The Golden Rule
Once started all competitors MUST report to the registration centre, whether they have completed or not. This is essential since rescue teams will look for any competitor not recorded. Please do not waste their time. You could receive a bill for any unnecessary search and rescue.
1 MINIMUM AGE
Minimum age is 18 years on the day of the competition. However, young people over 16 on the day of the competition may compete if their partner is a legal parent or guardian.
2 START
Teams must be at the start at least 20 minutes prior to their official start for a final briefing. Anyone not registered at the start will have all controls for the day void due to no start time. Late arrivals will have to start with the next available group.
3 TEAM MEMBERS
Teams MUST remain in vocal contact throughout the event, must visit the checkpoints together and finish together. If one member is unable to continue, the other should assist him/her to safety or obtain assistance and report their retirement to the registration centre. Under NO circumstances must the unaffected member continue alone. Leaving gear or your bike at anytime will mean disqualification.
4 CONTROL POINTS.
Each control point will be identified with a piece of fluorescent tape attached to the feature described on the control card, along with a mechanism for marking the card. All mechanisms are different. To score the control point you must mark the correct number on the card with the correct mechanism.
5 RETURN TO BASE
On arrival at base all teams must register their score card at the finish and re register for Sunday. Day one results will be posted at overnight camp. If your score is incorrect you can post an objection with the Query Forms; these should be left at registration.
6 FINISH
On arrival at the finish, all teams must register their score cards. Leading competitors may have their equipment checked. All competitors will be expected to possess their emergency rations and required specific equipment throughout the duration of the event (see clothes and equipment check list)
Sunday afternoon a final set of results will be posted 15 minutes prior to the prize giving, any objections placed after the prize giving will not be considered. If you are unable to stay, you must nominate someone to check your results for you.
7 WINNING TEAMS
The total number of points collected minus penalties will determine the winning teams. The penalties for arriving late (over 7 hours on Saturday and over 5 hours on Sunday) are;
1min to 10 mins over -1 point/min
11 mins to 20 mins over - 2 points/min
21 mins to 30 mins over - 5 points/min
31 mins to 60 mins over - 10 points/min
Over 1 hour late - lose day’s total points
8 KIT CHECK
Any teams found not to have the minimum specified equipment and clothing will be disqualified (see check list)
9 SOLO TEAMS
Solo teams will have a mandatory kit check at the finish
10 SELF SUFFICIENCY
This is a self sufficient event, any teams caught receiving outside help will be disqualified. The give out sheet will have an emergency phone number. Only use the emergency number if you or your partner is injured. It is your responsibility to get back to registration if your bike breaks down, we will not collect you.
11 ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING CHECK LIST
This is a high level event, in potentially adverse weather. All teams must wear or carry the following minimum:-
CLOTHING Each team member must have the following
Waterproof top and trousers
Full leg cover
Shirt/vest jersey or equivalent specilised wear
Helmet Cycling ANSI, BSI Snell not climbing or canoeing
EQUIPMENT Each team member must have the following
Torch
Whistle
Compass
Emergency rations
Biro, pen or waterproof pen
Survival bag/ bivouac bag/foil blanket
First aid equipment
Phone card for an emergency phone call
Pedal cycle (tandems/unicycles are allowed)
TEAM GEAR Each Team must have the following
Tool kit
Map
The exchange of cycle equipment and tools between teams is permitted as long as both teams can continue in the competition.
12 LIGHTS
The event is planned to take place in daylight. Should you be caught out in the dark it is your responsibility to observe the Highway code. An LED rear light, whilst some are not legal for riding on the road, may prove useful.
13 SPIRIT OF THE EVENT
Any action deemed against the spirit of the event will result in disqualification. The organisers decision is final
CANCELLATION OF EVENT
If you are unable to attend due to illness or other reasons, notification must be sent in writing to the address at the base of the entry form, or e-mail wilcock@club-internet.fr to arrive no later than 2 weeks prior to the event. Telephone requests will not be considered. You will receive a refund less 20% administration costs. Any cancellations received after the cancellation date will not be considered. There is no transferal of entry
CONFIRMATION OF ENTRY
There will be no confirmation of entry sent. If your cheque is cashed then you have an entry, please check your bank account or alternatively check the entry list on the website www.ariege.com/polarischallenge
Any changes in team details must be advised prior to the event in writing or email to the address already mentioned, changes on the event will be subject to an administration charge of 5 euros. There is no closing date for entries, we will close when the event is full and advise you of this on the web site. Last minute entries can be sent by email to wilcock@club-internet.fr
Entries on the day will not be accepted.
DO NOT SKIMP ON EQUIPMENT
The compulsory clothing and equipment list, as detailed is a minimum and should be supplemented if the weather is bad. We advise that some or all of the following items may be useful for safety/survival in addition to the specific minimum requirement.
Warm layer e.g. fleece or duvet jacket
Hat and gloves
rucksack or panniers to hold all the equipment
First aid kit
Tool kit
Plenty of battery power for your torch
Mug
Mapboard
Watch (it is a timed event)
PRIZES
A category will not be formed unless there are 6 or more entries, if less, the teams will be put into another category (usually the next age group down). Prizes for the top teams will be awarded according to entries and a list will be up on the notice board at registration. Highest placed teams with the same partner over the year (2 events) will win a free trip overseas to compete in one of the International Polaris Challenges. The organisers will also award 1 week free accommodation in a family Gite at Petit Paradis in the Ariege, for one of the categories.