FILTER ROAD CUP RACE REGULATIONS 2024

In case of mistranslation the Estonian version of rules will be used. All times are local.

1. CONTENTS

1. CONTENTS
2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE
3. RACE CALENDAR AND DISTANCES
4. RACE DAY PROGRAMME
5. AGE GROUPS
6. TEAM CLASSIFICATION
7. BICYCLE TYPE
8. REGISTRATION AND FEES
9. REGISTRATION FEE CONTAINS
10. RACE NUMBERS AND STARTING GROUPS
11. CATERING AND LITTERING
12. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
13. MEDICAL AID
14. PENALTIES
15. RANKINGS AND RESULTS
16. STAGE AWARDS
17. SERIES AWARDING
18. LEADERS' JERSEYS
19. OTHER INFORMATION
20. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK
21. ORGANISERS

2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE

• To develop and promote road racing in Estonia.
• To offer a road race with different distances for cyclists with different experience. 
• To introduce new people and their families to cycling and to encourage them to spend healthy and active weekends together.
• To offer athletes a chance to compete in their home country.

 

3. RACE CALENDAR AND DISTANCES

3.1. The following races take place at every Filter Road Cup event:

• Long race - This race is aimed at athletes and regularly training hobbyists for whom the result is most important. Due to the time limit this race is not suitable for people who want to take it slow and simply enjoy the ride.

• Short race - If you think main race is too long for you, then the short race is excellent choice for you with distances ca 50 km.

• Youth race - As the name suggests, this race is for young athletes in age groups M/N-U13, M/N-U15 and N-U17. A separate youth race was created in cooperation with cycling coahes so future top athletes could dictate the race themselves and practice their race tactics.

3.2. Race calendar and exact distances:

  Stage Date Location Type Distance lengths (km)
Long Short Youth
1 Mulgi 11. rattaralli 04.05.2024 Heimtali (Ridaelamu 4) uphill finish 100,8 67,2 33,6
2 Elva 39. rattapäev 19.05.2024 Elva (Kirde 2) group finish 103,6 52,9 36
3 Suure-Munamäe 5. rattaralli 2.06.2024 Haanja uphill finish 101,5 51,1 34,3
4 Tallinna 14. rahvasõit 11.08.2024 Tallinn (Ülemiste City) group finish 116 74,8 26,4
4. RACE DAY PROGRAMME

4.1. The programme for all Filter Road Cup events is usually following:

9:00-10:45 - registration open, race numbers can be picked up at the registration desk
10:00 - team representative meeting / numbers for support vehicles - at catering tent
11:00 - start of long race
11:02 - start of short race
ca 11:04 - start of youth race
The award ceremony will take place approximately 30 minutes after the winner of the long race has finished.
14:50 - finish closed
 

5. AGE GROUPS

5.1. Results will be generated in absolute ordering and in age classes.

5.2. Team results are only absolute over distances, there are no separate age classes.

5.3. Age classes are determined by year of birth, but not all age classes are opened at all distances. In Filter Road Cup results will be generated in following distances for different age groups:

Age group Year of birth Long race Short race Youth race
M-U13 2012 - 2014    
M-U15 2010 - 2011    
M-U17 2008 - 2009  
M-U19 2006 - 2007  
M-U30 1995 - 2005  
M30 1990 - 1994  
M35 1985 - 1989  
M40 1980 - 1984  
M45 1975 - 1979  
M50 1970 - 1974  
M55 1965 - 1969  
M60 1960 - 1964    
M65 1955 - 1959    
M70+ 1954 and earlier    
Age group Year of birth Long race Short race Youth race
N-U13 2012 - 2014    
N-U15 2010 - 2011     
N-U17 2008 - 2009  
N-U19 2006 - 2007    
N-U30 1995 - 2005    
N30 1990 - 1994    
N35 1985 - 1989    
N40+ 1984 and earlier     

6. TEAM CLASSIFICATION

6.1. In addition to individual age groups, the Filter Road Cup series also generates results of companies and teams. In order to participate in the registration of companies and teams, the name of the team must be entered in the team field when making an individual registration.

6.2. In order to participate as a team, the team members must agree on the exact name of the team. Uppercase and lowercase letters do not count, but otherwise the basis for determining team membership is identical spelling. For example, one competitor writes the name of their club AeroBike and the other aerobike, they are considered members of the same team, but if one writes AeroBike and the other AeroBike Team, they are considered different teams.

