RULE GUIDE ORYX ENDURANCE EVENT MANAGEMENT

These rules and regulations govern the participation and conduct of riders in cycling events. The regulations are based on the Cycling SA MTB and Road Cycling Regulations, with precedence given to UCI regulations. Anti-doping rules of the UCI, World Anti-Doping Agency, and Drug-Free Sport SA also apply. It is important for riders to familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure fair competition and a safe racing environment.

1. Racing License and Identification
• All participants must possess a valid Cycling South Africa membership/license or a foreign license to compete in events.
• Riders must present their membership/license at registration.
• If a rider does not have an annual membership/license, they must purchase a Day License for each day of the event.
2. Age and Racing Categories
• Riders are categorized based on their age as of December 31st of the current year.
Female Categories:
• JG: Sub Junior Girls 13-14 Yrs
• YW: Youth Women 15-16 Yrs
• JW: Junior Women 17-18 Yrs
• UW: Under 23 Women 19-22 Yrs
• EW: Elite Women 23+ Yrs
• SX: Sub Vet Women 30-39 Yrs
• VW: Veteran Women 40-49 Yrs
• MW: Masters Women 50-59 Yrs
• GW: Grand Masters Women 60+ Yrs
Male Categories:
• JB: Sub Junior Boys 13-14 Yrs
• YM: Youth Men 15-16 Yrs
• JB: Junior Men 17-18 Yrs
• UM: Under 23 Men 19-22 Yrs
• EM: Elite Men 23+ Yrs
• SV: Sub Vet Men 30-39 Yrs
• VM: Veteran Men 40-49 Yrs
• MM: Masters Men 50-59 Yrs
• GM: Grand Masters Men 60+ Yrs
3. MTB Rules
EQUIPMENT – CLOTHING – PROTECTIVE GEAR
• Bicycles must have two wheels of equal diameter, with a steerable front wheel and a driven rear wheel.
• Bicycles must have at least two brakes in good working condition.
• Handlebar ends and extensions must be plugged and without sharp edges.
• The use of Tri bars or Time Trial handlebars is not permitted.
• Bicycles used in mountain bike competition must be powered by human power alone.
• Uni-cycles are not permitted.
• Gravel Bikes, E-Bikes, and Tandems are not part of mountain bike competition unless a specific category is provided.
Clothing
• Footwear must be fully enclosed.
• Riders must wear appropriate riding attire, including a shirt with sleeves that reach halfway from the shoulder to the elbow.
• Eye protection is strongly recommended.
• Wearing a helmet that meets minimum ANSI/European standards is mandatory during training and racing. E-bikes are allowed in the Battle of the Bikes to enter but may only make use of 1 battery throughout the race. E-bikes are allowed to participate only in the 80km or Solo,

