TRANS BALKAN RACE

Let’s be straightforward: nobody really likes rules. The bikepacking community is driven by the pure desire for exploration and holds to core values such as honesty and fairness. In this context, rules look like unnecessary boundaries to absolute freedom. We sincerely believe that all riders joining the Trans Balkan Race are driven by the wish of competing at their best while exploring a fascinating and remote territory. However, good fences make good neighbors and we convened on 8 golden rules to maintain fair play. This rulebook is rather short but we’re extremely diligent in its application, as the race record proves.

01. NO SHORTCUTS

Cover by bike the entire distance of the route provided by the TBR Organization and validate the Brevet Card at the 2 Checkpoints (within the cut-offs). If leaving the route for any reason (e.g. resupply, or sleeping), resume the race from the same point. If leaving the route for external inconveniences (e.g. roadworks, blocked paths), resume at the closest point. Shortcuts are not allowed.

02. SELF-SUFFIENCY

Complete the race in total self-sufficiency: foods, beverages, equipment, and spares must be carried from the start, or purchased in available stores. No third-party support allowed.

03. RACE CATEGORY

Begin and finish the race under the same race category – solo or pair. You’re allowed to ride a maximum of 10% of the race length with another participant (members of a pair act as a whole).

04. eQUIPMENT

Each rider must carry the mandatory equipment during the whole length of the race.

05. EVIDENCE

Maintain evidence of your ride. We might require to check the GPX of your ride in case of disputes or missing dots.

06. TRAFFIC LAWS

Observe local general and traffic laws. Ride safely and do not take unnecessary risks. All roads will be open to traffic during the race, and most of the unpaved/off-roads are passable by car and normally used by 4WD.

07. LEAVE NO TRACE

Each rider must adopt environmentally ethical behaviors: dispose of waste properly, minimize the campsite impacts, respect wildlife, and leave no trace.

08. RACE DIRECTION

These rules cannot possibly foresee every situation. If necessary, we’ll evaluate the circumstances and make our decision. Every decision of the Race Director will be final.

TRANS BALKAN RACE

Let’s be straightforward: nobody really likes rules. The bikepacking community is driven by the pure desire for exploration and holds to core values such as honesty and fairness. In this context, rules look like unnecessary boundaries to absolute freedom. We sincerely believe that all riders joining the Trans Balkan Race are driven by the wish of competing at their best while exploring a fascinating and remote territory. However, good fences make good neighbors and we convened on 8 golden rules to maintain fair play. This rulebook is rather short but we’re extremely diligent in its application, as the race record proves.

01. NO SHORTCUTS

Cover by bike the entire distance of the route provided by the TBR Organization and validate the Brevet Card at the 2 Checkpoints (within the cut-offs). If leaving the route for any reason (e.g. resupply, or sleeping), resume the race from the same point. If leaving the route for external inconveniences (e.g. roadworks, blocked paths), resume at the closest point. Shortcuts are not allowed.

02. SELF-SUFFIENCY

Complete the race in total self-sufficiency: foods, beverages, equipment, and spares must be carried from the start, or purchased in available stores. No third-party support allowed.

03. RACE CATEGORY

Begin and finish the race under the same race category – solo or pair. You’re allowed to ride a maximum of 10% of the race length with another participant (members of a pair act as a whole).

04. eQUIPMENT

Each rider must carry the mandatory equipment during the whole length of the race.

05. EVIDENCE

Maintain evidence of your ride. We might require to check the GPX of your ride in case of disputes or missing dots.

06. TRAFFIC LAWS

Observe local general and traffic laws. Ride safely and do not take unnecessary risks. All roads will be open to traffic during the race, and most of the unpaved/off-roads are passable by car and normally used by 4WD.

07. LEAVE NO TRACE

Each rider must adopt environmentally ethical behaviors: dispose of waste properly, minimize the campsite impacts, respect wildlife, and leave no trace.

08. RACE DIRECTION

These rules cannot possibly foresee every situation. If necessary, we’ll evaluate the circumstances and make our decision. Every decision of the Race Director will be final.