PENINSULAR DIVIDE

rules

Introduction

The Peninsular Divide is a self-supported, ultra-endurance cycling race across the diverse landscapes of Peninsular Malaysia. This event challenges riders to push their physical and mental limits while navigating through rural roads, steep climbs, and remote gravel sections. As an ultra-distance race, participants must be fully self-reliant, prepared for unpredictable conditions, and committed to the principles of fair competition.

The following rules are designed to ensure the integrity, safety, and spirit of the race. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in time penalties, disqualification, or expulsion from future editions of the event.

That rule sounds solid for a self-supported race. To ensure clarity and fairness, you could refine it slightly:

1. Self-Supported Race

The Peninsular Divide is a solo, self-supported race. Riders must complete the route without any form of external assistance, including support vehicles, pre-arranged help from friends or family, or private accommodations. Every rider is responsible for their own food, water, repairs, and navigation.

Exceptions:

  • Riders are allowed to locate and use commercially available services such as restaurants, hotels, clinics / hospitals, convenience stores and bike shops (for mechanical repairs), as long as the services are available to all participants equally and are not pre-arranged.

2. Mandatory Route & Checkpoints

Participants must follow the official route as provided by the race organization. Deviations, shortcuts, or missing mandatory checkpoints may lead to penalties or disqualification. Riders are required to prove their passage through checkpoints using their GPS tracker. In the event of road closures or other unforeseen circumstances, riders must notify race officials before making a detour.

3. Drafting Rules

  • Drafting is only allowed between registered teammates (if racing as a pair).
  • Solo riders must not draft other participants or any motorized vehicles.
  • Any form of extended drafting with other racers outside of teammates is considered an unfair advantage and will result in a time penalty.
  • Riders found drafting vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles) will be disqualified immediately.

4. No Outside Assistance

Riders must only use services available to all competitors, such as public stores, restaurants, and hotels. Accepting food, water, or mechanical assistance from friends, family, or spectators is strictly forbidden. The use of private accommodations or pre-arranged supplies disqualifies a rider from the race.

5. GPS Tracking & Time Limits

  • All riders must carry the race-issued GPS tracker, which must remain active throughout the event.
  • Riders must reach designated time cut-offs at certain checkpoints. Missing a time cut-off will result in removal from the race.
  • In case of tracker failure, riders must report their position using a mobile device and may be subject to additional verification.

6. Safety & Traffic Rules

  • Riders must obey all local traffic laws and ride responsibly at all times.
  • Helmets are mandatory throughout the race.
  • Front and rear lights must be used from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM or during low visibility.
  • Reckless riding, dangerous overtaking, or ignoring traffic signals may result in disqualification.

7. Respect for Nature & Local Communities

  • Riders must respect local communities, wildlife, and the environment.
  • Littering is strictly prohibited—riders must carry all waste until they find a proper disposal location.
  • Any behavior deemed offensive, aggressive, or disrespectful toward locals may result in race expulsion.

8. Emergency & Withdrawal Procedure

  • Riders must be prepared to handle emergencies independently.
  • If a rider decides to withdraw, they must inform race officials immediately.
  • In the case of an accident, riders are encouraged to assist others if safe to do so and contact emergency services if necessary.

9. Fair Play & Honesty

  • Any form of cheating, route manipulation, tampering with GPS trackers, or dishonesty will result in immediate disqualification.
  • Riders must complete the race solely through their own effort without mechanical or external aid.

10. Race Director’s Authority

  • The Race Director has full authority over race decisions, including rule enforcement, time penalties, and disqualifications.
  • Any disputes or appeals must be addressed through official race channels.
  • The Race Director’s decisions are final.

Penalties & Rule Enforcement

Time Penalties

  • Minor infractions (e.g., small route deviation, accidental teammate drafting): 2-6 hour time penalty
  • Moderate infractions (e.g., repeated drafting outside of teammates, failure to check in at a control point): 6-12 hour time penalty

Disqualification Offenses

  • Serious infractions (e.g., intentional route shortcut, unauthorized outside assistance, drafting motorized vehicles) → Disqualification
  • Severe violations (e.g., GPS tampering, reckless or dangerous behavior, disrespect toward local communities) → Immediate disqualification & ban from future events

All penalties will be determined by race officials based on GPS data, witness reports, and race marshal observations.