6.3. The team can consist of 3 to an infinite number of competitors. Team members do not have to be part of the same team - a team can also be formed by a group of friends, a group of randomly selected competitors or employees of several different companies together. Also, team members do not have to be of the same gender, belong to the same age group or compete for the same distance, but one person can only belong to one team.

6.4. The three highest points earned by team members from each stage will be taken into account for the team, regardless of the distance they are earned. If less than 3 team members finish, the team will earn 0 points from that stage.

6.5. One company or cycling club may also exhibit more than one team. In this case, club members must agree on several different team names. For example, some club members write their club name AeroBike 1, others AeroBike 2.

7. BICYCLE TYPE

7.1. Only a standard road bike can be used for long and youth race. In short race any type of standard individual human-powered bicycle may be used - road bike, mountain bike, handcycle, urban bike, kick scooter etc. However, using brakeless fixed gear bikes and time trial handlebars is forbidden due to safety concerns.

7.2. Using tandem bicycles, bicycles with an aerodynamic shell and other non-standard bikes is only allowed in the short distance race for non-competitive purposes.

7.3. There are no separate classifications for different types of bicycles. Participants are competing on equal grounds regardless of the type of bicycle they use. Riders using bikes with any additional source of power are not eligible for awards.

8. REGISTRATION AND FEES

8.1. Participants can pre-register on the registration page of the maanteekarikasari.ee website or register in the race centre on the day of the race (cash only).

8.2. In Filter Road Cup, following ticket types are in use:

  • Group ticket - discounted ticket for web registration which applies when at least two participants are signed up at the same time. Ticket is not-refundable and not-changable.
  • Eco ticket - discounted ticket for web registration. Ticket is not-refundable and not-changable.
  • Flexi ticket - flexible ticket for web and on-site registration. When not used, ticket can be refunded or changed within same season series (change or refund message must be sent before race day 10:00).
  • Fan ticket - ticket for fans, to support road races continuing. When ticket is not used, it can be refunded or changed withing same season series (change or refund message must be sent before race day 10:00). Fan ticket grants access to registration Priority line when bought online.

8.3. The registration fees for season 2024 are below.

Ticket type Prices Prices for youth race Opened until
Group ticket 30€ 20€ Thursday before race week, 23:59
Basic ticket 40€ 30€ Thursday before race week, 23:59
Flexi ticket 50€ 40€ On online until thursday of race week, 23:59. In race site until closing of registration desk
Fan ticket 60€ 60€ On online until thursday of race week, 23:59. In race site until closing of registration desk

8.4. Race day registrations are cash and banklink only and apply only to the race taking place that day.

8.5. Support vehicles must be registered only online at aerobike.ee/maanteekarikasari/info/saateauto with a fee of 10€. Registration fee includes radio renting fee and number for the car. Registration ends with race-week Thursday. On-site registration costs 20€.

9. REGISTRATION FEE CONTAINS

• A marked and guarded race track
• Timekeeping and a place in the stage results
• Season race numbers that are issued at every participant's first race. Additional or replacement numbers can be purchased for a fee
• Medical aid
• Catering in the race centre
• Awards for the fastest riders
• Race commentary
• Photos of the event
• A refreshing drink at the finish
• Extra services in the race centre, merch tents, etc
• A trampoline for children (in case of good weather)
• With Flexi ja Fan ticket types ticket changing or returning within the series season when ticket not used (change must be made before race day 10:00).
• With Fan ticket type choosing your starting number from the predefined numbers, if registration has been made before April 1.
 

10. RACE NUMBERS AND STARTING GROUPS

10.1. Distance based season numbers are used in the Filter Road Cup. Long race number is red, short race blue and youth race is green. One-stage-specific timing chips attatched to the fork of the bike as to as low as possible position will be used.

10.2. On first participation time on current season, riders will get their two race numbers.

10.3. The timing chip is issued to the competitor on the basis of a guarantee separately at each stage and must be returned to the drinking station immediately after finishing. As a guarantee, participation registration for the next Filter Road Cup or 50€ deposit is considered. It will be refunded only if the chip is returned on time to the refreshment tent. If registration for the next stage of the Filter Road Cup was set as a guarantee, then if the chip is not returned on time, the registration will be cancelled and the registration fee will be counted as the chip deposit.

