Regulations of SCC EVENTS GmbH for the GENERALI VeloCity Berlin 2024

2. Participation requirements

2.1 General requirements

1. GENERALI VeloCity Berlin is a cycling event for all casual, recreational and amateur cyclists. 
2. Membership of an association is not required. Registration, acceptance of the regulations, the conditions of participation and the General Terms and Conditions as well as payment of the entry fee are sufficient.
3. Each participant is obliged to check the health requirements for participation in GENERALI VeloCity Berlin, if necessary by consulting medical professionals.
4. Persons who have committed or been involved in a doping violation in the last 5 years, either as active athletes or in any other capacity, are not eligible to compete. This also applies if a corresponding doping procedure is still pending.

2.2 Participation in the junior athletes

1. The basic prerequisite for the participation of a minor is the written consent of a parent or guardian.
2. Youth born after 2008 are not permitted to participate in the 60K at GENERALI VeloCity Berlin.
3. Youth born after 2005 are not permitted to participate in the 100K at GENERALI VeloCity Berlin.

3. Age Groups

Allocation to an age group will depend on the year of birth of the participant.

• Seniors 6 – born in 1944 and earlier
• Seniors 5 – born in 1954 - 1945
• Seniors 4 – born in 1964 - 1955
• Seniors 3 – born in 1974 - 1965
• Seniors 2 – born in 1984 - 1975
• Main Class – born in 2001 - 1985
• U23 – born in 2005 - 2002
• U19 – born in 2007 - 2006
• U17 – born in 2009 - 2008

4. Teams

4.1 General

1. There are three types of teams:
   • Men’s team
   • Women’s team
   • Mixed team
2. A team consists of a fixed number of participants who are registered via a team registration.
3. In the case of “mixed team” it is irrelevant in which numerical ratio male, female and diverse team members participate.
4. Teams are not subject to a prescribed age structure, but points 2.2.(1) and 2.2.(2) must be observed.
5. The whole team will start together from one starting block, which will be determined by the lowest given average speed.
6. The team can only start together from one starting block until the end of the official registration deadline, but not in the case of a late registration.

4.2 Team types

4.2.1 Men´s team

1. A team consists of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 8 registered team members. 
2. The fastest five finishers of a team are recorded in the team ranking. The total of the net times of these five team members will determine the ranking in the team ranking. In the event of a tie, the first finisher of each team with the highest overall time will decide the ranking. The individual placings of the team members are not decisive for the ranking in the team ranking.
3. A team consisting of less than 5 finishers will not be included in the team ranking but will go over to the individual ranking.

4.2.2 Women´s team

1. A women’s team consists of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 8 registered female team members. 
2. The fastest 5 finishers of a team will be recorded in the team ranking. The total of the net times of these five participants will determine the ranking in the team ranking. In the event of a tie, the better placed first finisher of each team will decide the ranking. The individual placings of the team members are not decisive for the team ranking.
3. A women’s team consisting of less than 5 finishers will not be included in the women’s team ranking but will go over to the individual ranking.

4.2.3 Mixed team

1. A mixed team consists of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 8 registered team members. 
2. The fastest 5 finishers per team will be recorded in the mixed team ranking. The total of the net times of these five participants will determine the ranking in the team ranking. In the event of a tie, the better placed first finisher in each team will decide the ranking. The individual placings of the team members are not decisive for the ranking of the team ranking.
3. A mixed team consisting of less than 5 finishers will not be included in the team ranking, but will be included in the individual ranking.

4.2.4 Clubs / Companies

There are no extra club or company teams. Participants from clubs or companies sort themselves under men’s, women’s and/or mixed teams.

5. Bicycle and accessories

5.1 General

1. Only muscle-powered two-wheelers with freewheels and at least two independent brakes are permitted (i.e. no electric bikes, no moto bikes, no singlespeed bikes, no fixie bikes, see also “Special regulations”, point 5.4.). 
2. Each participant is responsible for the road safety of his or her bicycle. In particular, the function of all safety-relevant components must be guaranteed.
3. Participants who are found to be using irregular bicycles after the start will be withdrawn from the race and disqualified.
4. There are no gearing restrictions.
5. The attachment of bottle cages is only permitted on the down tube and seat tube of the frame.
6. With regard to the requirements for a bicycle, GENERALI VeloCity Berlin does not apply the same regulations as the Bund Deutscher Radfahrer e.V. or the International Cycling Union UCI.

