maximum of two penalties; a third penalty leads to disqualification. Any violation of the rules can result in a time penalty. All time penalties are added together 1. (i.e. 1st + 2nd time penalty = 20 minutes).
2. Breakdown of time penalties:
   1. Time penalty: 5 minutes
   2. Time penalty: 15 minutes
   3. Time penalty: Disqualification
3. Officials are authorised to issue warnings. Each team can receive a maximum of two warnings; every further warning is automatically converted into a time penalty. every further warning is automatically converted into a time penalty. A fourth warning results in disqualification. Warnings are issued at the discretion of the race officials, who may also impose a time penalty immediately without prior warning.
4. Prerogative of the officials: It may occur that an official needs to stop a rider or crew member at a safe area in order to discuss regulations, safety matters, or other race-related issues. No compensatory time bonus is credited for these interruptions.
5. Without specific instruction from an official, the rider/team must serve the accumulated time penalty before crossing the finish line.
   Any rider, crew member or personal media team caught violating traffic regulations or not adhering to the race rules will be penalised. As with all penalties, the penalty imposed will apply to the entire respective team.

2.3 DISQUALIFICATION

The following violations may result in immediate disqualification:

1. Ignoring or refusal to comply with the contractual terms and conditions of participation – particularly important are behaving in an appropriate and professional manner, signing the exclusion of liability, observing instructions from officials, and complying with the stipulated rules and regulations.
2. The use of prohibited substances (in accordance with current WADA, NADA and UCI regulations) and the consumption of alcohol by riders or crew members
3. Refusal to take a urine test (rider), which may be ordered by CHALLENGE Officials before, during and after the race.
4. Transporting an active cyclist in a motorised vehicle without having received prior authorisation from an official or the race committee (except in emergency situations)
5. Not registering or insuring an escort vehicle correctly, or not correctly registering or identifying drivers/crew
6. Riders holding on to/attaching themselves to a vehicle (motorised or not) to move forwards
7. Inappropriate conduct by a rider or crew that could cause safety, legal or reputational problems for the race, the other riuders and their crews.
8. Unsporting conduct either before, during or after the race
9. Intentionally changing signage to misdirect competitors or for any other motive.
10. After two penalties, the third penalty or the fifth warning will result in disqualification.

2.4 SUSPENSION

The CHALLENGE race committee reserves the right to permanently exclude anyone from TORTOUR and other partner events if it becomes apparent that this person is causing problems for or damage to the organisation, whatever form this may take. This right will only be exercised under extreme circumstances.

3.1 GENERAL

CHALLENGE takes place on public roads and is therefore subject to local regulations and laws. The organisers contact all relevant public authorities before the race. The following points must be observed:

1. Swiss traffic regulations should always be given top priority! The CHALLENGE race director reserves the right to notify the relevant authorities of any severe violations of traffic regulations.
2. Exceptions are possible when cycling on roads that are normally closed to bicycles. The same applies to escort vehicles. Riders and drivers who follow the instructions and information provided in the CHALLENGE Route Book can assume that the authorities have been informed and that all requests have been discussed before the race.
3. 3. Nevertheless, it may occur that certain police officers have not been informed about CHALLENGE and pull a team over. Should this lead to a disagreement with the authorities, the race committee will decide whether to apply a time or distance adjustment.
4. CHALLENGE takes place on public roads. It goes without saying that participants are expected to be polite and courteous towards other riders, drivers and road users.

3.2 TRAFFIC RULES

The violation of any Swiss traffic regulations, either by riders or crew, will lead to a penalty for the team. For exceptions see Point 3.1.2. 3.1.2.

Please also pay attention to the rider regulations listed under Point 5.1.

4.1 GENERAL

4.1.1 Definitions:

– Escort vehicles are motorised vehicles with at least four wheels (not quads) used to transport people and/or provide support for the CHALLENGE riders.

Motorbikes, other two-wheel vehicles, and quads, may not be used as escort vehicles. The use of trailers is permitted 4.5.2

4.1.2 min. / max. number of registered escort vehicles per team

Solo riders and two-person teams who start without an escort vehicle will receive a time credit (see website).

