REGULATIONS
Place of the event
On Sunday 20 APRIL 2025, the start/finish and race number distribution of the GRAN FONDO BELGIUM will take place on the site of the Lacs de l'eau d'Heure and the Golden Lakes Hotel:
GOLDEN LAKES HOTEL
Route de la plate taille 61 bis,
6440 FROIDCHAPELLE
BELGIUM
Conditions of participation
The GRAN FONDO BELGIUM takes place as part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series and is open to licensed amateurs as well as unlicensed amateurs aged 19 and over. By taking part, each rider undertakes to check his or her own physical condition, if necessary by consulting a doctor, and to be able to provide proof of this on request. Runners with a licence must bring their licence with them and present it when they receive their number.
Registration / Race bib
Race numbers will be issued on presentation of an identity card and a valid cycling licence (for participants who hold one). If a participant is unable to attend, he/she must ensure that his/her documents are collected by a person in possession of a written power of attorney and a copy of the identity card.
Collection of race numbers :
Saturday 19 April 2025: 1pm - 5pm
Sunday 20 April 2025: 6.30am - 9.30am
Each participant is responsible for checking the accuracy of the data when collecting the participation documents. Corrections can only be made by the GRAN FONDO BELGIUM organising team up to the end of the distribution of race numbers. No subsequent changes or corrections may be requested.
Course / Distance
The course is signposted, is 180km long and is closed until the closing car passes. Race marshals will secure the course during this time. Riders overtaken by the ‘broom wagon’ after this time will no longer be on a closed road but in normal traffic and will have to respect the highway code.
Age categories (180KM)
● Age categories 19 – 34 (men & women)
● Age categories 35 – 39 (men & women)
● Age categories 40 – 44 (men & women)
● Age categories 44 – 49 (men & women)
● Age categories 50 – 54 (men & women)
● Age categories 55 – 59 (men & women)
● Age categories 50 – 64 (women)
● Age categories 60 – 79 (men )
Start, starting order & starting blocks
08h00 : Starting group 1 - Age categories 19 – 34 (men & women)
08h05 : Starting group 2 - Age categories 35 – 39 (men & women), Age categories 40 – 44 (men & women)
08h10 : Starting group 3 - Age categories 44 – 49 (men & women), Age categories 50 – 54 (men ), Age categories 55 – 59 (men )
08h15 : Starting group 4 - Age categories 50 – 64 (women), Age categories 60 – 79 (men )
Each participant will be allocated a starting block according to age category at accreditation. It is compulsory to start from this block. Starting from a block in a lower age category will result in disqualification. All participants must be in their block at least 15 minutes before the start of the race. The entrances indicated must be used. There is no hierarchical order within the starting blocks. Participants who are first in the block must move to the front to allow others to position themselves behind them and keep the entrance clear. It is forbidden to cross the barriers to enter a block or to sneak past the others.
Refuelling and technical areas
● At the GRAN FONDO BELGIUM, the feed/technical zones are located approximately every 40km. These zones are signposted.
● There are two ways of refuelling: either by an assistant or by refuelling yourself.
● To refuel, the participant must first make a clearly visible hand signal, move to the left, enter the refreshment zone carefully and come to a complete stop. The entrance to the zone is signposted. In the event of a technical problem, support is available with tools, spare equipment and a pump. However, participants must solve the problem themselves.
● To be refuelled by an assistant, the participant must first make a visible hand signal, move to the right and then take his refreshment from the assistant. In the event of a technical problem, the wheels may be replaced, but the participant must carry out the change himself. Other technical problems must be solved without outside help.
● It is forbidden to refuel outside the indicated refuelling/technical zones.
Timing & Safety on the course
Timing & Transponders
Timekeeping is done using a transponder, which all participants receive with their race documents. This must be installed in accordance with the instructions. Without a transponder, participation is impossible. The GRAN FONDO BELGIUM is timed individually and electronically. The results are established according to the UCI Gran Fondo World Series directives with a recording of the combined gross and net time. The top 25% of each age category are ranked according to their net time, as recorded by the transponder, for the final classification.
We urge you not to make any dangerous manoeuvres at the finish. Avoidable falls regularly occur during the finish sprints due to a lack of control of the bike. After the finish line, it is imperative to ride to the left and leave the track via the diversion to the athletes' area.
Emergency number
In the event of a crash that interrupts the race, call only the emergency number on the frame plate.
End of stroke
Riders overtaken by the ‘broom wagon’ after the 45-minute time limit are no longer on a safe course, but in normal road traffic, and must comply with the Highway Code. They may nevertheless finish the race and their time will be taken into account for the final classification.
Results & Prize-giving
The results of the GRAN FONDO BELGIUM will be published immediately after arrival at the jury van and the distribution of race numbers. They will also be available on the timing provider's website. Participants can check their results and which riders have qualified for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. This site, which also contains the list of participants, will be accessible from 21 October via a link on the GRAN FONDO BELGIUM home page.
The winners of the GRAN FONDO BELGIUM will receive a UCI jersey for each category on the podium. Qualified participants will receive a UCI qualification medal, which must be collected on site. The prize-giving ceremony for the winners of all categories and age groups will begin at 16h
Regulations
● Each participant must behave in such a way as not to endanger or harm other road users or participants in the event.
● No participant may prevent another from exceeding or reaching his maximum speed. Any unsporting behaviour such as deviating from the racing line or slowing down without a valid reason is forbidden and penalised.
● The use of electronic communication devices during the race is prohibited and will result in disqualification. Similarly, the use of headphones or earphones, filming, taking photographs, telephoning or sending messages is prohibited.
● Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights (police, fire brigade, rescue services) must always have the right of way. All participants must immediately pull over to the right to let them pass.
Penalties
Penalties are imposed by the race direction and vary according to the seriousness of the offence. The scale of penalties is detailed below:
● Dangerous behaviour: warning or disqualification
● Use of a non-compliant bike: disqualification
● Intentional deviation from the course: disqualification
● Irregular sprint: disqualification
● Use of headphones: disqualification
Cancellation, interruption or postponement in the event of force majeure
The organiser may cancel or interrupt the event in the event of force majeure (weather, terrorist alert, pandemic, etc.), or by order of the authorities. In this case, the participant is not entitled to any reimbursement of the organisational costs. The remainder of the registration fee and any additional services booked will be reimbursed. No reimbursement will be made for other costs, such as travel or accommodation.
Disclaimer Clause
The participant agrees to release the organizer from liability for any damage caused by negligence or recklessness.
Data Protection
By registering, the participant agrees that their personal data may be used and published as part of the event organization.
Cancellation / Registration
Registration is valid only when the full fees have been paid. No cancellation is possible in the event of changes imposed by the authorities.