1- GRAAALPS THE EVENT 

The event is run under semi-self-sufficiency conditions. In the event of a GPS tracker malfunction (provided by the Organizer), any material (e.g., receipts) or immaterial (e.g., photos, videos) evidence submitted will be reviewed by the Organizer to assess compliance with the rules.

The route—featuring stunning scenery and breathtaking landscapes—will take you deep into the regions of the countries crossed. You’ll have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of champions over legendary climbs and through some of the highest rideable mountain passes in Europe.

The roads are open to traffic and shared by all participant categories. The “base camps” (Base de Vie), located along the route and clearly marked, are open to the public, allowing your loved ones to come and cheer you on.

You may choose to ride the event solo, or in teams of two (2) or four (4) riders: friends, teammates, colleagues, etc.

The course is not signposted, but participants will receive a GPX link a few weeks before the event by email from the Organizer.

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2- SEMI SUPPORTED FORMAT

The GRAAALPS event is an ultra-distance gravel ride under semi-self-sufficiency rules.

Semi-self-sufficiency is defined as the ability to be self-reliant between two Base de Vie checkpoints, both in terms of nutrition and safety/gear. This includes the ability to adapt to both expected and unexpected issues.

No assistance, support, or aid (nutrition, mechanical help, or any external support) is allowed outside of the base camps. Any violation will lead to immediate disqualification.

Rules include:

• No organized support or escort is allowed along the route.

• Base de Vie checkpoints are stocked with food and drink, to be consumed on-site. No external assistance is permitted beyond these checkpoints.

• No participant may be accompanied in whole or in part outside the designated base camps.

• Drafting is strictly prohibited for all participants, regardless of category. Both the drafter and the draftee will be disqualified.

  • Drafting is tolerated only for riders in the Duo category.

• Any group of more than two people riding together for over 60 minutes may be disqualified.

• Outside of base camps, riders may purchase food, drinks, and gear at shops along the route, and may sleep in hotels, at private homes, or bivouac—provided local laws are respected.

• If a participant is filmed (accompanied) by an unaccredited team outside official zones, it will be considered a violation of the semi-self-sufficiency principle.

  • Participants who wish to be filmed must request accreditation for their crew at least 30 days before the event.

• The Organizer reserves the right to approve such requests and impose any conditions necessary for the event’s integrity and image rights.

• GRAAALPS regulators are authorized to penalize any breach to uphold the event’s spirit.

Only registered participants with a bib number on their helmet and visible frame plate, verified by the Organizer, may access aid stations.

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3- MAXIMUM ALLOWED TIME “`

Time limits are calculated based on the participant’s start time.
GRAAALPS – July 15 to 20, 2025:

Maximum 5 days (120 hours) to complete the coursE
Maximum 3 days (72 hours) to complete the coursE
Maximum 2 days (48 hours) to complete the course.

4- MANDATORY EQUIPMENT 

To ensure your safety and the smooth running of the GRAAALPS event, the Organizer requires each participant (including each team member) to carry the following mandatory equipment:

MANDATORY GEAR (PER PARTICIPANT)

• CE-certified helmet

• Front light on the bike*

• Headlamp on helmet*

• Two rear lights on the bike*

• High visibility vest or reflective harness

• GPS bike computer with the course downloaded (can be in segments)

• Repair kit**

• Reflective strips***

• Mobile phone with the Operational Management Post number saved****

• 2 survival blankets (1.40m x 2m)

• Minimum 1L of water

• Food supply (Recommended: 400+ kcal)

• Emergency whistle

• Trash pouch for carrying waste between base camps

• Code-lock or anti-theft lock (for securing the bike in case of emergency evacuation)

• Warm jacket – e.g., down jacket

• Rain jacket – e.g., Gore-Tex

• Leg warmers or long bib shorts

• Gloves

• Neck warmer / beanie

• Bivy bag

⚠️ Important: Equipment must be suited to your personal capabilities. Do not opt for the lightest items just to save weight; choose clothing that offers genuine protection against cold, wind, and snow to enhance safety and performance.

Lighting recommendations:

• Bring spare batteries for each light, or a dynamo system

• Front: minimum 300 lumens / Rear: minimum 100 lumens

Repair kit must include:

• Multitool

• 2 inner tubes

• 3 tire levers

• Pump

• Patches & glue (including tubeless repair tools)

Reflective strips must be placed:

• On rear stays and front fork

**Phone use guidelines:
Keep your phone on, do not hide your number, make sure it’s charged and carry a power bank or charging solution.

