OFFICIAL RULES

1. Approved Bicycle:

• Your bicycle must consist of a frame mounted on two wheels, with a seat and handlebars for steering.
• It should be propelled solely by the operator using two pedals connected to the rear wheel by a chain or belt.
• Two hand-operated brakes are required (fixed gear and coaster brake bikes are not exempt from this rule).

2. Bicycle Frame & Parts:

• You must utilize the same bicycle frame for the entire race. However, you can swap out other components at designated checkpoints. Athletes may assist each other on the course with parts.

3. Singlespeed Riders:

• If you’re riding a singlespeed bicycle, you must maintain the same gearing for the entire race.

4. Aero Bars and Clip-on Extensions:

• In the interest of safety, aero bars or clip-on inner bar extensions are no longer allowed at Leadville Race Series MTB events. 
• Traditional bar ends located outside of the grip are still permitted.
• Togs are permitted.

5. Ear Buds and Headphones:

• Racing with earbuds or headphones is not allowed.

6. Helmet Requirement:

• All athletes must wear a helmet while operating their bicycle.

7. Timing and Checkpoints:

• Athletes must pass over the timing mats at each official checkpoint.
• Cut-off times will be established at each checkpoint for rider safety. If you reach a checkpoint after the cut-off time, your time will not be scored, and you will no longer be an official participant.
• Please see individual event pages for course cutoff times. 

8. Course Navigation:

• Athletes are responsible for navigating the course.
• The Leadville Race Series events are clearly marked, but we recommend using GPS devices as a backup. 
• GPS files and cue sheets are available on each event page for navigation assistance.

9. Interaction with Vehicle Traffic:

• Athletes must interact responsibly with local vehicle traffic.
• Follow Colorado Bicycle Laws, which can be found at https://www.codot.gov/programs/bikeped/information-for-bicyclists/bike-ped-manual/2008-10-official-bicycling-laws.pdf.

10. Support Crews and Outside Support:

• Support crews, friends, and family members are only allowed at official crewing locations on the course.
• Support offered outside of official crew checkpoints will result in disqualification.
• Each event has specific crewing guidelines and approved crewing locations. Refer to each event page for detailed information.
• Registered racers on the course can provide mechanical support, navigation assistance, or any other help to fellow athletes.
• Athletes may receive “neutral” support from local residents at stationary locations accessible to all participants.

11. Course Integrity:

• The primary route must be followed at all times. Shortcuts or alternate routes are not permitted.
• If you leave the course for food, supplies, or any other reason, you must re-enter at the same spot where you left.

12. Drafting:

• Drafting on another event participant is allowed.
• Drafting on a non-participant cyclist or motorized vehicle will result in disqualification.

13. Packet Pick-up:

• All athletes must check-in and pick up their race packet in order to participate.
• A government-issued photo ID will be required for sign-in.
• Event packets will be given out to registered athletes only.
• Number plates can not be folded, cut, or altered in any way. 

14. Elite Category (Additional Rules):

• Category Selection:
  • Athletes must select the elite category at the time of race registration.
  • Life Time reserves the right to change a rider’s designation to their appropriate age group division before the race date, consulting the rider beforehand.

15. Age Group Podium Eligibility:

• Athletes racing in the pro/elite category will not be eligible for age group podiums.

16. Drug Testing:

• All pro/elite riders are subject to random drug testing by USADA.

17. Challenges to Event Results:

• Challenges must come from a registered participant.
• They can be made in person or via email to leadville@ltevents.zendesk.com.
• Challenges must be received no later than 24 hours after the race finish line closes.

18. Colorado State Highway Rules/Regulations:

• Please adhere to the following rules and regulations while riding on Colorado state highways:
  • Helmet Requirement: Wear a helmet at all times.
  • Carry ID and Medical Information.
  • Follow the rules of the road, with the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle.
  • Ride single file when necessary and a maximum of two abreast when conditions allow. Do not impede traffic.
  • Ride as far right as reasonable.
  • Obey all traffic lights, signs, regulations, and course signage indicating racer lanes, direction, or location.
  • Pass on the left only, announcing “passing,” “hello,” or “on your left.”
  • Respect others, including riders, volunteers, host communities, motorists, pedestrians, law enforcement, and the environment.

19. Safety/Medical:

• Safety is the top priority. Remember, these are public roads and not closed for the event. Stay aware of all areas of the course at all times.
• Racers and crews are responsible for their actions and can impact the racer’s status. Respect all humans, vehicles, and wildlife on the course, including private citizens living near or on the course.
• Intravenous fluids (I.V.s) are not permitted during the race. If a racer receives an I.V. for any reason, they are no longer allowed to continue in the race.
• Report any medical issues to the medical team at the nearest aid station. In an emergency without an aid station, call 911.
• In case of race delays due to inclement weather, disasters, or unforeseen circumstances, follow the guidelines provided by the Race Director/Race Officials for your safety.

20. Enforcement and Penalties:

• Race rules are in place to ensure a safe and fair experience for everyone involved.
• The Race Director/Race Officials have ultimate authority to change, void, or amend rules as needed in unforeseen or extenuating circumstances.
• Disregard or violation of any rules may result in disqualification at the discretion of the Race Director and Race Officials.
• If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at leadville@ltevents.zendesk.com.

