Rules and Regulations

L'Étape Argentina by Tour de France is an amateur cycling event whose purpose is to bring participants closer to the experience of the world’s greatest cycling competition, the TOUR DE FRANCE. In our venues, we aim to deliver top-level sporting entertainment for cyclists, their families, and sports fans. We also seek to increasingly involve the populations of the host cities, providing an economic impact not only during the event days but also by stimulating tourism, sports, and local culture throughout the year.

Events of this magnitude held in Argentina represent a milestone in national and Latin American cycling.

This regulation aims to inform and establish the rules of participation, ensuring maximum safety for participants, staff, and the public attending the events, as well as fostering harmonious coexistence among everyone in an environment of equality and camaraderie.

1. Registration to participate in the L'Étape Argentina by Tour de France races must be carried out exclusively through the official event website.
2. The registration period ends once the total number of slots (as described in the general overview of the race) has been filled, or at the discretion of the organization, without prior notice.
3. For the purpose of classification into age group categories, each participant must take into account the age they will be on December 31 of the year of the race at the time of registration.
4. Incorrect completion of the registration form, including registering in the wrong age group, will result in the immediate disqualification of the participant.
5. Participation in the L'Étape Argentina by Tour de France events implies full and unconditional acceptance of these regulations. No subsequent claims regarding the content of these regulations will be accepted.
6. Registrations for L'Étape Argentina by Tour de France are personal and non-transferable. Any person who transfers, assigns, or sells their registration to another person without the consent of the organization, whether within or outside the deadlines established in these regulations, assumes full civil and criminal liability. In the event that an accident occurs as a result of such action or by such person during the event, both individuals may be banned from participating in any other edition of L'Étape du Tour worldwide for an indefinite period.

1.The athlete’s kit must be collected on the dates and times stipulated by the organization, as detailed in the General Description of the event.

2.The athlete’s kit will include:

• Official Santini Jersey: exclusive design representing the host venue (subject to the final registration deadline as per the schedule).

• Bicycle number and timing chip: provided by the organization and mandatory for use during the competition (property of the organizer until the end of the race).

• Bib number: placed on the lower back of the jersey or on the bicycle, for official identification.

• Special competition package: includes a water bottle and exclusive gifts from our sponsors.

• Official L’Étape Gran Fondo Córdoba – Tour de France medal: awarded to those who complete their distance.

• Participant collection service: transport for cyclists who do not complete the course.

• Feed zones: free beverage and snack stations at key points along the course.

• Official mechanical assistance: support vehicles integrated into the peloton.

• Medical coverage: on-route and finish line care.

• Competitor insurance: coverage during the event.

• Event web platform: access to information, results, and online services

3.The front plate of the distribution kit must be attached with a nylon tie in front of the bicycle’s handlebar, in a visible place and free from any obstruction.

4.Any kind of alteration, mutilation, cutting, and/or folding of the identification plates, as well as the absence of any of these elements where the timing chips are affixed, is prohibited and will result in disqualification.

5.The athlete’s kit may only be collected upon presentation of the following documents:

• Third-party collection is authorized only if the participant previously sends an email to the organization at argentinaletape@gmail.com, requesting such authorization. The message must include the identification details of both the holder (participant) and the authorized person collecting the kit.

6.Failure to present any of the required documents will prevent the participant from collecting the kit and, consequently, from participating in the race.

7.At the time of kit collection, the participant or their representative must verify registration details, number and starting peloton, chips, and jersey size, as well as any additional items purchased separately. No subsequent claims will be accepted.

8.The use of another athlete’s chip is prohibited and will result in the immediate disqualification of both the original holder and the athlete who used the chip incorrectly.

9.Any athlete who transfers their Athlete Kit to another cyclist will be suspended, along with the receiving athlete, for two years, and their participation will not be accepted in any other edition of L'Étape du Tour worldwide.

• In cases of absence from the event, kit items may be shipped to an address of the athlete’s choice.
• The request must be made via email to argentinaletape@gmail.com after the event has taken place.
• The organizer’s deadline for sending the athlete’s kit is up to 15 days after the date of the race.

10.Finally, it is established and accepted by the participant that the race kit is a gift from the organizer, and both the kit and everything included in it shall not be subject to subsequent claims by the beneficiaries regarding quality, design, size, or any other characteristic, releasing the organization, sponsors, and suppliers from all responsibility once delivery has been made.

