Regulation

CYCLE TOURING EVENT – ITZULIA BASQUE CHALLENGE 2026

2026 REGULATIONS

Art. 1 – The Itzulia Basque Challenge WT is a cycle tourism event regulated under Article 9 of the RFEC’s “Cycle Tourism-Cycling for All” Regulations, within the framework of a cycling discipline that views the sport as physical exercise for leisure, tourism, or cultural purposes, excluding competition. The event will be subject to the provisions of Articles 1 to 14 of Annex II of Royal Decree 1428/2003, of November 21, which approves the General Traffic Regulations for the application and development of the consolidated text of the Law on Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation, and Road Safety, approved by Royal Legislative Decree 339/1990, of March 2.

Article 2 –

It will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The official start will be at 8:00 AM on Matxiategi Kalea in Bergara (Gipuzkoa), arriving at KM ZERO (GI-2632 towards Elgeta) at 8:15 AM. There will be two routes, long and short:

• The World Tour (long) route will be the same as the final stage of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country, Bergara – Bergara, over 135.20 km, starting and finishing at the same points as the WT race stage, with the cut-off time at 4:30 PM. Those opting for the long route must pass through the short-to-long route junction, at the intersection of GI-627 and the entrance to Bergara via Arrillaga Kalea, before 1:00 PM. After this time, participants will have to finish the ride by taking the short route.

The short route will be 70.25 km long and, after passing through Asentsio (km 6.90), Gorla (km 33.80), and Azkarate (km 49.80), will reach the finish line in Bergara.

The event is open to all cyclists over 18 years of age.

Art. 3 –

Registration fees are as follows:

• From November 17th to December 31st, 2025: €60 (VAT included)
• From January 1st to February 28th: ​​€70 (VAT included)
• From March 1st until registration closes: €80 (VAT included)

In any case, an additional €13 will be charged for non-federated cyclists to obtain a temporary day license.

Registration fees include, among other things, the following services:

• Official Jersey.
• World Tour Infrastructure
• Official Itzulia Route
• Official Cars
• Route and Timed Section
• Official Race Photographs
• Access to Aid Stations
• Mechanical Assistance During the Race
• Showers and Restrooms
• Post-Event Meal
• Finisher Medal
• Sweep Vehicle
• Course Security
• Expo Area
• Car and Campervan Parking

Art. 4 – To participate, it is mandatory to hold a valid cycling license approved by the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) and/or the International Cycling Union (UCI), or to purchase a day license with the insurance provided by the organizers. These are the only valid insurance policies accepted by the authorities. Being a member of a federation other than the RFEC (for example, the Royal Spanish Triathlon Federation (RFET), the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA), the Spanish Cycling Federation (FCT), etc.) will not exempt participants from paying the mandatory insurance fee of €13. In these cases, if the participant is not affiliated with an RFEC federation, they will be responsible for paying the mandatory insurance fee of €15.

By registering, participants declare themselves physically fit to participate in the event. It is the responsibility of each cyclist to ensure, before participating, that they are in perfect health and fit for the physical exertion required.

Art. 5 – Registration will only be considered valid once the registration fee has been paid. Pre-registration and payment upon collection of the race number are NOT permitted. Payment can only be made online by credit card through the secure payment gateway provided by the organizers on the official website www.itzuliabasquechallenge.com and within the timeframes specified by the organizers.

Article 6 – Registrations are considered FINAL. Therefore, if a registered participant is unable or unwilling to participate after registering, the registration fee will not be refunded. Registrations are strictly personal and non-transferable and cannot be used by anyone other than the registered participant.

Article 7 – Step and time tracking will be done electronically using a chip attached to the numbered plate. Step and time checks will be carried out at the points marked by the organizers. Participants not detected at all checkpoints will be considered NOT CLASSIFIED:

• Start at the scheduled time => 08:00
• Finish => 16:30
• Other checkpoints located along the route.

System Elimination procedure: The sweep vehicle will always travel behind the last runner. It will cover several checkpoints at an average speed of 15 km/h. Any participant overtaken by the “End of Race” sweep vehicle will be considered out of the race and must hand over their race number, timing chip, and bicycle number plate to the vehicle.

NOTE: When riding on roads open to traffic, all participants must strictly adhere to traffic laws.

Cut-off times are subject to approval of these regulations by the security forces responsible for road safety along the route.

Art. 8 – Race number collection will take place on April 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on the day of the race from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM.

Race numbers and runner’s bags can only be collected on the days designated by the organizers. No deliveries or collections will be made after these dates. All participants must wear their bicycle number plate visibly and at all times. Any cyclist who does not have their bicycle number plate visibly displayed on their handlebars will be excluded from the race by members of the organization or by law enforcement. The race number and timing chip are personal and non-transferable items. Registered participants may only participate with the assigned race number and agree not to allow its use by other people.