5.2 Road bikes

There are no regulations regarding the frame geometry as long as it does not restrict general riding safety.

5.3 Mountain bikes, gravel bikes, trekking bikes and city bikes

The use of these types of bicycles is permitted on all distances. When choosing a bike, please take the required minimum speed into account! These types of bicycles are not permitted to start in the TOP and A starting bloc.

5.4 Pedelecs

Participants who start with a pedelec (limited to 25 km/h) will be listed in alphabetical order in the results list without time classification. Participation is only possible for the 60 km distance and only from the last starting block. A pedelec is a bicycle with an electric motor and pedal assistance up to 25 km/h. In Germany, a pedelec is often referred to as an e-bike.

5.5 Special regulations

The material or types of bicycles listed below are expressly not permitted at GENERALI VeloCity Berlin:

• Disc wheels in front and/or rear (disc brakes are allowed!)
• Triathlon, horn or delta handlebars
• Handlebar attachments of all kinds (Note: Cups on handlebar ends on MTBs are permitted as they do NOT count as handlebar attachments and do not narrow the handlebars).
• Recumbents of all kinds
• Unicycles of all kinds
• All kinds of tricycles
• Handbikes of all kinds
• Tandems (the organiser decides on exceptions for certain groups of people)
• Freight bikes of all kinds
• Track bikes/singlespeeds/fixies of all types (exception: these bikes are permitted if they have two independent brakes and a freewheel hub).
• Bicycle trailers of all kinds
• Panniers and other load carriers
• Attachments that can distract the driver (radio, etc.)
• Attachments that pose a safety risk (protruding bike racks, pegs, etc.)
• Backpacks (exception: commercially available hydration backpacks such as Camelbaks are permitted, provided they are designed and used exclusively for transporting drinks and the back number remains free and clearly visible).
• Bottle cage behind or under the saddle
• Drinking bottles made of aluminium, glass or other materials that are fragile or not easily deformable
• Sound carriers of any kind or ear coverings that can negatively influence acoustic perception and thus the ability to react in road traffic or in competition (e.g. MP3 players, headphones, earplugs).

6. Compulsory helmet, clothing, race number

6.1 Compulsory helmet

The wearing of a cycling-specific crash helmet is mandatory for all distances. The crash helmet must be made of strong material and comply with the applicable standards (DIN EN 1078 (DIN EN 1080 for youth). In case of a violation, the participant will be disqualified. Other helmets such as ice hockey, equestrian, motorbike or airbag helmets are not permitted.

6.2 Clothing

There are no specific rules for the type of clothing, but it must not pose a safety risk. It is not permitted to ride with the upper body exposed.

6.3 Race number

1. The race number serves to identify the participant. It must be clearly visible, reliable and attached in full size to the centre of the handlebars with cable ties.
2.  If an additional race number is issued, it must be clearly visible, reliable and attached in full size on the back, at the height of the jersey pockets or the centre of the lumbar.
3. If a frame number is issued, it must be carefully attached to the frame or brackets located on the frame (e.g. seat post) using cable ties.
4. If a helmet number is issued, it must be attached in a clearly visible position in the centre of the front of the helmet.
5. Regulations concerning the transponders for timekeeping can be found under rule 10.
6. It is not permitted to transfer the race number to another participant. For sanctions in case of infringement, see Rule 18.2 (1) to (5).

7. Motorbike Squad / GENERALI VeloCity Instructors

1. The competitions will be accompanied by a neutral motorbike relay team and our GENERALI VeloCity Berlin instructors.
2. The following functions are performed by both:

• Race support and observation of the proper course of the race. 
• Recording rule violations in individual cases.
• Removing non-participants from the route. 
• Limited provision of first aid material in case of accidents/falls. 
• Limited provision of service material in case of defects.
• Accompaniment of leading groups to the finish incl. advance warning of slower riders to be overtaken on the finishing straight.

8. Rankings

8.1 Overall individual rankings

1. For the overall individual ranking, a distinction is made between male and female participants and the race distance. This results in an “overall individual men’s ranking” and an “overall individual women’s rating” for each race distance.
2. In the overall individual ranking according to the previous paragraph, all participants in the amateur race will be listed together, irrespective of age and team affiliation. The first-placed participant will lead this list, the last-placed participant will complete it.

