Rules

WEMBO, the Race Organisers, or the Race Director reserve the right to change any rules and regulations at any time to provide fair and safe riding conditions. Any changes at the race must be ratified by the senior WEMBO official on-site before they can come into effect.   Riders will be required to sight a copy of the final rules and regulations at event registration. After event registration closes, any changes to rules and regulations will be announced at a race briefing.

If there is a rule dispute, the English language version of the rules published on the WEMBO website  will be used to determine the outcome.

Eligibility of Riders to Enter
Riders who are currently serving a ban from any sport imposed as a result of the use of, or involvement with, performancing enhancing drugs or other prohibited substances are forbidden to enter a WEMBO event.

Riders who are currently serving a WEMBO-imposed ban from WEMBO events are forbidden to enter a WEMBO event.

In the event that a rider forbidden to enter a WEMBO event does enter the event, they will not be allowed to start the race and any entry fees paid will be forfeit to the Event Host.

WEMBO has the right to refuse entry or cancel an existing entry for any rider up to the point that the riders are called up to the start line for the start of the race.   WEMBO's maximum liability in the event that WEMBO refuses a rider entry or permission to start (other than for a forbidden rider) is the advertised race entry fee for the event.

Riders who have an outstanding debt to WEMBO related to previous events, either as individuals or from a team or corporation they are part of or represent, will be allowed to start provided they have paid the race and event entry fees, however any prizes they qualify for will be first used to reduce or eliminate that debt.   This can include the holding back of prize money, and the non-award or removal of placings and titles.

Race Officials
Riders and helpers must obey the directions of Race Officials at all times.

If a qualified international commissaire is appointed by WEMBO as the Chief Commissaire, they will make recommendations on ruling on infringements to WEMBO, having taken advice from the organisers, race director, medical staff, time-keepers and course marshals. WEMBO may impose penalties ranging from a warning, a fine, removal of a lap, through to disqualification. The nominated senior WEMBO official on-site is the only person who can apply penalties or disqualify a rider.  The WEMBO decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

In the absence of a qualified international commissaire approved and appointed by WEMBO, the functions of the Chief Commissaire will be performed by the Race Director with the same level of authority.

Race Start
The nominal time for race start is 1200 on Saturday, however this may vary with each event.

Depending on entry numbers, the Elite categories may start first, followed by the age-group and single speed categories 10 to 15 minutes later. The official start time for the 24 hour period will be from when the Elite categories start.

The ranking of riders within categories, the assignment of race numbers, and their position on the start grid is at the sole discretion of the WEMBO.

Riders should be prepared to start with a short “Le-Mans” run to an area where their helpers are holding their bikes from behind barricades. No personnel other than riders are allowed on this part of the course.   Riders must wear their bike helmets during the Le-Mans run.   Depending on entry numbers and the layout of the event centre, a riding start (traditional XCO start method) and/or a short neutral start section may also be used.   The final decision on the start method is advised to the riders at the race brief.

Race Finish
The race finishes for all categories 24 hours from the official start time of the Elite Category. At that point, the start of the course will be closed and no more riders will be allowed to commence a lap. This time is measured at the race finish line.

Any rider who completes 1 lap will appear in the results as a finisher.

A lap which is commenced before the 24 hours have elapsed, but is completed after 24 hours and before 26 hours, will be counted towards the rider’s results. A lap completed after 26 hours of race time will not be counted towards the rider’s results.

Categories and Rider Age
A rider's race-age is calculated on 31 December of the year that the race is held.   Rider's will be required to produce a photo ID at registration showing date of birth.   Riders in the Elite categories must have a race-age of 18 or over.   The WEMBO Champions (World and Continental) will only be awarded to riders in the Elite Categories.   A rider can only enter one category in the race.

Printed start lists will be displayed at Registration and will also be available online.   A start list will be published at the close of Registration on the Friday before the race, and will be available at the Race Brief.   Riders have 30 minutes after conclusion of the Race Brief to request the Race Director for any changes to their entry.   After that time, no changes to the starting list, by rider or category, are permitted to be submitted by the rider.

The world-wide minimum age for entering a WEMBO Solo event is 18 however riders aged under 18 may be permitted to enter a WEMBO sanctioned solo event at the sole discretion of the Race Organiser (the Event Host).   This decision by the event host is on a case-by-case basis for each under 18 applicant and is subject to:
• the rider can only enter in the U23 category,
• the insurer of the host nation event covers such participation, and
• the rider's parent/guardian signs to endorse the rider's participation and waive claims against the event host and WEMBO.

