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2008 XTERRA COMPETITION RULES
Where Xterra rules do not specify, the rules of ITU will apply.
These rules may be modified up to the start of the event
Race Entries:
Competitors must confirm during Registration which category they will compete in (Pro or Age Group). Changes to their classification will NOT be made after the event has started.
Teams must consist of three persons. Individuals may not compete for more than one team and may not do more than one leg of the event.
Mixed teams shall be defined as two members of one sex and one member of the other sex, (eg 2 males and 1 female; or 2 females and 1 male)
Ages will apply as at 31 December of the year of competition.
1. Swim:
1.1. Wetsuits: are allowed based on water temperature measured the day prior to the event and confirmed on the day of the event.
* Pro/Elite Athletes: Wetsuits are allowed for pro athletes if the water temperature is below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Centigrade).
* Age Group Athletes: Wetsuits are allowed for age group athletes if the water temperature is below 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees C)
* All Athletes: Wetsuits are mandatory below 57 degrees F (14 degrees C)
* Note: XTERRA follows the Swim Rules for Wetsuit Use established by the ITU at all NXCS events. See Section D.2 in the ITU Competition Rules for specific details.
* 1.2. Swim Caps: The swim caps supplied by the organisers are required to be worn by all athletes during the swim. Penalty: disqualification.
1.3. Buoys: Any athlete confirmed cutting a buoy will be assessed a 2 minute penalty
1.4. General Swim: No fins, swimming aids, snorkels, etc. are allowed.
2. Bike:
2.1. Equipment: Only mountain bikes are legal for competition.
* Cyclo-cross bikes are not allowed.
* No drop handlebars are allowed. No aero bars are allowed.
* All bikes must have 26” or 29” wheels.
* Bar extensions or grips off the handlebars may not exceed five inches (5”)
* Any/all bar ends must be capped
All bicycles will be checked by the organisers before racking and any bikes not considered safe will not be allowed to be used.
2.2. Helmets: ANSI Certified helmets must be worn, with buckles securely fastened, at all times while the bicycle is in motion.
* Warning: Two (2) minute penalty.
* Refusal to wear helmet: Disqualification.
Competitors, who do not wear approved helmets while cycling at the race site, within 7 days of the competition, may be disqualified from the competition.
2.3. Personal Audio/Music Devices: No type of sound/music device is allowed during competition. Examples: NO headsets, tape players, CD players, MP3 players or 2-way radios may be worn.
2.4. Transition etiquette:
* Riding in Transition at any time is prohibited.
* Bicycles must be returned to the same location on the bike rack.
* Bicycles must be securely placed on the bike rack – not left on the ground.
*No personal seconding or assistance is allowed in Transition.
2.5. One Bike: Racers shall complete the entire event on the same bicycle upon which the event was begun. Athletes must return to the Bike/Run transition with a complete bicycle to be allowed to continue. No bicycle parts may be left on the course.
2.6. Cutting the course: Short-cutting and/or cutting trail switchbacks or course is not permitted and may result in disqualification. A rider is required to stay on the designated trail that is marked and or specified as the racecourse. It is the rider's responsibility to know the designated racecourse. Lack of tape or barrier on the course will not be constituted as an excuse for cutting course.
2.7. Passing: Slower riders must yield to overtaking riders. Riders should voice the command "Track!” or “On your left," when overtaking another. It is the responsibility of faster rider to overtake safely. Slower riders must yield to the passing rider on the first command. In the event two riders are racing for position, the leading rider does not have to yield his position to the challenging rider. However, a rider may not bodily interfere with or impede another rider's progress.
2.8. Drafting: Drafting is allowed
2.9. Bike Numbers: Bike numbers must be mounted on the handlebars facing forward. Cutting of numbers or altering with sponsor stickers is not allowed. There will be a warning for not having your number on the front of your bike; second infraction will be a 2 minute penalty. A 2-minute penalty will be assessed for losing your bike number
3. Run:
3.1. Numbers: Numbers must be worn on the front of the body. Cutting numbers or altering with sponsor stickers is not allowed. There will be a warning for not having your number on the front of your body; second infraction will be a 2 minute penalty. A 2-minute penalty will be assessed for losing your run number.
3.2. Personal Audio/Music Devices: No type of sound/music device is allowed during competition. Examples: no headsets, tape players, CD players, MP3 players or 2-way radios may be worn.
3.3. Cutting the course: Short-cutting and/or cutting trail switchbacks or course is not permitted and may result in disqualification. A runner is required to stay on the designated trail that is marked and or specified as the racecourse. It is the runner's responsibility to know the designated racecourse. Lack of tape or barrier on the course will not be constituted as an excuse for cutting course.
Competitors may not run with a bare torso. Shoes must be worn.
4. Event General Rules:
4.1. Ignorance of the rules is not admitted as an excuse.
4.2. It is the racer's responsibility to maintain adequate hydration. Organizer will provide hydration stations on the bike and run.
4.3. Cutting the course: Short-cutting and/or cutting trail switchbacks or course is not permitted and may result in disqualification. A rider/runner is required to stay on the designated trail that is marked and or specified as the racecourse. It is the rider's/runner’s responsibility to know the designated racecourse. Lack of tape or barrier on the course will not be constituted as an excuse for cutting course.
4.4. Outside assistance:
* Limited outside assistance is allowed from another athlete competing in the same event.
* No outside assistance is allowed from any person not competing in the same event. These include but are not limited to spectators, friends, family, volunteers, support crew, photographers, police or marshals.
* Assistance is limited to tools, tubes or any item that would be used to repair a faulty part or damaged bicycle or water, food, or first aid. Changing bikes is not allowed.
* Example: a competing athlete is allowed to give another athlete a chain tool or link or a complete chain. A competing athlete can give another athlete a tire patch, tube or complete wheel. But an athlete cannot exchange bikes with another competitor so that the competitor with the broken bike can simply continue without fixing the break.
*No personal seconding is allowed in the Transition area.
4.5. Conduct: Foul riding or running, unsportsmanlike behaviour or the use of profane or abusive language is grounds for warning, relegation, disqualification or fine.
4.6. Protests: Protests of any nature must be submitted to the Chief Referee within 30 minutes of the finish time of the person lodging the protest. Protests must be submitted in writing and signed by the accuser. Saying somebody cut the course is not good enough – it must be written and described as accurately as possible. All protests will be investigated. Because of the nature of XTERRA, it is not always possible to see infractions. XTERRA is in the woods, out of sight and marshalled only where necessary. In every case there will need to be verification of the infraction. Officials will not be drawn into a “hear-say” argument.
Any appeal against the results or decision of the Chief Referee must be lodged within 30 minutes of the release of the results or a decision by the Referee. Such appeal must be in writing and accompanied by an Appeal Fee of R500, which will be refunded if the appeal is successful.
Any appeal will be considered by a Jury of three competent persons appointed by the Race Director and the decision of the Jury shall be final and binding.
4.7. Penalties: Penalties will be determined by the severity of the infraction. The minimum penalty will always be 2 minutes. The maximum penalty will be disqualification from the results of the event and/or a loss of prize money.
4.8. Cut-Off Times:
• International XTERRA events or Duesouth Xterra Points Series races may or may not include cut off times.
• Each of these events will publicize a cut off time if one will be enforced.
Cut-off will be at T2; the bike to run transition. All athletes must make entry to T2 by the specified time. In some cases the head official may alter the advertised cut off time.
4.9 Retirements: Competitors that withdraw during the event must report to the Transition area and notify the officials of their retirement.
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