Race Participation Conditions
Medical Certificate
To participate in the race, athletes must provide a medical certificate issued by an official healthcare institution within six (6) months prior to the race date.
A certificate stating "Fit for Sports" is sufficient for participation.
Cycling Licence
A valid 2026 cycling licence is required. The licence must remain valid on the race date.
Athletes holding a UCI licence who have earned UCI ranking points during the current season are not eligible to participate.
Age Categories
The Time Trial, Long Course, and Short Course races are organized into age categories for both men and women.
Race categories are determined according to the athlete's gender and age.
Men's Categories
- Men (14–15) – Short Course
- Men (16–18) – Short Course
- Men (19–34)
- Men (35–39)
- Men (40–44)
- Men (45–49)
- Men (50–54)
- Men (55–59)
- Men (60–64) – Short Course
- Men (65–69) – Short Course
- Men (70–74) – Short Course
- Men (75–79) – Short Course
Women's Categories
- Women (14–15) – Short Course
- Women (16–18) – Short Course
- Women (19–34)
- Women (35–39)
- Women (40–44)
- Women (45–49)
- Women (50–54) – Short Course
- Women (55–59) – Short Course
- Women (60–64) – Short Course
- Women (65–69) – Short Course
- Women (70–74) – Short Course
- Women (75–79) – Short Course
Qualification for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships
Athletes may qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships by finishing within the top 25% of their respective age category in the qualifying races listed below.
Qualification is determined according to the following criteria:
Men (19–59 Years)
Male athletes aged 19 to 59 are eligible to qualify only through the Long Course.
Athletes who finish within the top 25% of the starters in their age category will qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
Women (19–49 Years)
Female athletes aged 19 to 49 are eligible to qualify only through the Long Course.
Athletes who finish within the top 25% of the starters in their age category will qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
Men (60+ Years)
Male athletes aged 60 and over are eligible to qualify only through the Short Course.
Athletes who finish within the top 25% of the starters in their age category will qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
Women (50+ Years)
Female athletes aged 50 and over are eligible to qualify only through the Short Course.
Athletes who finish within the top 25% of the starters in their age category will qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
Important Notes
- Male athletes under the age of 60 and female athletes under the age of 50 competing in the Short Course are not eligible to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, regardless of their finishing position.
- Qualification is based on the number of starters in each age category.
Example
If 100 athletes start in a category, the top 25 finishers in that category will qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
Paracycling Categories
The following Paracycling categories are recognised for the event:
- Category H – Handbike
- Category T – Tricycle
- Category B1 – Tandem (Women)
- Category B1 – Tandem (Men)
- Category C1 – Standard Bicycle (Upper Limb Amputee)
- Category C2 – Standard Bicycle (Lower Limb Amputee)
Competition Rules
Paracycling athletes may compete only in the Short Course.
There are no age categories within the Paracycling competition.
As the UCI Gran Fondo World Series Antalya 2026 does not include an official UCI Paracycling qualification event, Paracycling athletes cannot qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships through this event.
Likewise, official UCI jerseys and UCI medals cannot be awarded in the Paracycling category.
Athletes participating in the Paracycling category will instead receive an Official Event Participation Medal during the awards ceremony.
Bicycle Regulations
Permitted Bicycles
Athletes may participate in the Road Race (Long Course and Short Course) using any bicycle except those listed under the prohibited equipment below.
Road bicycles are recommended, as they provide the greatest performance advantage on the race courses.
Athletes may also compete using:
- Road Bikes
- City Bikes
- Mountain Bikes (MTB)
- Cross Bikes
- Hybrid Bikes
Prohibited Equipment for Road Races
The following bicycles are not permitted in the Road Race:
- Time Trial (TT) bicycles
- Bicycles equipped with triathlon handlebars (aero bars)
- Electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes)
- Recumbent bicycles
- Tandem bicycles
Athletes arriving at the start with any of the above equipment will not be permitted to start or may be removed from the race.