The Event Host will seek additional information from the rider, their parent/guardian and/or their coach in order to make the determination whether a rider can enter.   The Event Host's determination is final and cannot be appealed.

Wearing of WEMBO World Champions Jerseys and Stripes
The WEMBO World Champions jersey can (it is not mandatory) be worn by the WEMBO world champions in 24 hour events until the end of the next WEMBO World Solo 24 hour championships race.  At the end of that race, they must revert to their team kit or other cycling clothing, even if they have won the world championships again, because the next world champions jersey will be different.   Specifically, the previous world championships jersey cannot be worn for any media, interviews, presentation or podium activities at the next WEMBO World Solo 24 Hour Championships after that race has finished.

A rider who has previously won a WEMBO World Championships is entitled to wear the WEMBO stripes on their nicks, jersey sleeves and jersey collar for the rest of their life.   There is no restirction from WEMBO on wearing these stripes in other races, or during subsequent world championships.

A WEMBO World Champions jersey takes precedence over a WEMBO Continental Champions Jersey for wearing in WEMBO events.

Wearing of WEMBO Continental Champions Jerseys and Stripes
The WEMBO Continental Champions jersey can (it is not mandatory) be worn by the WEMBO Continental champions in 24 hour events until the end of the next WEMBO Continental Solo 24 hour championships race.  At the end of that race, they must revert to their team kit or other cycling clothing, even if they have won the Continental championships again, because the next Continental champions jersey will be different.   Specifically, the previous Continental championships jersey cannot be worn for any media, interviews, presentation or podium activities at the next WEMBO Continental Solo 24 Hour Championships after that race has finished.

A rider who has previously won a WEMBO Continental Championships is entitled to wear the WEMBO Continental stripes on their nicks, jersey sleeves and jersey collar for the rest of their life.   There is no restriction from WEMBO on wearing these stripes in other races, or during subsequent Continental or World championships.

Pausing or Abandoning the Race

The race may be paused or abandoned due to extreme weather, emergencies or any other reason decided by the Senior WEMBO official on-site, the organiser or Chief Commissaire.   If the race is paused, all riders must complete the lap they are on and their time and laps will be recorded.   If the race is then abandoned, that will determine the placings.   If the race is resumed at a later time, then the riders will be started on their lap in a staggered start method, so that each rider has the same time off the bike due to the pause and there is no unfair advantage gained.   Riders who were in the pit row when the race was paused, or who abandoned the llap they were on at the time of the pause without completing it, will be started with the first rider when the race is resumed.

There will be no refunds, other considerations nor liability from WEMBO or the Event Host if the race is paused or abandoned.

Results
Within each category, the rider who has completed the most laps is the winner. For riders on the same number of laps, the rider who has completed them in the shortest total race time will receive the higher placing.

The WEMBO World Champion title will only be awarded to the winners of the Elite Category (Male and Female) even if a rider from another age or single-speed category comes in ahead of them. The Elite categories are open to all riders aged 18 and above.

Progress results will be published at regular intervals throughout the race.   The method will be advised by the race organiser leading up to the race and in the rider brief.

Provisional final results will be published 2 hours and 15 minutes after the expiration of the 24 hour race period, or from the announced completion of the race, whichever is earlier. There is then a 15 minute period open for protests. If no protests are received, or on completion of the protest hearings, final results will be published.

Protests
A protest must be submitted as soon as possible after the alleged offence. The final time for submission of protests is 15 minutes after the provisional results are posted after the race finishes. Protest must be accompanied by a $A50 / 40 Euro / 30GBP protest fee, which will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

Protests can only be submitted by riders, registered rider helpers or event staff.

Protest forms will be available during the race from the Race Director.   Any penalty recommended by Event Officials can only be applied once approved by the Senior WEMBO Member on-site.

Podium Presentations
The Elite Male and Female winners will be presented to the crowd and media at the event 2 hours and 30 minutes after the completion of the race. The official presentations and awards ceremony/dinner for all categories will be held on Sunday evening at 1900. Podium riders must be present in order to receive their prizes unless they are prevented by a medical condition authorised by the event medical staff.

The winners of the Elite Male and Female categories are required to be available for media interviews and to sign jerseys for sponsors and organisers.

Bikes and Equipment
Your bike must conform to the UCI general rules for mountain bike racing.   e-bikes are not permitted.   All entrants consent to having all their bikes inspected by WEMBO or Event Staff before, during and after the race.   WEMBO is not liable for any costs or damage involved in these inspections, or time lost in conducting them.