Failure to collect the participant bag containing the race number during the days designated by the organization will result in disqualification from the event, without the right to any refund of registration fees or for any other reason.

All participants must wear their bicycle number plate and timing chip visibly (these form a single unit). Any cyclist who does not have their bicycle number plate visibly displayed will be excluded from the race by members of the organization or by law enforcement.

• The number plate must be displayed on the front of the bicycle, clearly visible, unfolded, and without obscuring or altering any advertising.

• The timing chip is attached to the plate, forming a single unit with it.

The race number and chip are personal and non-transferable. Registered participants may only participate with their assigned race number and agree not to allow its use by others. No claims will be accepted for lost chips or improper placement.

All participants will start at the same time, but the timing clock will start individually as each participant crosses the starting line.

Article 9 – Any participant seen being towed by any vehicle will be penalized by the organizers. Support vehicles are prohibited in accordance with traffic regulations. Law enforcement will stop support vehicles, which will be held responsible for any penalties incurred for violating traffic regulations. The organizers reserve the right to take action against individuals who violate these regulations, including prohibiting them from participating in future editions of the event.

Article 10 – Liquid and solid refreshments will be available. Located at:

• Gorla: 32.8 km (Middle Distance and World Tour Route)
• Elgoibar: 57 km (Middle Distance and World Tour Route)
• Gorla: 77.3 km (World Tour Route)
• Elgoibar: 101 km (World Tour Route)

Aid stations will be staffed by clearly identified members of the organization. A rest and refreshment area will also be set up at the finish line, where each participant will receive a food and drink ticket.

Art. 11 – The organization will provide, throughout the event and at all times, a team of doctors, ambulances and mobile intensive care units, several fixed first aid stations, a medical post at the finish line, a support bus, and shower facilities.

Article 12 – The organizers will provide mechanical assistance throughout the event, but are not obligated to service all participants; this will be a courtesy service. In case of a breakdown, labor will be free, but participants will be responsible for the cost of replacement parts. Only repairs that can be completed en route will be considered. Punctures must be repaired by the cyclists themselves. There will be designated mechanical assistance points. All participants must carry their own spare parts and be self-sufficient.

Article 13 – Helmet use is mandatory.

Wearing the official event jersey is recommended as a distinguishing feature to facilitate the work of the organizers, volunteers, and security personnel.

For safety reasons, only conventional road bikes with brakes on both wheels are permitted (fixie bikes and e-bikes are not allowed) and without aero bars (bikes with aero bars are not allowed).

Time trial and triathlon bikes are permitted.

Handbikes or bicycles adapted for people with reduced mobility are allowed.

Electrically assisted bicycles are also permitted. However, they will not be eligible for prizes.

Art. 14 – The Provincial Traffic Headquarters, Municipal Police, Civil Protection, Fire Department, and Ertzaintza (Basque Police) will ensure the safety of the event.

The organizers, advised by Civil Protection agencies, may partially or totally suspend the event if they have sufficient information about risks that could affect the safety of participants or support staff. These risks may be associated with adverse weather phenomena (heat waves, tornadoes, earthquakes, storms, strong winds, hail, fires, lightning, floods), accidents, acts of war or terrorism, military conflicts or riots, or any other cause that affects the safety of participants and/or spectators of the event or that may prevent its holding. In case of cancellation for the aforementioned reasons or for any other reason, the amount paid will not be refunded unless the event organizer authorizes and makes such a refund.

Art. 15 – The Organization reminds participants of their obligation to keep the roads along the race route in perfect condition, avoiding messages of encouragement and/or graffiti on them by supporters and/or companions. These actions will be subject to penalties in accordance with current regulations.

Article 16 –

The organizers are not responsible for any accident in which a participant may be involved, whether as the cause or the victim. Participants must be covered by the corresponding federation license or accident insurance contracted with the organizers if they are not a member of a federation. The organizers are also not responsible for expenses or debts that participants may incur during the event, nor for any loss, theft, damage, or breakdowns that bicycles or other equipment belonging to participants may suffer. Participants release the organizers from any liability for loss or damage to personal belongings under any circumstances.

Article 17 –

To collect your race number, you MUST present:

• Your original ID card/residence permit/passport.
• Your annual competitive or recreational cycling license approved by the RFEC (Royal Spanish Cycling Federation) if you have not subscribed to the day license offered by the organizers.

Article 18 – The organizers reserve the right to make any modifications they deem appropriate to the race route, at their sole discretion, if they consider it advisable or necessary for the safety of the participants, for logistical reasons, or by order or recommendation of government authorities. Participants will not be entitled to any refund or reduction of their registration fees as a result of such modifications. Furthermore, any person sanctioned for doping by the UCI or any other national federation or competent body will not be allowed to start the race or may be excluded by the organizers at any time before or during the event. Registered participants who fall under these circumstances and are subsequently excluded will forfeit their registration fee.