10.4. When race materials lost, duplicate numbers can be purchased for 5€.

10.5. The competition numbers must be affixed to the competitor's back so that one number is in the lower back on the middle pocket and the other number is in the middle of the back on the left side, turned so that it is horizontal when viewed from the side. If the race number isn't correctly attached and the rider is not identified, they are not guaranteed to have a place in the stage results.

10.6. Using authentic Filter Road Cup race numbers is mandatory. Using DIY or other competitions' numbers is prohibited even if the number itself matches the number assigned to the rider.

10.7. Each distance has only one start group - competitors of the same distance will not be further divided into start groups.

10.8. In case of going to the track with an earlier start, the judges have the right to discipline the competitor with either a time penalty or disqualification.

10.9. Access to the start corridors is only through the gate of the start corridor; it is also allowed to enter the rear corridor from behind the start group. It is forbidden to lift the wheel over the fence in front of half of the fellow competitors already standing in the group or to crawl under the tape in front of the group. The judges have the right to discipline a competitor who does not follow the procedure for entering the group, either by a time penalty or by disqualification.

11. CATERING AND LITTERING

11.1. Food and drinks are provided to competitors in the race centre. There are no official feed zones on the track.

11.2. There are designated litter zones on the track where riders are allowed to dispose of any trash. The litter zones are located approximately in the middle point of the track, they are 200 metres long and marked with signs. Littering outside of the designated zone is strictly forbidden and anyone who does this will be disqualified.

11.3. Teams and supporters are allowed to feed the riders only on the right side of the road. Feeding from support vehicles is only allowed in the middle section of the race track and the commissaires' instructions must be followed. It is prohibited during the first 30 km and the last 20 km of the race.

11.4. In the race centre there are labeled trash bags for recycling, which are located around the catering area.

12. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

12.1. The organisers do not provide spare parts or technical assistance on the track.

12.2. Team representatives are allowed to provide technical assistance from registered and marked support vehicles. Only support vehicles that are registered in advance and equipped with radios that can operate on the same frequency as the race radios will be allowed into the racing group.

12.3. Only team representatives who have an appropriate driving licence and a valid competitor, driver, coash, mechanic or manager licence issued by EJL or other national federation are allowed to drive support vehicles and provide technical assistance.

12.4. The order of the support vehicles will be determined by lottery at the team representatives meeting.

12.5. Riders who abandon the race can be transported back to the race centre with an organisational vehicle driving behind the last rider.

13. MEDICAL AID

13.1. Emergency medical aid is provided by race paramedics. There are two ambulance crews on the track and a paramedic in the medical tent in the race centre.

14. PENALTIES

14.1. Penalties are regulated by UCI rules, EJL regulation and the Filter Road Cup race manual.

15. RANKINGS AND RESULTS

15.1. Depending on the nature of the race, the stage results will be based on either a group finish or an uphill finish. Series results are based on points earned from stages.

• Races with an uphill finish (Viljandi, Suure Munamäe): All participants will get their own rank and point score. There are no races with an uphill finish in season 2022.

• Races with a group finish (Elva, Tallinn): The top 12 of each distance will get their own rank and points. The group finish principle will be used for everyone else - all competitors who finish the race in the same group will share the same ranks and points. All riders who are less than 3 seconds behind the rider in the front are considered part of the group. For example, if a group of 50 cyclists is racing to finish first, the first 12 to finish will get individual ranks and points and everyone else in the group will have to share ranks 13 to 50, equally sharing the points as well. The final points will be rounded either up or down to the closest integer.

15.2. If the winner of the women's general classification is not among the top 12 in a group finish race, photo finish will be used to the determine the women's winner for the award ceremony. This will not affect their ranking in the series results and they will still receive the same amount of points as others in the same group.

15.3. In both the individual and team classification of the whole series, the three highest point scores from same distance are taken into account, and the lowest score is eliminated. If a rider has not finished all races in the series, the missing score will be eliminated. The lowest score of every rider will not be taken into account in the series overall results after Stage 3.

15.4. Every race has distance general results. Points are awarded based on the distance general results. The age group rankings are determined by separating the riders of a certain age group from the general classification results. If the point scores are equal, the rankings will be based on the number of stage victories. If this is equal as well, the number of 2nd places awarded will be taken into account, then the number of 3rd place and so on. In a hypothetical situation where all the scores are still equal after this, the last stage's results determine the winner.