This applies to all escort vehicles:

• Start number and other stickers must be affixed in accordance with separate specifications.
• Random checks may be carried out.
• The low beam lights must be switched on day and night during operation.
• Other road users or competitors must not be obstructed or blocked.
• The permitted speeds must be observed EVERY TIME. Even driving too slowly can be considered an offence.

4.1.3 Min / Max permitted number of crew per category

Each escort vehicle must be occupied by at least two crew members at all times. .

Riders of three-person teams can support crew members during the race by driving the escort vehicles.

The minimum and maximum number of crew members permitted per team is binding. The organisers base their planning of the event on the maximum crew size.

4.2 LEAP FROG UND FOLLOWCAR MODE

1. 1. Definition of leapfrog mode

Leapfrog mode prohibits the rider being followed directly by an escort vehicle at his/her racing speed. Instead, the vehicle must overtake the rider and wait for the athlete at an appropriate place. This procedure can be repeated as often as desired. However, drivers must ensure that they choose appropriate spots on solid ground to stop the cars. There should also always be a minimum distance of one metre between the parked vehicle and the road. The Leap Frog mode is basically valid during the CHALLENGE, day and night. At night (8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.) follow-car mode is permitted, but not obligatory.

2. Definition of follow-car mode

Follow-car mode allows the rider to be followed directly (at his/her racing speed) by an escort vehicle. This is only allowed during night mode (from 20.30 – 06.30). but even then is not obligatory.

4.3 OPERATION OF ESCORT VEHICLES

1. Driving parallel to the rider and passing food or drink from the moving vehicle is forbidden at all times. While overtaking, the exchange of verbal information is permitted but not for longer than ten seconds and not if this obstructs the flow of traffic.
2. Crew members handing over food, drink and equipment must do so out off the escort vehicle.
3. When in follow-car mode, the escort vehicle must not hold up the traffic behind it for more than one minute. As soon as there are more than three vehicles behind the escort vehicle, the driver must pull over and let these vehicles pass.
4. Escort vehicles must follow the rider as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible.
5. Particular care must be taken when one rider is overtaking another. The rider to be overtaken and his/her escort vehicle (in follow-car mode) must accept being overtaken by slowly moving to the right-hand side of the road. The rider who is overtaking must speed up and overtake on the left-hand side, with his/her escort vehicle following at a safe distance.
6. Support vehicles do not have to move along the race route. they may also use alternative roads.

4.4 LIGHTING AND AUDIO SYSTEMS

PA systems and flashing lights, or any other additional lights that do not comply with traffic regulations, are not permitted on escort vehicles. Additional vehicle lighting is allowed, provided it complies with official Swiss regulations.

4.5 SIGNS – TRAILERS

1. TORTOUR stickers: Various stickers displaying the word “TORTOUR” will be provided for all registered vehicles driving on the race route. These stickers must be affixed to the vehicle or trailer according to a separate specification. The stickers are supplied by the event organisers during check-in.
2. Escort vehicles may not tow any other vehicles, motorbikes or scooters, but trailers are permitted. However, trailers are allowed. The total length of an escort vehicle including trailer must not exceed 10.00 m.

Important: There can be sections of the route where NO trailers are permitted.

3. Bicycle carriers attached to the rear of the escort vehicle must not interfere with the prescribed TORTOUR lettering.

5.1 REGULATIONS FOR RIDERS

1. Two or more opposing riders/teams must never cycle together or side by side.
2. Under no circumstances may (active) riders be transported in vehicles along the race route, except in a medical emergency.
3. Riders must always wear properly fastened and approved helmets.
4. During the entire race, riders must ensure their start number is always clearly visible on their helmet.
5. Riders may not be pushed along in any way by a person or a vehicle. Exception: Riders in a team are allowed to give teammates a push start when they change over at time stations.
6. Riders may use bicycles with a flat tyre or other mechanical problems. However, if an official considers the situation unsafe, the rider must stop or continue to push the bicycle on foot until it has been replaced or repaired.
7. A racer may walk on the CHALLENGE route as long as the bike is with him/her and is carried or pushed by him/her.
8. Riders may not block or obstruct competitors.
9. 9. Riders may not cycle in the slipstream of other participants. If they want to cycle at the same speed as a rider in front, Keep within 50 m of the competitor in front of them. This 50-metres-rule also applies to the escort vehicle of the cyclist ahead.