)RECOMMENDED AND NON MANDATORY

For overnight:

• Inflatable mattress and pillow

Health & hygiene:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Lip balm

• Paracetamol

• Sunscreen

Electronics:

• Derailleur charger

• Power bank or dynamo

Accessories:

• Small multi-tool knife

• Multi-function spoon

• Duct tape

• Zip ties

• Plastic pouches

• Straps

• Chain lube

• Spare lock

Warm clothing:

• Compressible down jacket

• Beanie

• Cap or bandana

• Neck warmer

• Warm gloves

• Arm warmers

• Mid-layer: warm long-sleeve top

• Shoe covers or toe warmers

• Long bibs or leg warmers, or full leg coverage with tights + socks

• Base layer: short-sleeved top

• Waterproof and breathable jacket for cold/wet mountain weather

• Windbreaker with durable water repellent (DWR) coating

Miscellaneous:

• ID card or passport

• Credit card

• Cash (local currencies)

⚠️ For safety reasons, it’s recommended to wear bright and visible clothing.
High-visibility gear must be worn from dusk to dawn and in low-visibility conditions (fog, snow, rain).

GEAR CHECK

• Full gear check after bib collection

• Spot check at every base camp exit: 3 mandatory items selected at random

• Penalty: 2-hour time penalty per missing item (stackable per base)

• The Organizer may delay a participant’s departure if any mandatory item is missing.

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5 – RACE BIB

Race bibs will be distributed on event day, upon presentation of:

• A QR code generated by MILES REPUBLIC, sent a few weeks before the event

• Valid license or medical certificate as per event requirements

• Valid photo ID (national ID or passport – driver’s licenses not accepted)

Bib collection will take place exclusively in the official Event Village. Locations and times will be announced in due course.

Important notes:

• Bib assignment is final. No bibs will be mailed or handed out outside the official pickup hours.

• Your bib is required to access the start line and base camps, and must remain fully visible throughout the event, even in poor weather.

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6 – DROP BAG

Participants may check in a DROP BAG (max 20L) for transfer to a Base de Vie. The bag must be soft (e.g., duffel or backpack), zippered, and clearly labeled with the identification tag provided by the Organizer.

Rules and Process:

• Participants must bring their own bag—it is not provided by the Organizer.

• The bag must be dropped off before the start, in the designated area of the Start Village.

• Only bags dropped during official hours will be accepted.

• Drop bags will be transported by the Organizer and made available at the Base de Vie upon the participant’s arrival.

• Upon leaving the Base de Vie, the participant must place the bag back in the designated return zone.

• Bags will be returned to the Finish Village.

Pick-up policy:

• Drop bags from the finish base will be available as soon as each rider arrives.

• Drop bags from intermediate bases will be available near the finish until the Sunday following the end of the event.

• Drop bags for riders who abandon will be repatriated as logistics allow, though not guaranteed before the event ends.

⚠️ Valuables should not be placed in drop bags.
The Organizer is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Abandoned bags:

• Unclaimed drop bags must be picked up at the designated location, at the participant’s expense.

• Bags not collected within 60 days may be destroyed or donated.

Prohibited contents:

• Dangerous or illegal items (e.g., sharp objects, flammable liquids, drugs, weapons) are strictly forbidden.

• Bags may be checked by the Organizer and/or customs authorities.

• The participant is fully liable for the contents

  MEDICAL ASSISTANCE & EMERGENCY 

  • Calling the Operational Management Post (number printed on your frame plate)

  • Asking another rider to alert emergency services if you are unable to do so

  • Activating the SOS function on your GPS tracker

  Every participant is required to assist any person in danger and to alert public emergency services without delay.

  Emergency numbers by country:

  FRANCE

  • SAMU (medical): 15

  • Police: 17

  • Fire brigade: 18

  • General emergency: 112

  ITALY

  • Police: 113

  • Fire brigade: 115

  • General emergency: 112

  SWITZERLAND

  • Police: 117

  • Fire brigade: 118

  • General emergency: 112

  ⚠️ Remember: unexpected delays can occur. Your safety may depend on the quality of your mandatory equipment and your ability to withstand waiting for assistance.

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  Regulators and event staff are authorized to:

  • Remove any participant deemed unfit to continue

  • Evacuate any rider they consider to be in danger

  • Redirect participants to the most suitable care facility

  Requesting help from a medic or first responder implies acceptance of their decisions.

  Any rider receiving intravenous treatment will be automatically disqualified.

  Participants who voluntarily leave the official course are no longer under the Organizer’s responsibility.

  During the event, the only way to contact the Organizer is by calling the number printed on your bib/frame plate.