15.5. In team results, the three highest scores earned by a team's members at a given race will be taken into account, regardless of the race distance or the riders' age groups. If fewer than three team members finish the race, the points of all team members who finished will be taken into account.

15.6. Points are awarded separately for every race according to the following system. If competitors have equal total points, season rankings are determined by comparing their highest stage placements in descending order until a distinction is made, considering that better place is assigned to participant with bigger count of better stage points.

Place Points
Long Short Youth
1 500 300 100
2 460 280 95
3 440 270 90
4 420 260 85
5 400 250 80
6 390 245 78
7 380 240 76
8 370 235 74
9 360 230 72
10 355 228 71
11 350 226 70
12 345 224 69
13 344 222 68
14 343 221 67
+1 place -1 point -1 point -1 point
 

15.7. Preliminary stage results will be published on the official website of the series maanteekarikasari.ee as soon as possible after the competition. In case of errors in the preliminary results, unsportsmanlike conduct of fellow competitors or the like, participants have the right to submit clarifications and protests within 3 days after the competition by sending them by e-mail to the addresses given in clause 21.2 of the instructions, depending on the type of complaint. Preliminary results are preliminary as they may be adjusted according to the observations of the competitors or the judging panel.

15.8. The protests of the competitors will be reviewed and the final minutes of the stage will be published on the competition website maanteekarikasari.ee and on other interested portals no later than on the 3rd day after the competition. Protests received after the publication of the final results will no longer be accepted and the results will not be changed, even if there are previously unnoticed errors in the minutes. If a competitor suspects that his / her result may not be correct, he / she has the right to request a review of the results only until the final results are published - the final results of the stage are final.

15.9. After the publication of the final results of the stage, the updated season results will be published immediately. Regarding the errors that may occur in the summary protocol, the competitors can submit clarifications during the whole season, but not later than 7 days after the last competition of the series. The results of the general classification of the series will be declared final 7 days after the last competition of the series but not later than the awarding day and on the basis of which the general classification of the series will be awarded.

15.10. In long race going to new lap is not allowed once the leader is finished and in results minus laps are used. 

16. STAGE AWARDS

16.1. The award ceremony starts approximately 30 minutes after the winner of the sport race has finished.

16.2. The awards are based on preliminary results. If any results are later corrected, it will only affect the series overall results and the awards given at each event will not be changed or switched.

16.3. Riders must be present at the ceremony to receive their award. They will not be able to receive the award at a later time. Not being present at the ceremony means giving up the prize.

16.4. Only the general classification winners will receive stage awards. The age group winners will not receive awards at every event because with the group ranks system the age group classification mainly counts in the series overall results.

16.5. Stage awards in group start stages are given based on the following principles:

• In the long race, the 12 fastest riders will receive a medal and Henkell sparkling wine. The first six riders will receive additionally prize money (1. place 200€, 2. 150€, 3. 100€, 4. 50€, 5. 50€, 6. 50€), riders in places of 7-12 will receive medal and award.
• In the short race, the 12 fastest riders in men category and 6 fastest in women category will receive a medal and Henkell sparkling wine
• In the youth race, the 12 fastest riders in men category and 6 fastest women will receive a medal and Henkell non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
 

17. SERIES AWARDING

17.1. The series overall award ceremony will take place as a separate event after the season has ended. The exact time and location will be announced at least 2 weeks in advance.

17.2.  In order to receive an award, one must be present at the award ceremony. In case the rider cannot attend the award ceremony, their coach or representative may receive the award. Awards will not be presented at a later time.

17.3. In absolute terms, the trophy and in-kind prize will be awarded for top 6 men in long race and for top 6 men and top 3 women in short and youth race.

17.4. In terms of distance age classes, the top three in all open age classes will be awarded with medal.

PS! The age group prize will only be awarded if the athlete has completed at least two stages of the series. While individual casual participation may provide a podium finish for some of the less competitive age groups, it must be understood that the Filter Road Cup seasonal medal is an achievement medal that is not awarded for a single random finish. In order to ensure the athletic value of the podium place, only those athletes who have completed at least two stages of the series to earn the medal will be awarded the overall medal.

17.5. In the team competition, the top three company and club accounting teams will be awarded prize memorabilia and a symbolic prize in the series.

18. LEADERS' JERSEYS

18.1. Four different leaders' jerseys are used in the Filter Road Cup: blue, yellow, pink and white. Jerseys will be given based on current all-distances-together points.