Slipstreaming is forbidden at all times (except within the same team)

10. Overtaking should last no longer than one minute. The rider who has been overtaken must drop back to a distance of at least 50 metres before he/she may also begin to overtake.
11. Riders may not hold on to vehicles or people for balance when waiting at traffic lights or stop signs. They may, however, hold onto a permanently fixed object, such as a post.
12. Riders must stop for tests or medical examinations when ordered by an official. Failure to comply with such an order will result in a time penalty being imposed on the team. Failure to comply with such an order by CHALLENGE Officials may result in disqualification.
13. Littering by race participants is forbidden and subject to a time penalty.
14. Urinating outdoors is generally discouraged, and prohibited when in close proximity to the road and visible to other road users. Noncompliance can result in a time penalty.

5.2REGULATIONS FOR THE CREW / ESCORT TEAM

A crew member is someone who actively and continuously assists a rider/team in any function for a specified period of time. Unregistered helpers are not permitted. Riders and crew members together make up a team.

1. Each individual crew member agrees to the terms of the disclaimer by submitting it to the team manager and participating in the race.
2. The rider is responsible for the conduct of his crew members. Misconduct by a crew member may result in a penalty or even disqualification. If it is determined that a crew member is becoming an intolerable factor, the person may be excluded from the event.
3. Each team must appoint a team manager and a deputy manager and announce them to the race headquarters before the race. Messages from the race control, the race headquarters, the officials or the race jury to the team manager or his deputy are always considered as a message to the entire team (crew members and racers). The team leader or his deputy are responsible for the communication and forwarding of information within their own team. The team manager or his deputy will then speak on behalf of the whole team and the racers to the officials (report problems, suggestions or other information). Other crew members should not speak to the Officials in an official capacity, except in cases where the Team Manager or his representative is not available.
4. A team may provide assistance to any racer and team participating in the CHALLENGE. However, providing other riders and teams with misleading instructions about the route is, forbidden (see Point 2.3.8).
5. Every team must be self-reliant. This includes communication between vehicles, the purchase of water and fuel, and the locating of filling stations and medical facilities along the route. Officials may only help the escort teams directly in the event of a medical emergency.
6. Supervision of different teams by one and the same crew is not allowed. This means that in principle an escort team is only responsible for one assigned racer or driver. Team may provide support. In exceptional situations a competitor may of course be helped out.
7. A crew member may switch to the competitor’s team, but only after his original team has officially withdrawn from the race. This does not apply to team members who have been excluded from the CHALLENGE.
8. Should a team member knowingly ignore the rules to try to assist his/her rider, the other team members must try to intervene and then report any infringements to an official. Team members (both crew members and racers) have an obligation to follow the rules, just as racers must.
9. The safety of racers, crew members, officials and other CHALLENGE participants along the track is a top priority. In the event of an emergency, full attention should be given to the injured person(s). Failure to assist in an emergency may lead to a time penalty or even disqualification.
10. If a rider loses time due to providing assistance in accordance with the previous point (provided his/her/the team’s help was required and witnessed), the race committee will determine an appropriate time bonus to give the team.
11. Littering by crew members is forbidden and subject to a time penalty.
12. Urinating outdoors is generally discouraged, and prohibited when in close proximity to the road and visible to other road users. Noncompliance can result in a time penalty.

5.3 REST AND RECOVERY FOR TEAMS AND RIDERS

1. There are no rules stipulating the number of hours riders may cycle and crew members may be on their feet before taking a break. However, officials can penalise a team if they believe that the sleep deprivation of one or more team members (riders or crew) poses a safety hazard. If no adequately rested rider or crew member is available as a replacement, the official can also impose an immediate rest period of up to two hours on any member of the team.
2. It is the responsibility of the crew and/or riders to ensure that everyone in the team is rested and fit enough to safely continue the race.

