2026 rules

1. Introduction

Épica Gravel is an adventure gravel cycling event. The fourth edition will take place on November 21, 2026 in Punta del Este, department of Maldonado, Uruguay, with two distances only:

• 50 miles (approx. 80 km)
• 100 miles (approx. 160 km)

2. Conditions of participation

2.1 Voluntary acceptance

Registering for Épica Gravel implies full, voluntary and irrevocable acceptance of these rules and of all decisions made by the organization. The participant declares that they are fully aware of the associated risks and releases the organization, sponsors, landowners, government entities and any person associated with the event from all liability.

2.2 Acceptance of risks

The event involves physical, weather-related, technical and logistical challenges. By registering, the participant agrees to fully assume these risks: injuries, dehydration, accidents, extreme weather conditions, mechanical failures, navigation problems, etc. The organization is not obliged to provide assistance during the event.

Participants are required to be self-sufficient at all times, including food, hydration, solving mechanical problems and navigation.

2.3 Physical condition

The event is intended for people in excellent physical condition.

• For the 100-mile distance, participants are expected to be able to complete at least the 160 km within a maximum of 10 hours.
• The 50-mile distance is not competitive, but it requires good preparation and self-sufficiency.

2.4 Minimum age

People who are 18 years old by November 21, 2026 may participate, as well as minors with authorization from a parent or guardian.

2.5 Bike and drafting

• Any bike suitable for gravel is allowed. No mountain bikes or bikes from other disciplines.
• Drafting between participants is allowed.
• Holding onto or riding behind motor vehicles is prohibited.
• Changing bikes during the race is not allowed.

2.6 Personal support

External assistance is allowed only while dismounted and only at the official hydration points designated by the organization.

Support includes handing over water, food, clothing, tools, etc., but vehicles may not be used as mobile support, and bike changes and towing are not allowed.

3. Registration

3.1 Registration conditions

To validate a registration:

• Complete the entire online form.
• Present a valid health certificate or medical fitness certificate.
• Sign and hand in the liability waiver when picking up the number and kit.
• Make the payment for the corresponding registration tier.

3.2 Cancellations and changes

• There are no refunds for cancellation.
• Spot transfers are allowed, with a single free change. Additional changes will cost USD 20.
• Kits are not handed to third parties. In-person check-in is mandatory on Friday, November 20, 2026.

3.3 Changes to and cancellation of the event

The organization reserves the right to cancel, modify or postpone the event for weather, logistical, health or safety reasons. Under no circumstances will refunds be issued.

3.4 Transfer to other editions

Registrations may not be transferred to future editions.

4. Mandatory gear

Each participant must carry the following minimum gear throughout the entire competition:

• Mobile phone with internet and GPS.
• Bike computer with the GPX file loaded.
• Cycling helmet.
• Gloves.
• UV-protection glasses.
• Reflective clothing.
• Front and rear lights.
• Pump or CO2.
• Repair kit (patches, plugs, inner tube).
• Bottles with a minimum capacity of 1.5 liters of water.

Recommended:

• Tubeless setup.
• Multi-tool.
• $1,000 Uruguayan pesos in cash.
• Sunscreen, chain lube, chamois cream.
• Personal accident insurance.

5. Race number

The organization will provide a number with a timing chip, which must be placed on the front of the bike and remain visible throughout the event.

6. Safety

The race takes place on open roads and in natural areas. The participant must be self-sufficient, is responsible for their own safety and must assist any other rider in danger. In case of emergency, contact the organization’s official number immediately.

7. Time limits

• 100 miles: maximum of 10 hours to finish.
• 50 miles: no time limit, non-competitive format.

8. Dropping out

If a participant decides to drop out of the competition, they must immediately notify the official number by SMS or WhatsApp. Failing to do so bars them from future editions. The organization does not provide return transportation.

9. Disqualification and penalties

Grounds for immediate disqualification:

• Littering.
• Disrespecting the organization, participants or third parties.
• Not carrying mandatory gear.
• Failing to follow instructions from event staff.
• Showing no movement or GPS signal for more than 5 hours.
• Taking unauthorized routes.
• Changing bikes or being towed.

10. Route

The route will be provided by the organization in GPX format. Following the route is mandatory. Any unjustified deviation means disqualification.

11. Minimum participants

The event requires a minimum of 100 participants across both distances in order to take place.

12. Awards

100-mile distance:

• Men’s OPEN podium up to age 50: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Women’s OPEN podium up to age 50: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Men’s ELITE podium: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Women’s ELITE podium: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Men’s 50+ podium: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Women’s 50+ podium: 1st, 2nd, 3rd

50-mile distance: participation / non-competitive format, no awards by position.

Transgender women’s category: registrations from trans women will be accepted under the hormonal criteria of the UCI regulations (minimum of 2 years of therapy and appropriate hormone levels). Medical documentation must be sent before September 30, 2026 to epicagravel@gmail.com.

13. Individual sponsors

Displaying sponsor logos on personal clothing and equipment is allowed.

14. Commercial rights and image use

The organization reserves all rights to the use of images, video and audiovisual recordings of the event. Registration implies consent to the use of the participant’s image for the event’s promotional and commercial purposes.

15. Governing law

Any dispute will be resolved under the laws in force in the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, with venue in the city of Maldonado. The official language of these rules is Spanish.