Official regulations

Event Rules

1. General Overview

General Overview

The Gempen Grinder operates under principles that honor the spirit of gravel racing: self-sufficiency, camaraderie, respect for nature, and fair competition. These rules ensure participant safety while maintaining the adventurous essence of gravel racing. All participants are expected to know and follow these regulations.

2. Eligibility & Categories

Eligibility

Minimum age: 16 years on race day for Gempen 50, minimum 18 years on race day for Gempen 150

Signed waiver required at registration

Acceptance of event rules

No specific license required (Swiss Cycling or UCI licenses recognized for categorized riders)

Race Categories

– Open Classifications (60km & 120km)

Open Men

Open Women

Open Non-Binary

– Age-Based Classifications (50km & 150km)

Juniors

Under 23 (18-22)

23-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70+

3. Equipment Regulations

Mandatory Equipment

Helmet (must be worn at all times while on course)

Bike suitable for off-road riding (gravel, cyclocross, or mountain bike)

Minimum of two water bottles or equivalent hydration system

Mobile phone with provided emergency contacts

Race number visibly displayed at all times

Timing chip properly attached

GPS device or smartphone with loaded course file

Weather-appropriate clothing

Strongly Recommended Equipment

Multitool with chain tool

Spare inner tube or tubeless repair kit

Tire levers and inflation system

Basic first aid items

Food/nutrition for self-sufficiency

Wind/rain shell (regardless of forecast)

Equipment Restrictions

No e-bikes or motorized assistance

No aerobars or clip-on extensions

No support vehicles of any kind

No earphones/headphones in both ears (single-sided or bone conduction allowed)

No fixed lighting/camera mounts that could cause injury in case of crash

4. Course Rules

Route Adherence

Participants must follow the marked route at all times

Leaving the marked course is grounds for disqualification

Shortcutting or bypassing any portion of the route is prohibited

In case of forced detour, riders must rejoin the course at the same point

While the route is secured it is not completely closed for other users such as pedestrians, horse riders, etc. be mindful and share the road and keep right

Self-Support Principles

Participants must be self-sufficient between designated support zones

Outside assistance is limited to:

Commercial establishments open to all participants

Official feed zones

Assistance from other participants

Prohibited assistance includes:

Team vehicles

Personal support outside designated zones

Pre-placed supplies or equipment

Following or pacing by non-participants

Support Zones

50km route: One official support zone (mid-course)

150km route: Five official support zones

Support allowed from registered crew at these locations only

Technical assistance permitted in designated areas only

5. Conduct & Sportsmanship

Sporting Conduct

Show respect to fellow participants, volunteers, pedestrians and officials

Yield to faster riders when safe to do so

Announce passes (“On your left!”)

Offer assistance to riders in distress or with mechanical issues

No drafting of vehicles or non-participants

Environmental Responsibility

Zero tolerance for littering – pack out all trash

Remain on established trails/roads at all times

No cutting switchbacks or creating new lines

Gel/bar wrappers must remain with rider until disposal points

Violation of environmental rules results in immediate disqualification

6. Safety Regulations

Emergency Procedures

In case of emergency, call the event safety number provided

Report any accidents or injured riders immediately

Universal distress signal: Wave both arms overhead

Riders must assist others in case of serious injury

Weather Protocols

Event proceeds in most weather conditions

Course modifications possible in extreme weather

Lightning protocol: Seek shelter, race neutralization possible

Official weather decisions made by Race Director are final

Medical Support

Medical staff positioned at key course locations

Mobile medical teams patrolling the course

Medical checkpoint at each feed zone

Basic first aid available at all marshal points

7. Time Keeping & Cut-Offs

Official Timing

Timing chip must be correctly attached to bike/number plate

Official time starts at the gun (not a chip-timed start)

Intermediate checkpoints record course progress

Finish time recorded at finish line

Cut-Off Times

– 50km Course

Mid-point: 3 hours from start

Finish: 6 hours from start

– 150km Course

First loop completion: 4 hours from start

Gempen summit (second loop): 6 hours from start

Finish: 9 hours from start

Riders arriving after cut-off times will be redirected to finish via shortened route

8. Penalties & Enforcement

Penalty Structure

Rule violations may result in:

Time penalties (15 minutes minimum)

Disqualification

Ban from future events

Major Violations (Automatic Disqualification)

Course cutting or shortcutting

Receiving unauthorized outside assistance

Littering or environmental damage

Unsportsmanlike conduct or abusive behavior

Riding without helmet

Missing mandatory safety equipment

Enforcement

Course marshals have authority to issue penalties

Video evidence may be used to confirm violations

Race jury decisions are final

9. Special Conditions

Abandoned Riders

Riders abandoning the race must inform the nearest marshal or call race HQ

Transportation back to start/finish available from designated pickup points

Abandoning without notification may result in search operations and cost liability

Bike Exchange are not allowed

Group Riding

Group riding is permitted and encouraged

No drafting of vehicles or non-participants

Teams may work together but must complete full course individually

10. Registration & Changes

Registration Policies

Entry is non-transferable without official approval

Category changes allowed until registration closure

Distance changes subject to availability and price difference

No refunds after August 15, 2025

Transfer & Deferral

Rider substitutions accepted until September 10, 2025 (CHF 20 fee)

Deferral to 2026 event available until September 1, 2025 (CHF 25 fee)

Medical deferral (with documentation) available until September 20, 2025

11. Final Provisions

Race Authority

The Race Director has final authority over all aspects of the event

Course modifications or cancellation possible due to safety concerns

Swiss Cycling regulations apply where not specifically addressed

Participation constitutes acceptance of all rules and regulations

Image Rights & Data

Participants grant image rights to event organizers for promotional purposes

GPS tracking data may be collected and displayed publicly

Results will be published on event website and affiliated platforms

Contact

Info@gempengrinder.com