The rules
1. Self-sufficiency
Riders must be entirely self-sufficient for the duration of the race. No outside help is allowed, such as external resupplies, private lodging, or roadside support. All food, drinks, and equipment must be carried with you or obtained from commercially available services. Any service used during the race must be available to all riders. It is not allowed to pre-book accommodation before the race starts, but bookings may be made once the race is underway.
2. Following the route
Riders must ride from start to finish following the various designated parcours in the order and direction specified in the race manual. At each staffed checkpoint, riders must collect a brevet card stamp before continuing. If a rider leaves the parcours to reach a commercial service or accommodation, they must return to the exact point where they left before continuing onwards on the parcours.
3. Human-powered travel
All forward movement must be human-powered. No motorised assistance is allowed. Direct river crossing ferries are permitted. This rule still applies when leaving a parcours to reach a commercial service, including bike shops, as described in rule 2.
4. No drafting
Drafting is not allowed at any time, except for registered pairs, who may draft only with their designated partner.
5. Ride documentation
Riders must keep proof of their ride and not rely solely on the race tracking system. GPS tracking is provided, but riders should be prepared to demonstrate their route and compliance if requested.
6. Mandatory equipment
Riders must carry with them all mandatory items outlined in the race manual.
7. Insurance & liability
Riders must have valid liability, accident and health insurance that covers them during the event. The organisation does not provide any form of insurance. Participation is entirely at the rider’s own risk. Utrecht Ultra or any person or organisation acting on our behalf will not be held liable for any adverse event or damage that may occur to you or others before, during, or after the event.
8. Traffic laws & responsible road use
Riders must know and comply with all local (traffic) laws. It is only allowed to ride on roads where cycling is legally permitted. Highways, private roads, or restricted areas must be avoided. If you encounter roadworks on a mandatory parcours, please follow the signage in case there is a detour. Additionally, riders are expected to follow the leave-no-trace principle: respect the environment, do not litter, and ensure that all waste is properly disposed of during the race.
9. Respect & conduct
Riders are expected to treat fellow participants, volunteers, and the public with an open attitude and respect, regardless of their origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion and age. Any form of aggression, discrimination, harassment, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, bullying, (body)shaming and/or intimidation has no place in our event and will result in disqualification.
10. Fairness & integrity
The race depends on fairness and self-regulation. Ride in the spirit of self-reliance and equal opportunity. A fair event is only possible with fair riders. Every rider is responsible for following the rules and ensuring an equal playing field. Without these rules, and without the fairness of riders, the race has no meaning.