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  8 – INSURANCE

  The associations ULTRA CYCLING France, RIDE EAT SLEEP & SHARE, and the co-organizing structure A.B.E. have subscribed to a civil liability insurance policy for the duration of the GRAAALPS event.

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  9 – GENERAL SERVICES

  • Road safety is managed in coordination with the Prefecture of Police.

  • Medical coverage is provided by the Organizer’s service provider and, if necessary, the French Red Cross, Civil Protection, or other recognized first-aid organizations.
    These organizations may remove a participant from the event for medical reasons.

  The Organizer cannot be held liable if a participant is unable to complete the event due to such a decision.

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  10 – PENALTIES AND DISQUALIFICATIONS / BREACH OF RULES

  Infraction	Sanction
  Course cutting / off-track: Must return to the exact exit point. Penalty based on gained time:
  0–30 min gain	+1 hour
  31–60 min gain	+2 hours
  61–120 min gain	+4 hours
  Over 2 hours	Disqualification
  3rd offense for course cutting	Disqualification
  Incomplete file 30 days before the event	Disqualification
  Unregistered media vehicle	+12 hours
  Intentional littering	+4 hours
  Disrespectful behavior (by participant or their supporters)	Disqualification
  Missing safety gear (helmet, lights, survival blanket, etc.)	Disqualification
  Failure to assist someone in need	Disqualification
  Cheating – Category 1: Using an undeclared bike	Disqualification
  Cheating – Category 2: Unauthorized support / drafting behind a vehicle	Disqualification
  Cheating – Category 3: Using a vehicle, bib sharing, holding onto a moving vehicle	Lifetime disqualification
  No visible frame plate / bib	+2 hours
  Traffic law violation	+4 hours
  No GPS tracker	Sanction at Organizer’s discretion
  Refusal to comply with staff or medical instructions	Disqualification
  Refusal of anti-doping test	Lifetime disqualification
  Reported misconduct by law enforcement	Disqualification

   

  The Organizer reserves the right to verify rule compliance before, during, and after the event, and apply penalties at their sole discretion.

  (*) Time penalties are added after finish line, and the participant will be notified via the tracking platform.
  ()** Disqualification penalties apply immediately.

  Any other breach of the rules may lead to a sanction at the discretion of the Race Direction.
  
  
  

  A
  ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULES AND ETHICS
  
  
  The participant fully understands that gravel cycling is an extremely demanding and dangerous activity, potentially exposing them to difficult weather conditions (rain, heat, cold, storms).

  The participant is fully aware that during this type of event, their safety depends solely on their ability to adapt to challenges and unforeseen circumstances.

  The participant accepts that the Organizer is not responsible for assisting them with technical, physical, or mental issues—whether minor or major.

  By registering, the participant irrevocably accepts all extreme risks associated with this event, including the risk of accidents that could lead to serious injury or death, and agrees to be solely responsible for any damage they may suffer.

  The participant agrees to take part at their own risk, with full awareness of the consequences and accepts to release the Organizer from any contractual or tort liability.

  In return, the participant agrees to:

  • Attend official ceremonies if invited

  • Be present at prize ceremonies if concerned

  • Wear a GPS tracker provided by the Organizer throughout the event, return it after the event, and cover replacement costs if lost, broken, or not returned (value: €350 incl. tax)

  • Be at the start line at least 20 minutes before departure

  • Accept and respect the race regulations

  • Accept all decisions made by the Organizer and event regulators

  • Show respect and kindness toward fellow participants, volunteers, and staff

  • Have subscribed to a personal accident insurance policy covering the duration of the event

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  12 – ABANDONMENT & REPATRIATION

  Unless injured, participants should not abandon the race anywhere other than at an official Base de Vie, whenever possible.

  Procedure in case of withdrawal:

  1. Notify the Operational Management Post

  2. Go by your own means to the nearest Base de Vie, return your GPS tracker and other materials to the base manager, and retrieve your Drop Bag if applicable

  3. If the GPS tracker is not returned, the participant will be charged €350 incl. tax directly by the device provider

  By accepting the rules, the participant agrees to this charge.

  Team abandonment rules:

  • DUO category:
    Both riders must cross the finish line together to be considered Finishers.
    If one abandons, the remaining rider may finish solo, but the team will not be classified.

  • Team of 4:
    All four must cross the line together.
    If one abandons, the other three may continue, but again the team will not be classified.

  The Organizer does not provide transportation or repatriation in case of withdrawal. It is the participant’s responsibility to return to the nearest Base de Vie or to the finish line on their own.