1. For the safety and proper development of the race, participants will be distributed into starting pelotons, which will begin at staggered time intervals.
2. The athlete will only be informed of their assigned starting grid when collecting their kit.
3. Any athlete who starts in a peloton ahead of the one designated by the race organization and corresponding to their bib number will be AUTOMATICALLY disqualified by the timing system and will not have their time included in the final classification.
4. Starting in a peloton behind the one assigned to the athlete is permitted and will not result in disqualification.
5. The criteria used for athlete peloton classification are objective, the same as those applied by L'Étape du Tour de France, and are based on results from previous races as well as the information provided in the registration form.

For safety reasons and to ensure the proper development of the race, each participant must start the race with the following mandatory equipment:

• Bicycles: road, mountain, tandem, graven, hybrid, or touring bikes, in perfect condition and previously inspected, powered exclusively by human force.

• Helmet: a rigid, fastened helmet, approved by Argentine or foreign safety certification bodies, must be worn at all times while the participant is on their bicycle.

• Maximum dimensions: the maximum allowed length for bicycles is 2.10 m; the maximum width is 0.75 m. A standard racing bicycle falls within these measurements.

• One bicycle per athlete: cyclists may only use one bicycle throughout the entire event. Only in cases where the bicycle is proven to be unsafe to continue (cracked or broken parts) may the participant switch to another bicycle. In such cases, they may obtain another from a fellow participant or a spectator, but must transfer their bib number and timing chip to the replacement bicycle.

• Organizer’s right of veto: the organization reserves the right to prohibit the participation of any athlete presenting mandatory equipment that is unknown, unconventional, or deemed unsuitable.

• Verification obligation: it is the participant’s responsibility to verify with the organization, at least one month before the race, the permissibility of any equipment that may be considered inadequate according to this regulation.

1. Assisted bicycles, bicycles with motors, or any other mechanical or electrical means of propulsion will not be allowed.
2. The use of any type of extensions on the bicycle handlebars will not be permitted. Clip-on triathlon extensions or bar-end extensions are strictly prohibited.
3. Disc wheels (closed), aerodynamic wheels, composite-spoke wheels, and covered wheels are not permitted. Additionally, weights installed on disc wheels will not be allowed.

1. The organization will implement several measures aimed at ensuring the safety of participating cyclists and the public along the route, such as cones for lane marking and separation, curve warning signs, flag marshals, and audible whistles. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of each participant to look after their own safety and that of other participants, riding defensively and with great attention and caution.
2. As cyclists will be traveling in both directions on the roads, it is strictly forbidden to ride in the wrong direction, invade the left-hand lane of the road, even for brief moments. There will be course inspectors along the route, and offenders will be DISQUALIFIED. Cyclists must always ride on the far right side of the lane and overtake only on the left.
3. All areas of the route considered dangerous will be properly marked with “DANGER” signs. Additionally, the organization will place staff in these zones with flags to provide warnings.
4. Participants must pay attention to and respect all traffic signs and the safety instructions provided by the organization through this regulation throughout the course.
5. It is mandatory for participants to arrive at the starting area in advance and to respect the schedules established in the Official Guide, which will be sent to registered athletes by email with all final guidelines.

1.To ensure the safety of participants and allow the organizers to reopen public roads to traffic, it is essential that participants remain within the time limits established for each section of the course as indicated in the “Schedule.”

2. First cutoff at Mountain Finish, KM 52.3: cutoff time 10:00 AM. Second cutoff at Sprint Finish, KM 94.7: cutoff time 12:30 PM.

3. If a participant wishes to withdraw or is disqualified from the event by race staff, they must proceed to one of the aid stations or cutoff points, notify a member of the organization of the situation, and wait to be transported back to the city by our rescue bus.

4. If a participant is unable to reach the designated points within the pre-established time limits shown in the “Schedule,” they will be automatically disqualified and will not be permitted to continue on the course, in order to allow the reopening of public roads.

5. Any athlete who does not comply with the race schedule and is therefore disqualified must follow the instructions of race staff and referees, who may direct them to:

• Remain at the designated cutoff point until being transported back by the race bus;
• Board the race bus, even if it is still in motion on the road, as it is the last resource to remove athletes before public roads are reopened.

6. Any participant who voluntarily or involuntarily ceases to be part of the event, remains on the course after cutoff times, refuses and/or disobeys the instructions of race staff to remain at the designated location or to board the rescue bus, will no longer be covered by the event insurance and will be subject to suspension from future L’Étape Argentina by Tour de France events.

1. The stages of L'Étape Argentina by Tour de France are timed using a modern electronic chip system, which must be attached to the bicycle according to the guidelines described in Art. 3, item 3. This system certifies that the participant completes the entire course and calculates their finishing time.

2. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall finishers (male and female) in both the long and short courses.
3. The general classification of the race will be determined by order of arrival.