Forbidden Devices
• The use of radio links or other remote means of communication with riders during a race is forbidden.
• The use of music players or similar devices (e.g., iPod, MP3 Player, mobile phone) is forbidden during all events, as they restrict hearing and are considered dangerous.
• Each license holder must ensure their equipment does not pose any danger to themselves or others.
4. Offences, Breaches, and Infringements
• Anti-doping infringements are subject to penalties outlined in the Anti-Doping Regulations.
• Outside technical assistance, illegal repairs or changes to the bike, unauthorised feeding, or assistance from external sources are prohibited and will result in disqualification.
• Unsporting behaviour, including pulling, pushing, leaning on other competitors, irregular assistance between riders of different teams, may result in relegation or disqualification.
• Obstruction of riders, taking shortcuts, substitution for another rider, or unsporting conduct in the final sprint may result in relegation or disqualification.
• Indecent conduct, foul language, disrespect towards officials or the public may lead to penalties, disqualification, or suspension.
• Fighting between competitors or with officials or the public will result in disqualification and exclusion from the result.
• Littering and pollution may result in warnings, fines, or disqualification.
5. Protests
• Riders who believe they have been prejudiced can submit a written protest to the Chief Commissaire within 15 minutes of the race's end.
• Appeals against penalties imposed by the Commissaire Panel must be received within 15 minutes of the penalty communication, accompanied by a fee.
• If a protest involves a top-five finisher, the awards ceremony will be delayed until a decision is reached.
• The decision of the Commissaries Panel, in conjunction with the Technical Delegate, will be final.
6. Identification of Riders during Competition
• Riders must display their race numbers on the handlebar and keep them visible.
• Only the organization may place advertising on the front number plate.
• Riders must not cut, fold, or mutilate race numbers.
• Race numbers must be returned to the organizers.
7. Start Procedure - Call-up and Zoning
• Staging of riders must begin no earlier than 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the race.
• Riders will be seeded based on their rankings in the National MTB Seeding System/Index.
• Announcements will be made at specific intervals before the start, and the race will start within the designated time frame.
• Riders who jump the start may face penalties or disqualification.
• Riders must start stationary with one foot on the ground.
8. The Race
• Riders must complete the entire distance of the race, following the official route.
• Shortcutting, omitting circuits, or gaining an advantage against opponents is not allowed.
• If a rider exits the route, they must return to the course at the same point they exited.
• Any activity outside the marked course area or not directly re-joining the course may result in disqualification.
• Technical assistance is permitted from fellow competitors but not from external sources, except in designated areas.
• Code of conduct requires riders to be polite, respect the countryside, and follow race regulations.
9. Route/Course Marking
• The course will be marked with directional arrows indicating changes in direction, intersections, and potentially dangerous situations.
• Arrows must be placed at frequent intervals along the course to confirm the correct route.
• Upside-down arrows indicate potentially dangerous situations.
• Riders must follow the intended course and not take shortcuts.
10. Assistance during Competitions
• Technical assistance is permitted within designated feed/technical assistance zones.
• Repairs and equipment changes can be carried out by the rider, team-mate, team mechanic, neutral technical assistance, or any other person within the zones.
• Technical assistance outside the zones is only allowed between riders in the same race or a race run concurrently on the same course.
• Riders may carry tools and spare parts that do not pose a danger to themselves or others.
• The spraying of water on riders or bicycles by feeders, mechanics, or support crew is forbidden.
11. Rider Safety
• Only authorized vehicles (organizational, ambulance, and official TV crew) are allowed on the race route.
• Riders may not be seconded by "leapfrogging" vehicles.
• Checkpoints may be set up to ensure riders complete the full course.
12. Cut-offs
• Official cut-off times will be announced on the event website.
• A two-month period is provided post-race to claim lost-and-found items.
13. Prizes and Prize Money
• Prizes and prize money will be awarded according to official notices issued by Oryx Endurance.
• Riders and teams must be present at the awards ceremony to receive prizes or prize money.
• Non-compliance may result in forfeiture of prizes or prize money.
14. Cancellations
• No cancellation refunds are allowed.
• Transfers are not permitted unless otherwise stated by Oryx Endurance Event Management.
15. Entries & Briefing
• Online entries are on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Entry is guaranteed upon full payment.
• Failure to pay by the deadline may result in removal from the system.
• Riders must register and attend briefings as specified on the website.
• All riders must report to registration with valid identification.
16. Medical
• Riders must be in good health and well-trained.
• Completion of an online medical form may be required.
• Race organizers have the right to prevent riders from continuing if advised by the race medic/doctor.
17. General
• Each rider is responsible for maintaining their own bike throughout the race.
• Proper riding attire must be worn at all times.
• Wearing previous edition leader jerseys or displaying the event logo without approval is prohibited.
• Identification must be displayed correctly, and any damage must be reported.
• The start procedure, traffic regulations, nutrition, hydration, and equipment guidelines must be followed.
• Discretion of the Commissaire and Race Organizers is final in cases requiring interpretation.
RULES SPECIFIC TO 100Milers and for E Bikes
• The race is open to solo participants, as well as relay teams of 2 or 4 riders.
• E-bikes are allowed to enter but may only make use of 2 batteries throughout the race. Riders may only change the battery at the halfway point. E-bikes are allowed to participate only in the 2 x 80km or Solo, 
• Accommodation options are available in surrounding areas at the rider's own cost.
4 x 40km Relay
• Please ensure that all team members and support personnel are familiar with these guidelines before the event.
Team Logistics and Transportation
• Teams are responsible for their own logistics and transportation between relay points. This includes arranging vehicles to transport team members and equipment to the designated relay points.
• Each relay point is located at approximately 40km intervals along the route. The three relay points are at 40km, 80km, and 120km from the starting point and will be clearly marked.
Support Vehicles
• Support vehicles are allowed to use the same route as the cyclists to transport team members to the relay points, except otherwise indicated in the Event Guides. However, they must exercise extreme caution and always look out for other cyclists on the route.
• Support vehicles are permitted to offer assistance to the cyclists only at designated water points and relay points during the race. No support is allowed outside of these specific locations to maintain fairness and a level playing field for all teams.
Water Points
• Designated water points will be set up along the routes to provide essential hydration for the participants.
• Support vehicles may offer assistance and resupply cyclists with water and other necessary supplies at these designated water points.
Relay Points
• The relay points are crucial exchange zones where team members switch positions during the race.
• 40km Relay Teams: Each team will have four cyclists, and each cyclist will cover a 40km segment before handing over to the next teammate at the relay points.
• 80km Relay Teams: Each team will have two cyclists, and each cyclist will cover an 80km segment before handing over to the next teammate at the relay point at the 80km point.
• Teams must ensure that they arrive at the relay points on time and coordinate smooth transitions between team members.
• Support vehicles may assist with the exchange of cyclists' equipment and supplies at the relay points.
Categories
• Solo Mountain Bike 
• Solo Gravel Bike
• Team Relay  
Note: The above rule guide is based on the provided information. Please refer to the official Cycling SA MTB and Road Cycling Regulations, UCI regulations, and specific event guidelines for complete and up-to-date rules and regulations

Discretion of the Commissaire and Race Organizers
Where any additional rule interpretation is required in these rules, the decision of the commissaries and race organizers will be final.