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  13 – REGISTRATION MODIFICATIONS & REFUND POLICY

  Registration Modifications

  • Registrations are personal and non-transferable.

  • Participants may change to another distance or format up to 30 days before the event, subject to:

    • A €30 incl. tax transfer fee

    • The price difference between the old and new registration

  • If changing to a lower-priced race, the difference will be refunded minus fees

  • If changing to a higher-priced race, the participant must pay the difference plus the transfer fee

  • Transfers are not possible if the new distance is full (waiting list applies)

  • Each participant may modify their registration only once

  • No changes are allowed less than 30 days before the event

  Cancellation / Deferral

  • You may only defer your bib to the next edition if you subscribed to the Bib Deferral Option at the time of registration

  • To cancel your registration, you must:

    1. Email contact(@)graaalps.com (no cancellations accepted via phone or social media)

    2. Choose either:

       • #1 Request a refund (conditions below), or

       • #2 Request a bib deferral if you subscribed to this option at registration.
         This deferral is valid for one edition only and cannot be transferred to another participant or carried over to 2026.
         Request must be made at least 30 days before the event. After that, no deferral will be granted.

  Cancellation with Insurance (BeTicketing by Assur’Connect)

  You may subscribe to the BeTicketing cancellation insurance during registration.
  It covers refunds for accidental and unforeseeable events preventing your participation (e.g., injury, illness, pregnancy, job loss, moving, etc.).

  • The subscription is available only during registration.

  • Refunds are processed via a dedicated platform linked to your policy.

  • More info: https://claimticketing.assur-connect.com/conditions

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  Refund Conditions

  (Excludes €30 incl. tax admin fee):

  Timeframe before event	Refund rate
  > 4 months	60% refund (minus fees)
  2–4 months	30% refund (minus fees)
  < 2 months	No refund

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  14 – COMPLAINTS, DISPUTES, MEDIATION & APPLICABLE LAW

  All complaints relating to the event must be submitted in writing (in French or English), including your full name and bib number, to the Organizer by:

  • Email: contact(@)graaalps.com, or

  • Mail:
    ULTRA CYCLING FRANCE
    63 rue Cuvier, 69006 Lyon, France

  Complaints must be received within 8 days after the event ends.

  If no reply is received within two (2) months, or if the Organizer’s response is unsatisfactory, you may, within one (1) year of the initial complaint, contact:

  • The CMAP mediation service (http://www.cmap.fr/offre/un-consommateur/), or

  • Another official French consumer mediation service
    
    
    
    

    EVENTS RIGHTS & TRADEMARKS 

    
    The entity Across and Beyond Endurance is the legal owner of the commercial and intellectual property rights to the GRAAALPS brand and event.

    All event-related images (photo or video) are the exclusive property of the Organizer.

    Any communication regarding the event or use of the event’s name or brand must respect the registered trademark and receive prior written consent.

    No commercial use of the event’s name or imagery is allowed without prior written agreement following a formal and detailed request.

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    ARBITRATION CLAUSE 

    Any dispute arising from or in connection with the GRAAALPS event will be submitted exclusively to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) located in Lausanne, Switzerland, in accordance with the Code of Sports-related Arbitration.

    As per our ethical charter, any ostentatious display of political or religious messages or symbols is strictly forbidden during the event.

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    PERSONAL DATA & PROTECTION 

    
    In accordance with the French Data Protection Act of August 6, 1978, and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR 2016/679), all participants have the right to access and rectify their personal data.

    Information collected during registration is used to:

    • Organize the event

    • Identify each participant individually

    • Communicate relevant information before, during, and after the event

    Participant data is kept for a period of 10 years, renewed with each new registration. This corresponds to the legal duration for keeping medical certificates related to ultra-distance cycling.

    After 10 years, and unless the participant gives explicit consent, all data is deleted except for:
    First name, last name, birth date, gender, and nationality (for statistical purposes only).

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    To request data access or modification:

    By post:
    ULTRA CYCLING FRANCE
    63 rue Cuvier, 69006 Lyon, France

    By email:
    contact(@)graaalps.com

    All requests will be processed within a maximum of 1 month from receipt.

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    CNIL (French Data Protection Authority):
    As per the Data Protection Act, participants may request access to or correction of their data. This data is used strictly for event organization purposes (e.g. email communication). No personal data will be sold or used for other purposes.

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    The official language of these A.B.E. General Terms and Conditions is French.
    They are governed by French law.

    Any unresolved issue between the participant and the Organizer will be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent French civil courts.

    Registration implies full and unreserved acceptance of this Regulation by each participant.