The organizers reserve the right of admission. The organizers may expel from the event at any time any participant who acts contrary to the provisions of these regulations, disobeys any instructions they may receive from the organizers, or displays indecent, dangerous, or unsportsmanlike behavior, or who in any way damages or could damage the good image of the event. The organizers may refuse admission to the event to any cyclist who has displayed similar behavior in previous editions.

Likewise, the organizers may decide to suspend the event, either temporarily or permanently, when circumstances beyond the will and control of the organizers arise, or when government orders, resolutions, or regulations affect general safety or the freedom of movement of people. In the event of suspension by government order prior to the event, the organizers will provide registered participants with information and the options and alternatives that are available at that time, depending on the circumstances. In the event of cancellation once the event has begun, participants will not be entitled to a refund of their registration fees.

Art. 19 – Image Rights. Acceptance of these regulations implies that the participant authorizes the organizers to record their participation in whole or in part, and consents to the use of their image.

For the promotion and dissemination of the Itzulia Basque Challenge image in all its forms and channels (radio, press, video, photo, DVD, internet, posters, media, etc.), the organizers grant all rights related to its commercial and advertising exploitation as they deem appropriate, without any right to financial compensation. This article also extends to photographs and images recorded with an aerial drone.

Participants must be aware of the drone’s location at all times, especially when flying at low altitudes, and under no circumstances approach it. In case of a drone crash, please stay away from it and do not touch it. During takeoffs and landings, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters. The pilots will be clearly identifiable so they can warn you of any circumstances.

Article 20 – Registration for this event necessarily implies full acceptance of these regulations and the inherent risks of participating in the sporting activity, as well as a waiver of any legal action against the organizers that may arise from damages or injuries suffered during participation.

Article 21 – Strict penalties will be applied to participants who:

• Disregard traffic laws.
• Disregard safety instructions given by law enforcement and the organizers.
• Fail to pass through the starting checkpoint and other checkpoints along the course.
• Litter or damage the route by throwing away trash.
• Use their own support vehicle, hindering the progress of other participants.
• Engage in any behavior that impedes the normal course of the event and violates these regulations. • Positioning themselves in a starting area prior to the one indicated on their bib number and permitted (there is no penalty for positioning themselves in a zone behind their assigned starting area, for example, to share the race with friends registered with a different bib color).

• Fraudulent use of bib numbers.

Participants agree to cooperate in respecting the environment, especially by keeping their waste separate and depositing it exclusively in the areas provided by the Organization for this purpose, both along the course and at ALL aid stations and the FINISH AREA.

These actions will be subject to penalties in accordance with current regulations.

Art. 22 –

Diplomas will be sent by email with the times. Medals will be awarded upon crossing the finish line. They will not be sent by mail.

Award winners are required to receive their trophies on the podium. These awards will NOT be sent by mail.

Article 23 – The user must have read, understood, and accepted the conditions of participation in the Itzulia Basque Challenge:

• The user declares that they are in adequate health to undertake the physical exertion involved in participating in a long-distance or endurance event, depending on the route they choose.

• The user is solely responsible for the care and safekeeping of the equipment used in the event, including the loss or damage of personal belongings, as well as theft, robbery, misplacement, or other circumstances.

• The user agrees to comply with traffic regulations, and especially those of the Road Safety Law and its Regulations, ensuring their own safety and that of other participants and users of public roads.

• The user releases Basque Challenge S.L., and/or any individual or legal entity associated with the organization of the event, from any liability arising from any accident caused by traffic incidents or sporting accidents, including any claims for personal injury or third-party damages. • The user agrees to exercise extreme caution due to unforeseen circumstances or vehicles that may be traveling along the route.

• The user acknowledges that there are dangerous sections where extreme caution is required, as well as long descents with curves where speed must be reduced to avoid injury to themselves and/or others. They also acknowledge that there are sections where the road conditions may not meet adequate safety standards, and various tunnels that may not be illuminated. The user expressly excludes Basque Challenge S.L. from liability for any damage suffered due to the poor condition of the roads or defects in road infrastructure.

• The user understands that there is a possibility of suffering a sports accident inherent in cycling, and personally assumes responsibility for any accidents they may cause to themselves or any other participant in the event, thereby releasing and holding Basque Challenge S.L. harmless from any liability arising from these accidents.

Art. 24 –

BASQUE CHALLENGE SL guarantees full compliance with the regulations on the Protection of Personal Data, and thus, in accordance with the In accordance with EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679, the undersigned is informed and consents to the inclusion of their data in the existing automated files of B-CH and to the processing thereof for use in relation to the performance of administrative, commercial, and other activities inherent to the company.

BASQUE CHALLENGE SL’s privacy policy guarantees, in all cases, the exercise of the rights of access, rectification, erasure, and objection, under the terms established by current legislation.