You are allowed to use any number of spare/replacement bikes in the race and you will be provided with 2 copies of your bike numbers at registration. Bike changes can only be made in the Solo Rider pit area.   A rider cannot exchange bikes with another rider while on the course.

A Single Speed mountain bike is defined as a bike which has a fixed gear ratio that cannot be changed while riding a lap of the course.   Single Speed category riders are permitted to have a different gear ratio on their spare bike(s).

26”, 29” or 650B mountain bike wheels and mountain bikes are the only style of bikes/equipment to be ridden in the race. No other type of bike is allowed, including flat bar road bikes, gravel bikes, or touring bikes with road type bars. Expressly forbidden are road bikes, tandems, cyclo-cross bikes, unicycles and bikes containing any form of motor or powered assistance. The minimum tyre width allowed is 1.6” or 40mm. Front suspension is recommended but not compulsory. Bar ends are allowed but only on the ends of the bar. Triathlon style aero-bars are forbidden.

Helmets
International Standards approved bicycle helmets must be worn at all times while riding a bike during competition and practice. The following helmets are accepted: AS/NZ 2063, ANSI Z90.4, SNELL B or N Series, ASTM F-1447, CAN/CSA-D113.2-M, US CPSC standard for bicycle helmets, European CEN standard EN1078. Failure to meet this requirement may result in immediate disqualification from the event. Damaged helmets must be replaced. Skate style helmets are not approved for this race. The mounting bracket for a helmet-mounted camera must not compromise the structure of the helmet.   For example, it can be attached by straps, velcro or glue - but it cannot be bolted to the helmet

Attaching Your Bike Number Plate
Attach your bike number to the front of your bike using at least 3 ties, securely fastening it to the handle bar and ensuring that can be easily seen from the front. Your number should be in front of the brake cables and not wrapped around any part of the bike.

The number cannot be altered, obscured, cut or de-faced.

Each rider will receive 2 front number plates and 2 smaller rear number plates. The rear number plate can be attached to either the rider’s clothing/backback or the bike but it must be visible from behind.

Elite, Age-Group and Single Speed category riders will each have specific number-ranges and colours to permit easy identification on course.

Lights
At night, you must have a red rear steady light, a white front light minimum 5W halogen equivalent, plus a spare white light (this can be a second front light, head lamp or a small torch). You will be advised during the race briefing what time you must have lights fitted, and your helpers will be reminded throughout the first 6 hours of the race by public address announcements and signage in the helper area.

Please note that because of the different locations around the world, the period of twilight may not be as long as you are used to in your home country.

Carrying Items During the Race
iPods or other musical playing devices are not permitted for riders while on course.

Riders are permitted to carry mobile phones or 2-way radios on course, but these must not use earpieces, and the riders must stop and pull off the course when they are using them.

Riders are allowed to wear helmet cameras, fitted either to their helmet, body or bike, in practice and during the race.   The mounting bracket for a helmet-mounted camera must not compromise the structure of the helmet.   For example, it can be attached by straps, velcro or glue - but it cannot be bolted to the helmet.

Drug Testing
WEMBO adheres to the WADA policies on the use of supplements, performance enhancing drugs, and banned substances in cycling.   The national anti-doping agency of the host country is informed by the Event Host that the WEMBO event is taking place.   The number of riders to be tested is the decision of the national anti-doping agency and not of WEMBO.   Riders need to be prepared for drug testing by the national anti-doping agency of the host country of the race. Chaperones and escorts will be provided by the Event Host.   The top 10 men and top 5 women can expect to be tested however additional riders may be chosen at the sole discretion of the national anti-doping agency.

WEMBO has very strong views on the use of performance enhancing drug and banned substances.   A rider who tests positive at a WEMBO event must be prepared to face a lifetime ban from WEMBO events in addition to any penalty applied by their national body.

The race numbers of riders to be tested will be published on a board at the finish line for 2 hours from the 24 hour finish time.   If a selected rider does not present for testing, they will be disqualified from the race and may face additional penalties from the nation's testing agency, cycling body and WADA for missing a test.

Entry Declaration Components.   Riders entering WEMBO events, as part of the entry declaration, are required to:

  • agree to the WEMBO policies and rules on the use of performance enhancing drugs;
  • agree to be tested at WEMBO events;
  • agree to take part in any testing conducted by WADA or their national anti-doping bodies before or after WEMBO events;
  • agree to make any and all test results available to WEMBO and to authorise the testing agencies to directly communicate test results to WEMBO;
  • agree that if they return a positve test from a WEMBO event, they will return all prizes and prize money to WEMBO at their own expense;
  • declare that that are not serving any ban resulting from a positive test result to performance enhancing drugs or other banned substances;
  • agree to advise WEMBO immediately if they return a positive test result to performance enhancing drugs or other banned substances between entering the WEMBO event and the date of the event; and
  • agree to advise WEMBO immediately if they receive any penalty from a positive test result to performance enhancing drugs or other banned substances between entering the WEMBO event and the date of the event.