4. Additionally, prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the age group categories for both courses. The categories are:

• Men: Elite (Federated with UCI or UCRA license) and amateur categories 18–34 years; 35–39 years; 40–44 years; 45–49 years; 50–54 years; 55–59 years; 60–74 years.

• Women: Elite (Federated with UCI or UCRA license) and amateur categories 18–34 years; 35–39 years; 40–44 years; 45–49 years; 50–54 years; 55–59 years; 60–74 years.

5. For age group classification, the participant’s age on December 31 of the race year will be taken into account.

6. Age group classification will be based on each participant’s net time, considering the elapsed time between their start and finish. Only the top three male and female Elite athletes will receive cash prizes and gifts from sponsors. The top three overall amateur men and women will qualify for L'Étape du Tour de France in France, with complimentary registrations and additional prizes from sponsors.

7. Athletes who qualify for the overall race prize are not eligible for age group awards.

8. Awards will also be given for King and Queen of the Mountain and King and Queen of Speed. This classification is exclusive to athletes registered in the long course of the race.

9. The results of these special challenges will be determined by the best (male and female) times recorded on specific sections of the official long course. In case of a tie, the technical committee will use the lowest total net race time as a tiebreaker.

10. General results will be announced within 72 hours after the end of the event, on the official race website

1. All participants must be self-sufficient, and no form of outside or motorized support is allowed on the course, except from members of the organization.

2. It is forbidden to accompany, pace, or follow a participant with vehicles, as the route will be closed to vehicle traffic. Only organization vehicles are allowed on the race circuit. Pacing refers to vehicles escorting or protecting an athlete.

3. The organization will provide plenty of hydration and feed stations, as well as mechanical, medical, and rescue support. However, it is the participant’s responsibility to manage their own hydration and nutrition, and to ensure their own safety.

4. If a participant leaves the course for any reason, they must return to the exact point where they left in order to continue in the event. Taking shortcuts or cutting the route for any reason will result in automatic disqualification.

5. A participant may not interfere with or obstruct another participant’s progress, under penalty of disqualification.

6. Participants may not receive any kind of push, pull, or tow from another participant or from any type of vehicle. This infraction will result in disqualification.

7. Drafting behind a motorized vehicle is not permitted. Drafting is defined as remaining intentionally or unintentionally within less than 10 meters behind and/or less than 2 meters beside a motorized vehicle for more than 15 seconds.

8. All participants must remain accessible to film and photography crews throughout the event. However, it is forbidden to intentionally draft behind or beside a press vehicle, under penalty of disqualification.

9. The use of headphones for radios, music players, phones, or other devices, even in only one ear, is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.

10. Participants may walk on the course at any time as long as they remain accompanied by their bicycle (carrying, pushing, or pulling it) and do so safely, always keeping as far to the right side of the course as possible. Proceeding without their bicycle will result in disqualification.

11. It is forbidden for participants to shout, swear, verbally or physically assault, act indecently, or offend in any way another participant, any person associated with the organization, or even the public. Such actions will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and subject to disqualification.

12. The Technical Director and referees of L'Étape Argentina by Tour de France have the authority to warn or even disqualify any participant.

13. It is the Race Director’s responsibility to decide whether an infraction described in these regulations should be sanctioned with a warning or disqualification.

14.The organization will inform the participant about any warning or disqualification.

15. Infractions considered serious and/or very serious, especially those that endanger the safety of participants, staff, and/or the public, will be punished with disqualification and exclusion of the participant. An excluded participant is prohibited from continuing on the event course in any way, even at their own risk.

16. Contingencies such as accidents, traffic jams, storms, strong winds, natural events, detours, construction, or any other similar situations will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis by the organizing committee, and once decisions are made, they will be communicated to participants.

17. The contracted medical service has full authority to recommend that, for safety reasons, a participant stop continuing in the event. In this case, their bicycle number will be removed and the participant will be transported to the Race Village. Any disqualified participant who insists on continuing to ride does so entirely at their own risk, releasing the Organization, A.S.O., and sponsors from all responsibility.

18. Given the wide range of possible situations in an event of this scale, the Race Direction may meet in extraordinary cases and reserves the right to create or amend the rules and sanctions described herein, if necessary, before, during, or after the race, but only in cases of extreme necessity when the situation in question is not covered by this regulation.

19. For safety reasons, the Organization reserves the right to shorten the routes or cancel the race without liability.

1. It is strictly forbidden to discard waste (paper, plastic containers, etc.) along the course. Trash bins will be available in the hydration areas, and it is mandatory for participants to use these areas for waste disposal. Participants must keep their empty packages with them and may dispose of them only in these designated locations.

2. The Technical Direction of L'Étape Argentina by Tour de France reserves the right to impose sanctions on athletes who discard their waste outside of the designated areas.