• the blue jersey is for the reigning champion of the Filter Road Cup
 the yellow jersey is for the leader of the general classification
• the pink jersey is for the leader of the women's general classification
• the white jersey is for the leader of the youth (M-U15, M-U17, N-U15, N-U17, N-U19) classification.

18.2. The jerseys will be given to the riders at the registration desk before the start of every race. The jersey gives the rider the right to start in front of everybody else.

18.3. Every wearer of a jersey will be given a jersey of the same colour by the organiser. If the rider maintains the right to wear the jersey at the following events as well, they must wear the one that has already been given to them.

18.4. The wearer of the jersey must ensure that it is in good condition. If the jersey has been damaged or forgotten or is irreversibly stained, the rider may ask for a second jersey at the registration desk.

18.5. If the rightful owner of a jersey does not participate in a race, then the jersey of that colour will not be given to anyone at that event.

18.6. If one rider is entitled to a yellow jersey as well as a different colour jersey, they must wear the yellow one. The blue jersey won't be used on this stage.

18.7. At the first stage of the series only the blue jersey will be issued.

18.8. The owner of a jersey must wear it at the events, together with the race numbers. 

18.9. Adding sponsors' logos or texts to the jersey or changing the design is not allowed unless the organisers of the Filter Road Cup have given the permission to do so.

18.10. It is prohibited to wear leaders' jerseys that were used during previous seasons or were bought, gifted or borrowed. The jerseys may only be worn by their current rightful owners.

19. OTHER INFORMATION

19.1. The race is held in accordance with UCI and EJL regulations and the Filter Road Cup race rules.

19.2. There are no licences required for participating in the race.

19.3. Young athletes with an EJL licence must follow the regulations regarding the gear ratio.

19.4. A competitor's license from EJL or another country is required to participate in a sport race. Hobby race, public race and youth race are recreational sports events - a licence is not required to race. Everyone who wishes to participate are welcome.

19.5. Everyone participates at their own risk. By starting the race the rider confirms that they have read and understood the race manual, are physically fit to participate and acknowledges the risks associated with cycling. In the case of an accident all costs and damages are covered by the rider without filing any claims against the organiser.

19.6. Even though the riders have priority over other traffic on the race track, most of the track is also open to general traffic. Riders are obliged to follow traffic regulations and to ensure their own safety to the best of their abilities. If no police or security escorts are there, all riders are must stay on the right side of the road.

19.7. Wearing a helmet is with no exceptions mandatory.

19.8. Crossing the finish line multiple times is forbidden. If a rider crosses the finish line more than once, the board of commissaires may use penalties from UCI race rules.

19.9. All participants must respect clean and honest sport. Estonian anti-doping rules apply to the races and SA Eesti Antidoping has the right to carry out doping tests among all participants. More information can be found at http://www.antidoping.ee/en/.

19.10 Force Majeure - In the event of natural disasters, viral epidemics or other failures beyond the control of the organiser, the program may be modified or the event may be canceled. In case of single event cancellation due to Force Majeure entry fee will not be refunded. However, in case of cancellation of the whole season due to force majeure, the registrations of participants will be transferred to next season.

19.11. Upon registration, the competitor's e-mail address will be entered into the AeroBike database and to newsletter list. It is not possible to unsubscribe from the participant's reminder letter. However, if you wish, you can remove yourself from the list of future newsletter recipients.

19.12. The participant in the competition must consider that he / she participates in a public event. The participant's name will be entered in the start and finish minutes and he / she may also be included in the gallery made by the competition photographer. The competitor cannot remove himself from these public databases.

19.13. All matters not addressed in the race manual will be resolved by the board of commissaires. The organisers are allowed to modify or amend the race manual during the season with the permission of the head commissaire, main organizer and the secretary of the race.

20. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK

20.1. The official website and source of information is maanteekarikasari.ee. If other online sources provide slightly different information, the information on the official website of the races is considered the most accurate.

20.2. Contact information for feedback:

  • Mistakes or inaccuracies in race results - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • General organisational questions and proposals - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

20.3. Please send any questions regarding the regulations and the work of the commissaires as well as complaints concerning the unsportsmanlike behaviour of other participants to the head commissaire of the specific event:

21. ORGANISER

Filter Road Cup is organised by MTÜ AeroBike Cycling Agency.