Penalties.   Penalties for returning a positive test for the use of performance enhancing drugs or other banned substances may be applied to riders by WADA and/or the riders' respective national cycling organisations.   WEMBO reserves the right to impose additional penalties relating to participation in WEMBO events.   These will automatically include the forfeiture of titles, medals, jerseys and prize money to WEMBO at the riders expense.   Penalties applicable to previous WEMBO events may also be applied.   WEMBO may also impose a ban on the rider entering WEMBO events for a period of time which may range up to a lifetime ban.   Any penalties imposed by WEMBO are by majority decision of the WEMBO Founders and are non-appealable.   A rider may make a written submission to the WEMBO Founders prior to the WEMBO decision being taken.

The Course
The course will be marked by arrows, signs and bunting/tape. Riders must follow the course and it is the sole responsibility of the rider to stay on the course.   The course will be completely marked from the start of practice on the day before the race.

A rider who leaves the course for any reason must return to that same point on the course to resume a lap.

While on course you must keep going in the direction of the course. If you have a mechanical problem, you cannot retrace your path to get to an assistance area. If you do so, that lap will be not be counted.

The Solo Pit Row Area
The Solo Pit Row Area is part of the course. All riders must pass through it every lap. It will be designed so that all riders travel the same distance to go through it. Each rider will be allocated a 3m x 3m space where they can place their own support tent or hire a tent from the organisers. All tent fittings, including ropes and pegs, must be within the allocated area. Access to the Solo Pit Row Area is by pass, which will only be given to riders, helpers (maximum 3 per rider), officials and media.

The rider can only receive assistance from their helpers inside or directly in front of their allocated pit area, keeping the course clear. There will be a 1.5 metre "clear zone" in front of each 3m x 3m Solo Pit Row area.   This must be kept clear of tents and other items.   If a rider needs to stop to collect any items, or to have work done on their bike, then they must pull off the course in the Solo Pit Row area and into this clear zone.   Riders must not stop on the course in the Solo Pit Row and obstruct other riders.

There will be basic cooking and food storage facilities within the Solo Pit Row Area. These are for use only in supporting the solo riders.

Helpers
All Solo 24Hr riders must have nominated a helper who will be at the race site and who can be contacted by mobile phone (provision of this information is part of your online entry). One helper can support a maximum of 3 riders. A helper must not assist a rider, other than their assigned rider(s), in the solo pit area. A helper must not interfere or obstruct another rider, or hinder the provision of support to another rider.   A helper must wear their identification pass at all times while in the Solo Pit area.

When in the Solo Pit area, helpers must be stationary while providing support to riders.   For example, they must be standing still while holding a bottle for their rider to pick up as they ride past (normal XCO Feed-Zone rules).   They are allowed to make physical contact with their rider but cannot run alongside their rider while passing items to them.   They are allowed to be in another area of the course or pit zone to communicate with their rider - ie to find out what food/drink they require at their next stop - but any assistance, including the passing of food/drink, can only be given in their established solo pit area and when the helper is stationary.

The rider is responsible for the actions of their helper(s) during the race.   The actions of a helper, including verbal/physical abuse of another rider, another helper or event staff, may result in penalties being applied to their rider.

Neutral Zones
Depending on the length of the lap and number of riders entered, the organisers may provide neutral feed and mechanical support zones on the course.   Helper(s) can take items and parts to these zones and leave them there for their riders to collect.   They cannot take a spare bike.   Bikes can only be swapped in the Solo Pit Row area.

If a neutral mechanical support zone is provided, then the rider can conduct work on their bike in that zone but they cannot receive assistance from their helper(s) or other non-riding personnel.

If a neutral feed/drink zone is provided, then the rider may stop and collect items from that area, and neutral event staff may pass neutral items to the rider - for example, cups of water. Helper(s) can be at the area the exchange information with their rider but cannot pass items directly to riders nor make physical contact with riders.

The location and type of neutral zones will appear on course maps and be briefed at the rider brief.

Mechanical Assistance
Mechanical assistance during the race (repair and material) can be provided from other riders entered in the race while on-course however there is no obligation on a rider to help another rider. Outside assistance on-course from helpers or spectators is not permitted.