21. Leadville Stage Race Relay Team Rules:

• Relay team can have max 3 riders.
• Rider who starts the stage, must finish the stage. No switching riders during the stage.
• One rider is allowed to ride more than one stage.

1. Cut-off times will be established at each checkpoint for rider safety. If you reach a checkpoint after the cut-off time, your time will not be scored, and you will no longer be an official participant.
2. Please refer to the specific event pages for course-specific cut-off times.
3. Throughout the duration of the event, Leadville Race Series athletes are responsible for:
   1. Navigating the course. Although the events are clearly marked, we recommend using GPS devices as a backup. GPS files and cue sheets are available on each event page.
   2. Interacting with local vehicle traffic. Athletes must follow the rules of the road, as the roads are open to the public.
   3. Support crews, friends, and family members are only allowed at official crewing locations on the course. Any support offered outside of these checkpoints will result in the disqualification of the runner.
4. Each event has its own crewing guidelines and approved crewing locations. Please refer to each event page for specific details.
5. Outside support is only permitted at official checkpoints, with the following exceptions:
   1. Registered racers on course may assist other athletes with support, navigation assistance, or any other means.
   2. Athletes may receive “neutral” support from local residents at stationary locations where any other event participant could also receive aid.
6. The primary route must be followed at all times. Taking shortcuts or alternate routes is strictly prohibited.
7. If you need to exit the course intentionally for food, supplies, or any other reason, you must re-enter the course at the same spot where you left.
8. All athletes must check-in and personally pick up their race packets. A government-issued photo ID is required for sign-in. Race packets will only be given to registered athletes.
9. Any challenges to event results must come from a registered participant and must be submitted either in-person or via email to leadville@ltevents.zendesk.com. Challenges must be received no later than 24 hours after the race finish line closes.

 

SAFETY/MEDICAL:

 

1. Safety is our top priority. Remember that these are public roads and are not closed for the event. Stay aware of all areas of the course at all times.
2. Racers and crews are responsible for their actions, which may impact the racer’s status in the race. Maintain clear awareness and respect for all humans, including private citizens living near or on the course, vehicles, and wildlife.
3. The use of intravenous fluids (I.V.s) during the race is strictly prohibited. If a racer receives an I.V. for any reason during the race, they will no longer be allowed to continue.
4. For any medical issue, report to the nearest aid station to seek assistance from the medical team. In case of an emergency and no aid station is available, call 911.
5. In the event of a race delay due to inclement weather, a disaster, or any unforeseen circumstances, follow the guidelines provided by the Race Director/Race Officials in real time. Your safety is of utmost importance.

 

ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES:

 

1. Race rules are established to ensure a safe and fair experience for all participants.
2. All racers and crews acknowledge and accept that the Race Director/Race Officials have the ultimate authority to change, void, or amend rules as necessary, particularly in unforeseen or extenuating circumstances.
3. In the event of a pandemic, disaster, or any unforeseen circumstance that forces the cancellation of the event, please refer to our deferral policies at: [Insert URL: https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/deferral-policies/]
4. Disregard or violation of any of these rules may result in disqualification at the sole discretion of the Race Director and Race Officials.
5. Please review these rules thoroughly and ensure they are clearly communicated to all participants.
6. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at leadville@ltevents.zendesk.com.

The Leadville Race Series and Life Time teams are committed to offering race opportunities for para-athletes at all of our events in 2024 and beyond. Below is a list of common impairments that categorize an athlete to compete in the para category:

• Impaired Muscle Power: The muscles in the limbs or trunk are completely or partially paralyzed as a consequence of conditions such as spinal cord injury, polio, or spina bifida.
• Impaired Passive Range of Movement: Range of movement in one or more joints is permanently reduced due to trauma, illness or congenital deficiency (e.g. conditions such as arthrogryposis or joint contracture resulting from trauma).
• Limb Deficiency: A total or partial absence of bones or joints from birth, as a consequence of trauma (e.g. traumatic amputation) or illness (e.g. amputation due to cancer).
• Ataxia: Lack of muscle coordination due to problems with the parts of the central nervous system that control movement and balance, typical of conditions such as traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy.
• Athetosis: Repetitive and more or less continual involuntary movements caused by fluctuating muscle tone arising from problems in the central nervous system, typical of conditions such as cerebral palsy.
• Hypertonia: Abnormal increase in muscle tension with reduced ability of muscles to stretch, and joint stiffness, slowness of movement and poor postural adaptation and balance, due to problems in the central nervous system, typical of conditions such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and stroke.
• Short Stature: Standing height and limb length are reduced due to conditions such as achondroplasia and osteogenesis imperfecta.
• Leg Length Difference: Minimum of 7 cm length difference due to trauma, illness, or congenital conditions.
• Vision Impairment: Vision is impacted by either an impairment of the eye structure, optical nerve/pathways or the part of the brain controlling vision (visual cortex).Intellectual
• Impairment: Limited intellectual functions and adaptive behavior which must be diagnosed before the age of 18 (e.g. autism).