5.4 RACING AT NIGHT AND SAFETY

1. When racing at night, the active riders’ bicycle must be equipped with a working front light that is visible from a distance of 100 metres and a red rear light that is visible from a distance of 150 metres. These lights must shine continuously (no blinking).
2. Reflective adhesive tape or plastic reflectors must be attached to the bicycle in accordance with separate specifications.
3. During the race, crew members must wear fluorescent jackets whenever they are outside the escort vehicle (day and night).
4. 4. Night-time hours are between 8:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
5. At night, follow-car mode is permitted but not obligatory. Any exceptions are specified in the Route Book.
6. 6. Riders must wear special reflective clothing when racing at night (8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.). Detailed specifications are provided separately.

Additional rules for teams apply to:

• Three-person teams: Three riders (men, women and mixed category)
• Two-person teams: Two riders (men, women and mixed category)

1. The race is divided into sections divided through time stations. Riders can only change over at the time stations. There may only be one rider per team on the course at any given time (no “team in team” formation). Exception: There are sections of the race where the whole team rides together (see Route Book).
2. Teams must decide before the start of the race which riders are going to cycle which sections of the course. This means that a two-person team must designate a rider A and a rider B, who will race in that order (i.e. A cycles section one, B cycles section two, etc.); three-person teams designate riders A, B and C. The race director will label each section of the course between the time stations with A, B for two-person teams and A, B, C for three-person teams. The joint sections at the beginning and at the end ensure that every team starts and finishes together, provided they complete the race successfully. Further details will be provided at the briefing.
3. On the sections of the course that are to be ridden in full or in part by the whole team, all riders in the team must remain in a compact formation. The changeover process at the time station must take place as follows: the last rider to arrive enters his or her split time and signature in the time sheet, and only after the arrival of the last rider in a team may the departing rider set off from the time station.
4. All riders in a team must be present at the start of the race. Riders are not permitted to join their team further along the course once the race has begun, nor are they allowed to leave the team after their last section is complete (unless they need to pull out for medical treatment during the race). If a rider in a team has to drop out due to exhaustion or an accident or for any other reason, he/she can be replaced by a teammate (the race committee must be informed immediately in such cases). If a rider drops out during one of the stages (in between two time stations), it is up to the team to appoint another teammate to take his/her place and complete the section up to the next time station. Even after a teammate has dropped out, the remaining riders must cycle their original designated sections (A/B/C). The absent team member’s sections can be completed by any other rider appointed by the team. The absent rider will not be considered a CHALLENGE finisher.
5. When riders cross the finish line, the time is recorded from the position of the front wheel of the last rider in a team. The last rider to reach the finish line or bonus point therefore determines the time for the whole team.
6. Penalties for not adhering to the rules are applied to the whole team, not just the offending rider(s). 6. Penalties for not adhering to the rules are applied to the whole team, not just the offending rider(s).
7. During rider changeover (within the changeover zone), the bicycle of the arriving rider must cross the bicycle of the departing rider. And the tracking device must be handed over to the departing rider.
8. Mixed teams: A three-person mixed team must consist of at least one woman and one man.

7.1 ROADBIKES

1. Bicycles used in the race must be powered solely by human effort.
2. All bicycles used must have a certificate of roadworthiness issued by the country where the bicycle is registered or where the owner of the bicycle resides.
3. Any number of bicycles and replacement parts may be used during the race. All bicycles used must comply with Point 7.1.2 and may be checked at any time during the race to ensure they meet the specifications (reflectors, etc.).
4. “Wind scoops” under or around the handlebars are not permitted, as these equate to fairings. Aerobars and their accessories are permitted. The use of windscreens, fairings and airfoils is forbidden.
5. Disc wheels, composite spoke wheels and wheel covers are permitted.
6. The race organisers reserve the right to disallow, either before or during the race, any bicycle or component that is deemed unacceptable for the CHALLENGE race by the race director. It is the responsibility of the participant to bring any non-standard or unconventional equipment to the attention of the race director before the race begins in order to gain approval.
7. Special categories (e.g. tandem bikes, recumbent bikes and other human-powered vehicles) may be created for a particular race in order to allow for the use of modified equipment.
8. When racing at night, the active riders’ bicycle must be equipped with a working front light that is visible from a distance of 100 metres and a red rear light that is visible from a distance of 150 metres. These lights must shine continuously (no blinking). See also Point 5.4.1. 4.1.

