RULES
Racing class also rides non-timed sections
All riders in timed (racing) classes must ride the complete distances between stage finishing towns. All non-timed sections before or after the timing must be cycled. Riders failing to do so will be moved to the touring class.
Official race status: cyclosportive
Viking Tour is classified as a Turritt as described by the Norwegian cycling federation. This means the route is open to normal traffic and each competitor is responsible for following the rules of traffic and conducting him/herself as if on a private cycling trip.
Regler for turritt fra NCF. Justice dep.: "Law on racing on public roads."
Participants licences
At registration in Rjukan, Norwegian riders must show a valid license from NCF, covering participation in the Viking Tour or purchase a one-time licence in the race office. This costs NOK 200,-
Bikes, equipment
A helmet must be worn at all times during the race. No kinds of aero-bars are allowed even during time trials, prologues. Bar-ends are allowed on otherwise straight handlebars like on off-road bikes. No kind of ear plugs are allowed while on the bike - regardless of timed or nontimed sections.
Cell phones
Bringing a mobile phone might earn you or a friend crucial time if needing medical assistance or (hopefully) simply a new gear wire.
Lights
On stages with tunnels, all riders shall have a working red light pointing backwards and a white one pointing forwards from the bike. Lights can be on the whole distance, but blinking is only allowed when in tunnels. All feeding stations have first aid equipment, basic tools, radio/mobile-communication.
Outside assistance
Receiving drinks or food from a moving vehicle or from anyone in the road is strictly forbidden!
Tecnical assstance is allowed but only if the rider is off the bike.
Following cars.
Cars following the race must show extreme caution and drive well behind or many kilometres in front of the peloton. Preferred: Use of the alternative roads. Holding up one of the organizers cars will not be taken lightly. These are always busy when on the road. Keep very good distance behing riders so other cars can pass easily and without braking.
Littering, garbage
Throwing of bottles, paper, etc., in the race will be given time penalties. There will be baskets for empty bottles at each feedingstation. It is a nice landscape - do not destroy it!
Protests, jury, penalties
The informal atmosphere and good sportsmanship between Viking Tour participants have kept the event alsmost chemically free from disagreements. If a protest is to come or the organizer experiences unwanted behaviour, rulings are made by a jury of crew members who themselves are cyclists. Complaints are to be set forth orally as soon as possible and the jury willl then wait until a written statement is handed in before dealing with it. Safety and fair play are top priorities. Obviously false accusations may result in reactions to the complainer.