8.2 Team rankings

1. For the team rankings, a distinction is made between the team types (see 4.2) and the distance. This results in the following team rankings for each distance:
   • “Men’s team ranking”
   • “Women’s team ranking”
   • “Mixed team ranking”
2. In the team rankings, the fastest 5 team members of each team will be scored.
3. If two teams have the same time, the team with the fastest cyclist decides the ranking.

9. Start block allocation

1. The starting block allocations are noted on the race number of each participant, which they will receive with their race kit at pick-up. Each participant must start from the starting block assigned to him/her. This allocation cannot be changed, without exception.
2. The division of the starting blocks is based on the average speed provided at registration.
3. All cyclists on a team will start together from the starting block assigned to them, which is based on the lowest indicated average speed. The team can only start together from one starting block until the end of the official registration deadline, but not in the case of a late registration.
4. Each participant must be in his/her starting block at least 20 minutes before the start of the race. The designated entrances must be used. There is no order within a starting block. Participants who arrive first at the starting block must line up at the front so that following participants can move up and the entrance area of the starting block remains free.
5. It is not permitted to enter the starting block by crossing barriers or pushing your way forward.

Women's start block

For women we offer the possibility to start from a common starting block on the respective course. The start will be from one of the middle starting blocks. With this option we would like to offer female beginners in particular the opportunity to race together. The allocation of the women's starting block will be prioritised at the start block allocation and will take priority over the start together with the team.
ATTENTION: Cyclists who are aiming for a TOP-30 position should be placed in the front starting blocks according to their performance and should not choose the women's starting block.

Pedelec start block

All participants will start together from the last starting block for the 60 km distance. Participants with a pedelec will start out of the classification and will be published alphabetically with their time and name in the results.

10. Timekeeping

10.1 General

1. Timekeeping at GENERALI VeloCity Berlin is done individually and electronically.
2. The organiser is entitled to use either reusable transponders or disposable transponders for timekeeping. Each participant must use the transponder issued by the organiser; specifically, no personal timekeeping transponders will be recorded.
3. The timekeeping transponder issued at the collection of the starting documents must be attached to the bike in accordance with the regulations. 
4. The organiser reserves the right to use other timing systems. The relevant specifications will be communicated in good time and must be observed.
5. There will be timing for all categories.
6. The race begins with the official start.

10.2 Block start time / real-time measurement 

1. The front starting blocks TOP and A of each race start with the block start time. The block start time is the net start time for each competitor in that block  (Guntime). 
2. For participants who start from following starting blocks, the timing will only start when they cross the official start line (real-time measurement). 
3. Participants who start from starting blocks further back than their allocated blocks will still be recorded with the block start time of their allocated starting block. 

10.3 Overall individual rankings

1. The first 100 male participants at the finish line will take the first 100 places in the overall individual ranking for each of the respective distances. From the 101^st place onwards, the net time cycled determines the ranking. 
2. The first 30 female participants will take the first 30 places in the overall individual ranking for each of the respective distances. From the 31 place onwards, the net time cycled determines the ranking.

11. Refreshments during the race

1. At GENERALI VeloCity Berlin there will be at least one supply station for each distance. Supply stations are always located on the right side of the road.
2. The refreshment points will be announced with signs placed on both sides of the course at 1000m, 500m and 250m ahead of the supply stations.
3. To pick up food, the participant must first give a clearly visible hand signal, then get into the right-hand lane, turn off the road in a considerate and prudent manner and come to a complete stop.
4. Supply from escort vehicles is generally not permitted. In special cases (e.g. special weather conditions) the race management may allow exceptions to this principle. Should this be the case, the race management will explicitly announce this before the race. 
5. Accepting food from people on the side of the road or from your own support team is not permitted.

12. Interruption or abandonment of the race

1. If a participant is forced to interrupt or end the race due to a breakdown, defect, physical ailment, etc., he/she must immediately indicate this to other participants by raising his/her right arm and stop at the closest side of the road. When the road is clear, the participant must move to the right side of the road. There he/she must wait for an escort vehicle and indicate that help is needed by raising his/her right arm again.
2. Leaving the course will always lead to disqualification, even if the participant returns to the course. Official refreshment points and service points are considered part of the course.