1. The stages organized by L'Étape Argentina by Tour de France comply with the regulatory criteria of Facpyr and UCRA and, therefore, are subject to anti-doping control.

2. Participants commit to strictly adhering to anti-doping sports legislation, as well as to the provisions regarding testing, results, and applicable sanctions, based on the list of prohibited substances published by WADA – the World Anti-Doping Agency (https://www.wada-ama.org/fr/ressources/code-mondial-antidopage-et-standards-internationaux).

3. It is the responsibility of each participant to be familiar with the anti-doping control rules.

4. Athletes suspended for doping violations will not be allowed to participate in the L'Étape Argentina stages, in accordance with the list published by UCRA.

Registration changes will be accepted as long as the deadlines, limits, and fees established by the organization are respected. All requests are subject to review and must be formalized via email to argentinaletape@gmail.com.

If it is impossible for the registered athlete to attend on the day of the race, they may choose to cancel, provided that the deadlines and fees established by the organization are respected. All requests will be subject to review and must be formalized via email to argentinaletape@gmail.com.

The athlete receiving the transferred registration may not repeat the process and will not be entitled to request a refund for this registration.

Cancellation, refund, and no-show:

• No refunds will be issued in the event of registration cancellation.

• In case of non-attendance at the event, the participant must contact the organization at argentinaletape@gmail.com to arrange shipment of the kit to their home address. Shipping costs will be covered by the organizer.

Cycling and/or participating in cycling competitions is an activity that involves risks to health and life. Each registered participant acknowledges and accepts that the courses will take place on roads with highly challenging terrain, including steep climbs and descents, as well as sharp curves.

The organization is not responsible for any problems or accidents that occur before or after the race.

The organization does not assume responsibility for medical care; however, an ambulance service will be available for emergency assistance and participant evacuation. Proper medical care, whether urgent or ongoing, will be provided by the Public Health Network under its own responsibility. The participant or their companion may choose another healthcare system, thereby releasing the organization, A.S.O., and the sponsors from any responsibility, including transportation to medical facilities and subsequent treatments.

The insurance policy contracted is available to any registered athlete at the organizer’s headquarters.

By participating in the events of L'Étape Argentina by Tour de France, each participant expressly authorizes the organizer INI CYCLING SRL, the granting company A.S.O., Enjoy Producciones S.A., the sponsors, the press, and their authorized distributors to use, reproduce, or be reproduced, without any form of compensation, their performance, name, image, voice, or sporting performance within the scope of the events organized and/or authorized. This authorization applies to any medium, through all means known or unknown at this date or developed in the future, for any type of public communication worldwide, for any type of use including advertising and commercial use, and for the entire duration of protection currently granted under copyright law through legislative and regulatory measures, judicial and/or arbitral decisions in all countries, as well as through current or future international agreements, including possible extensions.

Each participant deliberately and irrevocably authorizes the organizer and its authorized distributors, in relation to promotional and/or commercial advertising campaigns, to:

• Make any changes, additions, or deletions deemed useful for the use of their image under the conditions defined herein.

• Associate and/or combine their image with any signature, labels, slogans, captions, trademarks, logos, legal mentions, visual effects, and, in general, any element of any nature chosen by the organizer that may serve to illustrate communication media in which they may appear or be integrated.

The participant guarantees that they are not bound by any exclusivity contract related to the use of their image and/or name and/or voice.

The organizer and its authorized distributors expressly prohibit all participants from using and/or displaying names, logos, flags, voices, and images of a pornographic, racist, or xenophobic nature; more generally, they prohibit any exploitation that may affect the dignity of the participants.

It is possible to raise questions and obtain information about the race results before the awards ceremony by submitting a communication directly to the Cyclist Assistance Service (SAC) within 30 minutes after the announcement of the results by the organization. The organization will review the declared facts and provide clarifications to the questions raised.

Once the 30-minute period has ended, if the athlete believes that the race result does not match the official published result, they must submit an appeal scanned in PDF format, stating the competitor’s full name, registration number, and the specific event being contested in detail.

To file the appeal, the athlete must also send an email to: argentinaletape@gmail.com.

The organization will have up to 30 business days to review the appeal after receiving all the aforementioned documentation.

No request/complaint/appeal will be answered by phone or in handwritten form regarding the interpretation or application of the rules established herein.

This regulation may be modified or amended at any time. In such cases, participants will be informed through the organization’s main communication channels.

Any doubts or omissions in this regulation will be resolved sovereignly by the organizing committee, and there will be no right of appeal against these decisions.

L'Étape Argentina is not responsible for lost items during the events.