Time Trial Regulations
During the Time Trial, athletes may compete using:
- Time Trial (TT) bicycles
- Road bicycles
- Triathlon handlebars (aero bars)
These bicycles are permitted only in the Time Trial competition.
Paracycling Equipment
Paracycling athletes must compete using bicycles specifically designed for their respective UCI Paracycling category.
Helmet Regulations
Wearing a helmet is mandatory at all times during the event.
Athletes without a helmet will not be allowed to start the race.
Any athlete who removes or rides without a helmet during the race will be immediately disqualified by the race officials.
Helmet Standards
All helmets must comply with internationally recognised safety standards.
Accepted certifications include:
- CE
- DIN 33954
- SNELL
- ANSI
Only helmets meeting at least one of these standards may be used during the event.
Jerseys and Clothing
Athletes are free to wear the cycling clothing of their choice, except for official UCI World Champion jerseys.
The use of jerseys that imitate or reproduce the UCI World Champion rainbow design is strictly prohibited.
This restriction also applies to clothing, helmets, shoes, shoe covers, arm warmers, leg warmers and other cycling accessories displaying the official UCI rainbow stripes.
Athletes wearing prohibited equipment or clothing will be asked to change it before the race starts.
Technical Support
Technical assistance will be available throughout the race.
A sufficient number of official support vehicles and motorcycles will be positioned along the course to assist participants whenever possible.
The leading groups will be followed by official motorcycles, while support vehicles will remain behind the race.
Technical equipment and basic repair materials will also be available at the official feeding stations.
Time Trial
During the Time Trial, athletes will not be accompanied by a dedicated technical support vehicle.
Technical assistance will only be available in the start area before the race begins.
Athletes are responsible for ensuring that their bicycles are in proper working condition before the start of the event.
Timing System
All races will be timed using an electronic timing system.
Each participant will receive an official electronic timing chip during registration.
The timing chip must be mounted on the bicycle exactly as instructed by the organization to ensure accurate time recording.
Chip Installation
Instructions on how to install the timing chip correctly will be provided during the Technical Meeting.
Athletes are solely responsible for ensuring that their timing chip is correctly installed and functioning before the race.
Start Area Check
Before entering the start area, every athlete must pass through the official chip control point.
The chip will be scanned to confirm participation and activate the athlete's race timing.
Athletes whose chips have not been successfully scanned before the start will not receive an official race time and will be considered Did Not Start (DNS).
Race Numbers
Each athlete will receive:
- One official race number for the jersey
- One bicycle frame number
- One official timing chip
The race number must be attached to the back of the jersey, at waist level, exactly as instructed by the organization.
The bicycle number must be securely attached to the bicycle before the start.
Medical Information
The reverse side of the race number contains an emergency information section.
Athletes are strongly encouraged to indicate any important medical conditions, including but not limited to:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Other medical conditions that may require emergency attention
This information may assist medical teams in the event of an emergency.
Safety Regulations
The safety of all participants is the highest priority of the organization.
Road Closures
Roads will be closed to traffic before the start of the Road Race.
Official police vehicles, race motorcycles and organization vehicles will secure the course throughout the event.
Only official organization and accredited media vehicles are permitted on the race course.
Private support vehicles and team vehicles are strictly prohibited.
Instructions During the Race
Whenever requested by race officials, athletes must move safely to the right-hand side of the road and allow official vehicles to pass.
If an athlete needs to stop during the race for any reason, they must:
- Raise one hand to warn other riders and official vehicles.
- Move safely to the right side of the road.
- Wait for technical assistance or carry out repairs in a safe location.
Reopening of Traffic
Approximately one hour after the first rider has passed, the official safety vehicle may begin reopening sections of the course to normal traffic.
After this point, athletes must continue to follow all instructions given by race officials and local authorities.
Minimum Average Speed
A minimum average speed will apply during the Road Race.
The required speed will be announced during the Technical Meeting before the event.
The minimum average speed may vary depending on:
- Course conditions
- Course distance
- Elevation profile
- Weather conditions
- Safety considerations
Failure to maintain the required minimum speed may result in removal from the race.