13. Own escort vehicles and outside help

1. Without exception, it is prohibited for personal or team escort vehicles to drive within the closed-off course.
2. It is not permitted to accept technical assistance or food from press vehicles or other support vehicles that are not part of the immediate race organisation.
3. In the event of physical ailments or accidents, it is expressly permitted to call on outside assistance

14. Average speeds and broom wagons

1. At GENERALI VeloCity Berlin, minimum average speeds are specified and compliance with these is the basic requirement for participation. The minimum average speeds depend on the race distance as well as the topography and will be published in the announcement. They are part of these rules and regulations.
2. The control of the minimum average speed is the responsibility of the race management. 
3. If a participant is unable to achieve or maintain the required minimum average speed due to defects, physical ailments or other reasons, he/she must end the race and get into the broom wagon after being requested to do so by the race management.
4. Should the traffic situation require it, the race management is authorised, in accordance with the police, to remove lagging participants from the race, even if they are still within the time limit. 
5. The instructions of the race management and the broom wagon staff must be followed at all times.
6. Those who finish before the broom wagon but do not reach the required minimum average speed are considered disqualified and appear in the result only with the available transponder data, but without ranking.
7. Those who finish behind the broom wagon are considered disqualified and appear in the result with the existing transponder data, but without ranking.

15. General cycling regulations

1. The right-hand rule must be observed. This applies in particular to cyclsists who are overtaken by the leading group. For sanctions see rule 18.2. no. 14.
2. No participant may prevent another participant from passing or deliberately slow another cyclist down or push him/her away. Contact with other riders must be avoided as far as possible. 
3. Other obstructions, such as suddenly leaving the line of travel or stopping during or at the end of the race without a compelling reason, shall be penalised in accordance with Rule 18.2.
4. It is forbidden to ride in the slipstream of motorised vehicles or to hold on to them. This also applies after crashes or defects.
5. Participants are allowed to exchange food and drinks with each other.
6. The throwing away of any objects, including waste and drinking bottles, is forbidden and will be punished according to the penalty catalogue (see rule 18.2. no. 18 and 22). Each participant is obliged to dispose of his/her waste and empty drinking bottles exclusively at the supply points on the course or after the finish in the containers provided.

16. Material changes and defect repairs

1. The exchange of tools and spare parts between participants is permitted. Wheels and bicycles, however, may only be exchanged between participants of the same team. When exchanging bicycles, the participant must ensure that the timekeeping transponder is transferred to the new bicycle. 
2. Furthermore, the exchange of wheels and bicycles is only permitted at the service points set up on the route.
3. Any defect repair may only be done in the stand, behind the group on the right-hand side of the road and in front of the material trolley, if available. Where available, the right-hand pavement is to be used for defect repair.
4. To turn off at the service points, the participant must first give a clearly visible hand signal, then get into the right-hand lane, turn off the road in a considerate and prudent manner and stop completely. The service points are located on the right side of the road and are combined with refreshment points or marked accordingly.

17. Behaviour at closed railway crossings

1. It is forbidden to cross closed railway crossings (after the red lights come on).
2. As a rule, no time credit will be given if participants are held up by closed railway crossings.

18. Punishment of rule violations at GENERALI VeloCity Berlin

18.1 General

1. The race management is authorised to impose sanctions in the event of infringements of the rules. The sanctions serve to ensure the smooth and safe organisation and safety of all participants. 
2. The penalty is based on the catalogue of sanctions listed under 18.2. 
3. The catalogue of sanctions is not exhaustive. In the case of infringements of the rules that are not listed in the catalogue of sanctions, the level of punishment is at the discretion of the race management.
4. The race management decides according to its free conviction gained from the circumstances. 
   The decision shall be communicated to the parties concerned in writing.

18.2 Sanctions catalogue

The following list of sanctions applies:

19. Recording and storage of rule violations at GENERALI VeloCity Berlin

1. Every year, the organisation team records rule violations on site in the start area, during the race and in the finish area.
2. Rule violations are recorded and stored in the so-called “watch list” to prevent further violations or to impose appropriate sanctions.
3. Participants who are noted in the watch list with a rule violation that did not immediately lead to disqualification will receive a short letter from the race management at the accreditation in the following year as a precautionary measure with the request to comply with the rules and the advice that other participants will otherwise be endangered and that a repeated rule violation, depending on the severity, can lead to disqualification and a participation ban.
4. Participants who have not been recorded for three consecutive years are deleted from the watch list.
5. The collection, storage and use of personal data in the watch list is exclusively for the stated purpose in compliance with the statutory data protection provisions.
6. Data will not be transmitted to third parties. Processing activities related to the event are described in the GENERALI VeloCity Berlin 2023 data protection information, available at: under: https://www.scc-events.com/en/corporate/contact/privacy-policy/privacy-information.html