7.2 CLOTHING

1. Racing and windproof clothing (clothes that minimise wind resistance; skinsuits) are permitted. Attaching fairings to clothing is not allowed.
2. 2. When racing at night between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., cyclists must wear special reflective clothing. Details will be provided separately.
3. During the whole race every crew member has to wear a light vest outside the vehicles (day and night). The same applies to cyclists who are not active.
4. We explicitly remind all athletes to ensure they carry enough suitable clothing with them throughout the race. Weather conditions can present a challenge, particularly when crossing mountains. This is exclusively a matter for the participant.

1. Prologue: The prologue is a “race before the race”, covers a short distance of around one kilometre and takes place virtually. The purpose of the prologue is to award time bonuses in all categories for the start of the race. That means that the rider/team that comes last in the prologue receives no time bonus; the penultimate rider/team receives 30/60 seconds (depending on category) and so on, up to the fastest rider/team in the prologue. If the prologue is not completed, the respective team will start last in its category.
2. Race start: Depending on the category, the race will start at intervals (no mass start) taking into account the time bonuses awarded from the prologue (i.e. the fastest rider/team in the category begins first, and the slowest begins last). This ensures that, despite the staggered start, the race ranking is reflected on the course.
3. Finish: All finishers ride directly onto the finish stage. Relatives and friends can wait for the participants in the hall and cheer their arrival. More details will be given in the briefing before the race starts.

1. All cyclists must follow the instructions laid out in the official CHALLENGE Route Book. This also applies to exiting and re-joining cantonal roads, as well as other detailed route commands. The only exception to these rules occurs if roadworks or other unforeseen circumstances (e.g. errors in the given directions) make a route change necessary. In these sections, the riders must follow directions provided by either an official or the race committee.

The directions and maps provided in the official CHALLENGE Route Book are the only official route documentation. If there are discrepancies between the additional navigational equipment and the official CHALLENGE Route Book, the official CHALLENGE Route Book should be taken as definitive. Only route alterations communicated by officials or the race management allow for any deviation from the official CHALLENGE Route Book.

2. If a rider deviates from the correct route and continues to cycle off-course for whatever reason, the rider must cycle or be driven by the escort vehicle back to the point where the deviation occurred, then continue the race from that point.

If the wrong turn is due to an error in the routebook directions (wrong turn instructions, unclear directions) the race director will award the racer an appropriate time bonus. This assumes that an accurate time, distance and location is written down and is in conjunction with a routebook route description error. The granting of time bonuses is the sole discretion of the race committee.

3. Solo riders may not be transported along the course unless travelling to a hotel or in an emergency situation. Riders must then return to the point they left the course in order to continue the race.

10.1 GENERAL

At every time station, the rider must register his/her split time and sign the timesheet. In this list the passage time of the racer must be entered and confirmed by signature. In teams of 2 and 3, the rider arriving at the time station must fulfill this obligation. The departing racer can continue the race after taking over the tracking device.

Any important messages from the race committee, the race office or the race jury are communicated to the team leader or substitute leader. Information, penalties, etc. can be communicated verbally (e.g. via telephone) or in writing (e.g. via text message, e-mail, or on paper).

Information given to the team leader or substitute leader by the race committee, race committee, race jury or race officials is always intended for the whole team (crew members and riders). Information given to the team leader or substitute leader by the race committee, race committee, race jury or race officials is always intended for the whole team (crew members and riders).

Important information from the race committee, the race committee or the race jury can also be passed directly on to the rider, team leader or substitute leader via officials at the time stations.