Even if an athlete is above the minimum speed, the organization—working in coordination with the police and race officials—reserves the right to withdraw participants from the course when required for traffic management or safety reasons.
Sweep Vehicle
An official Sweep Vehicle will follow the final participants on the course.
Athletes who are withdrawn from the race may be transported, together with their bicycles, to the finish area.
Medical Support
Medical services will be available throughout the event.
The organization will provide:
- Multiple ambulances positioned along the course
- Mobile medical teams
- First aid facilities at official feeding stations
- First aid facilities at the finish area
One ambulance will follow the main race group, while additional ambulances will remain on standby at strategic locations to respond quickly if required.
Time Trial Safety
During the Time Trial, the entire course will remain fully closed to traffic for the duration of the competition.
Athlete Responsibility
Cycling is an endurance sport that involves inherent risks.
By registering for the event, every participant acknowledges these risks and accepts full responsibility for participating.
All athletes will be required to accept the official event waiver during the registration process.
Penalties
To ensure a safe and fair competition, all participants must comply with the race regulations at all times.
Failure to comply with the rules may result in disqualification or other penalties imposed by the organizing committee.
An athlete may be disqualified for any of the following reasons:
- Riding without an approved helmet.
- Leaving the official race course.
- Receiving assistance from any vehicle other than official organization support vehicles.
- Holding onto or being towed by any vehicle.
- Riding in a manner that endangers other participants or themselves.
- Attempting to mislead race officials or the organizing committee.
- Competing with equipment that does not comply with the event regulations.
- Participating while holding UCI ranking points or as a rider of a professional team.
- Removing, altering, or failing to wear the official race number or bicycle number.
- Displaying unsportsmanlike or unethical behaviour during the event.
- Damaging the environment or disposing of litter outside the designated waste zones.
Finishing the race does not prevent penalties from being imposed if a rule violation is identified after the finish.
All penalty decisions are made by the organizing committee and are considered final.
No right of appeal shall apply.
Feeding Zones
Official feeding zones will be available during the Road Race.
Each feeding zone includes:
- Drinking water
- Fresh fruit
- Portable toilets
- Basic first aid equipment
- Basic technical support, including:
- Inner tubes
- Multi-tool (Allen keys)
- Bicycle pump
Feeding zones will be clearly marked on the course and announced at least 5 km in advance.
Entering the Feeding Zone
Athletes approaching a feeding zone while riding in a group must:
- Raise one hand to warn other riders.
- Inform nearby riders of their intention to enter the feeding zone.
- Enter the feeding area safely.
Water bottles will not be handed directly to riders by officials.
Participants are responsible for collecting refreshments themselves.
All waste must be disposed of in the designated litter zones.
Awards Ceremony
A separate awards ceremony will be held for each age category, with separate classifications for men and women.
In categories that qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships:
- The winner of each category will receive the official UCI Winner's Jersey.
- The top three finishers will receive official UCI medals.
No separate awards will be presented for the Overall General Classification.
Finisher Medals
Every athlete who successfully completes the race will receive an official Finisher Medal.
To be eligible, participants must complete the full course in accordance with the race regulations.
UCI Medals
Official UCI medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category that is eligible for qualification to the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
For age categories that are not eligible for World Championship qualification, the top athletes will receive Official Event Medals instead.
The top three finishers in each qualifying category are automatically eligible for the UCI medal, regardless of the 25% qualification rule.
Time Trial Awards
In the Time Trial, athletes finishing in the top three of every eligible age category (excluding the 14–18 age groups) will receive official UCI medals.
The winner of each eligible category (excluding the 14–18 age groups) will also receive the official UCI Winner's Jersey.
Final Notes
Participation in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series Antalya 2026 constitutes acceptance of all race regulations published by the organizing committee.
The organization reserves the right to amend these regulations when required by UCI regulations, public authority decisions, safety considerations or force majeure.
Any updates will be published through the official communication channels before the event.