The Solo Rider pit area is the only area where riders can receive mechanical assistance from their supporters and non-riding personnel. Helpers may remove bikes from the Solo Rider pit area for servicing at the race facilities, then return them to the pit area.

If you have a mechanical problem and continue to walk or run your bike along the course to the end of the lap, then that lap will be counted. The rider must maintain physical contact with their bike.   If you shortcut the course to return to the start or are assisted back to the start or walk/run back to the pit area without your bike, then that lap will not be counted and you must commence a new lap from the start when you are ready.

You cannot abandon your bike on course and then walk/run back to the pits to collect your spare bike.   Your spare bike cannot be brought out to a point on course for you to collect.

Withdrawing From the Race
A rider may withdraw from the race at any time. If they choose to withdraw, they must notify the event staff at the timing tent. A rider who withdraws is not allowed to rejoin or resume the race. They must remove their race numbers, return timing chips/transponders, and cannot ride on the course for the remainder of the event.   If they have completed at least one lap, they will be awarded a race result.

Taking an Extended Rest Break
If a rider wishes to take an extended rest (more than 1 hour off the course) before resuming the race, the rider or their helper must advise the timing staff so that lost-rider procedures are not instigated when they fail to pass checkpoints or complete a lap at the expected time. There is no requirement to advise the timing staff when they resume the race.

Medical Assessment and Assistance
General first aid care during the race is provided by members of the official medical services, from the moment riders enter the starting area until they leave the finishing area. Interventions during the race can only be carried out in a stationery position. Riders must dismount from their bikes to receive medical assistance.

If you are injured and assisted back to the event centre, then your lap will not count. Following treatment, the Race Director or Chief Commissaire will make a recommendation to the Senior WEMBO member on-site on whether you are allowed to continue the race, based on available medical advice. The the Senior WEMBO member on-site decision is final and non-appealable.

The Senior WEMBO member on-site, Race Director or Chief Commissaire may remove a rider from the course for assessment if in their opinion the rider is showing signs of extreme fatigue or other condition which may be detrimental to the rider or to other riders in the race. Following medical assessment and advice, the Senior WEMBO member on-site will either:

  • allow the rider to resume racing,

  • mandate a rest period before the rider can resume the race, or

  • withdraw the rider from the race.

This decision is the sole responsibility of the Senior WEMBO member on-site and is non-appealable. There will be no compensation for the rider for the time taken for the assessment process.

Drafting / Collusion / Pacing
Riders are not permitted to draft from or be drafted by a rider of the opposite sex.

Riders cannot be paced by spectators or helpers, even if that person is not on the course.   For example, if the course parallels a road, your helper cannot ride on the road and pace you during the race.

Riders who break the drafting or pacing rules will receive a warning from race officials. The Senior WEMBO member on-site can apply a penalty of one lap removed from their race tally for each subsequent warning they receive during the race.

A rider cannot enter the race with the purpose of helping another rider. For example, if a rider rode 3 laps then took a 10 hour rest, then resumed the race but was ruled to be drafting, pacing or assisting a rider who had been riding continuously, then both riders would be disqualified.

Right-of-Way, Passing and Being Passed
A rider walking their bike must give way to a rider who is riding. If you are walking your bike, make sure you leave plenty of open track for the other riders.

The rider being overtaken has right-of-way (unless they are walking their bike) until the overtaking rider is past and clear by one bike length.

If you want to pass the rider in front on single track, call out “TRACK”.

When the rider in front feels it is safe to pass, they will pull over to one side and call “PASS”. They may also call out “ON MY LEFT / ON MY RIGHT”.

Let the rider in front know what you are doing by calling “ON YOUR LEFT / ON YOUR RIGHT”. If there will be more than one rider passing, let the rider in front know that as you pass them by calling, for example, “TWO MORE COMING THROUGH”.

If you do not make this call, the rider in front will assume you have decided not to pass and will return to the centre of the track.

The rider in front is under no obligation to let you pass, but slower riders and lapped riders should not delay faster riders unless it is unsafe to let them pass. Remember, if you are the overtaking rider, the conditions you feel are safe may not be considered safe by the rider you want to overtake. They may be less experienced than you, or they may have seen something on the track that you have not.

Overtaking is not allowed on bridges or constructed ramps.

WEMBO World Championships

Australia 2023

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WEMBO Continental Championships 2024

See News Section for the latest WEMBO Updates

WEMBO Continental Championships 2023

European

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July 8-9

Asia/Pacific

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Americas

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