During the race, each team must be in possession of two mobile phones to allow for permanent contact. Both numbers must be left with the race office upon registration. From the start to the official end of the race, the team must be contactable at all times via at least one of these two numbers.

10.2 10.2 PROCEDURE AT TIME STATIONS (changeover zones)

1. The location of each time station is clearly marked (see Route Book). Riders and crew must follow all route instructions to reach the time stations, Each timing station is marked and recognizable as such.

2. Upon arrival at the time station, all riders (in teams, the arriving rider) must sign in by entering their split time and signature on the timesheet.

3. Failure to sign in at a time station results in a penalty for the rider or team, and can even lead to disqualification.

4. In teams of 2 and 3, the departing rider may not continue the race until the entry has been made or the tracking device has been handed over to the new rider.

5. Time stations are the only places where teams are allowed to change riders. An exception applies if a team rider is prevented from continuing the race due to exhaustion, accident or other reasons during a section of the course (between the timestations). In such cases, the replaced rider may no longer participate in the race, but the remaining riders in the team may continue. See also Point 6. 6.

10.3 WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION

1. The TORTOUR website is the best source for detailed race information.
2. 2. Crew members can obtain information on rankings, imposed penalties and other riders who have dropped out of the race via the TORTOUR website This information is available on the TORTOUR website or through race headquarters.

10.4 OTHER INCIDENTS TO BE REPORTED

Crews must notify race headquarters in the following situations:

1. If a rider has to stop the race due to exhaustion/accident or other reasons.
2. If a rider is massively late because he went off the track after choosing the wrong route or was delayed for more than 30 minutes due to other circumstances.
3. In the event of the loss of a rider or crew member, the race headquarters must be notified immediately.

In the event of unforeseen incidents along the route (road works, accidents, road blocks, etc.), the race headquarters must be informed immediately.

10.5 TRACKING

Each participating team will receive a tracking device on loan from the organizer. The issue takes place immediately before the start of the race. The use of the tracking devices is mandatory for the participants. The tracking device must be with/on the rider/road bike throughout the race. In teams of 2 and 3, the tracking device is handed over to the relieving team members (e.g. from driver A to driver B etc.) at the time station. Only then can the race continue.

The tracking devices and their technology have the following benefits

1. The current position of each team is recorded, which allows the race to be followed at any time.
2. All tracking points of the participating teams are recorded and can be evaluated and checked by the race management if necessary.
3. The tracking device makes it possible to locate “lost” participants at any time. The visualization of all participants is done via a web application (on tortour.com) or via mobile applications (apps).
4. Teams and observers can also closely follow the race development between the timestations.

The return of the tracking devices has to take place immediately after the arrival at the finish. For lost, destroyed and not refunded tracking devices the respective team will be charged CHF 200.

1. The organiser will engage independent media teams who will capture the race in a fair, safe and neutral manner.
2. Media Teams of the participants must be registered with the organizer 14 days before the race. A fee may be charged for vehicle signage.
3. Participants’ media teams will be considered part of the team that commissioned them, but will not be included in the vehicle and crew contingent.
4. Media Teams may not provide assistance to a participating team. This would result in a time penalty or disqualification of both the team that has used unfair assistance and possibly the team to which the media team can be assigned. Emergency aid is excluded from this rule.
5. For Media Teams, the specifications of the support vehicles apply.

1. The organizer may require that the name or logo of a sponsor be displayed on the clothing and/or vehicles of the contestants.
2. Tobacco and alcohol products (except beer and wine), may not be displayed as names or logos, on the contestant’s clothing or vehicles.
3. The organizer reserves the right to prohibit the display of any sponsor name or logo that is not appropriate. This can also be done during the race. (e.g. request to paste over inappropriate sponsors/logos).

The organizer implements a medical concept, which includes the coverage of medical assistance at the start/finish. On the CHALLENGE route, the concept is based on the emergency services of the 144 ambulance, REGA 1414 and hospitals along the route.

Each participant is basically responsible for his own health and cannot hold the organizer as well as their defined partners, in particular also the medical partner, liable for any health complaints, which have resulted from the participation in the CHALLENGE.