Race Rules & Regulations Swim Rules Bike Rules Run Rules Protests Challenge Taiwan is run under following Rules & Regulations: The race distances are 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run for Challenge Taiwan 226km, 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run for Challenge Taiwan 113km, 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run for Challenge Taiwan 51.5km, 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run for Challenge Taiwan Sprint. Competitors should understand and follow basic Competition Rules Competitors should give priority to safety, and be aware of their physical condition at all times. Take rests, or withdraw from event where appropriate Competitors shall not use drugs to enhance their performance, or drink alcoholic beverages during this event. Those found to have done so will be disqualified, or else a medical examination will be requested in suspicious cases. Competitors must complete the event within the specified time limit. Those who do not do so will be disqualified. The General Assembly reserves the right to disqualify any competitor who is not in a physical condition to continue the event safely. The General Assembly will supply a swimming cap, a race bib, removable number tattoos, and number stickers. Competitors will use these as directed and will not alter them without permission. Should weather turn hazardous, the General Assembly reserves the right to suspend or cancel the event. Competitors who have abstained from entering the race at the appointed time, or competitors who have been disqualified, are not allowed to re-enter the race where and when conditions become more favorable Competitors are allowed to accept food, beverages, and health care resources as supplied by the General Assembly. Competitors are also prohibited from handling others' bikes and race equipment. Competitors' conversion time (i.e. time spent in Transition Area) will be computed as part of their total race time. At all times competitors must obey the instructions of Race officials and Police Officers and beware of vehicular transport. Any competitor who fails to obey the instructions of Race officials or the Police will be removed from the Event and disqualified. The Event Director and Race Referee have the discretion to disqualify competitors. Please obey all traffic laws and regulations at all times and treat all parts of the course as open to the public and vehicles at all times. While some parts of the course may be closed to public access, residential, emergency and Event vehicles will be using the course, and all road rules and regulations must therefore be followed at all times. Right hand drive rules apply. Challenge Taiwan is an invitation event, and the Event organizers may refuse entry to any competitor, on any grounds, and at their own discretion without explanation. The Event Medical Team will have ultimate discretion and the final decision as to the suitability of a competitor to continue in the Event, and likewise if they should be withdrawn from the Event. No competitor may use any banned substances with the intent to improve their performance, eliminate the sense of fatigue or for any other purpose. Doping tests will be performed. It is important that all competitors exhibit good behavior and sportsmanlike conduct, and treat fellow competitors, Event organizers, volunteers and contractors with courtesy and respect. Failure to do so may result in disqualification at any time before, during or after the Event. If a competitor withdraws from the Event they must advise the course officials of their withdrawal immediately. Any competitor failing to do so and being the subject of a resulting search and rescue operation will incur all costs relating to this exercise if they are found to be in their accommodation or other such safe place. Challenge Taiwan reserves the right to alter rules, regulations, Event course and venues at any time provided athletes are advised prior to the Event, or if such a hange is in the interest of competitor safety. No headphones or headsets may be worn during swim or bike legs of the event. Personal MP3 players are permitted on the run leg. Volume must be at a level that allows outside noise to be heard. If an official is not heard by an athlete due to excessive volume, the Event reserve the right to remove the MP3 player in the interest of safety. Each competitor must be familiar with the entire course and it is their responsibility to follow the correct route. Any protests must be lodged with the Race Referee within two hours of the athlete finishing the Event, or within two hours of their disqualification (if relevant) and must be accompanied by a 8,000NTD lodgment fee. If their protest is upheld, the 8,000NTD will be refunded in full. If the protest is not upheld, the fee will be forfeited. In the case of bad weather, Challenge Taiwan reserves the right to convert the Event to duathlon status in the interests of competitor safety but will not be held liable for any loss as a result of such a decision. If the conditions are still deemed to be unsafe to run a duathlon, Challenge Taiwan has sole discretion, and may cancel the Event without obligation to refund entry fees. Challenge Taiwan may test any athlete for the use of a prohibited substance at its own discretion. A positive test will result in disqualification. Age Group categories will be in 5 year increments and in case not enough participants in a single age group, we reserve the right to group age groups together. Trophies will be awarded to the top three in each age group so long as they are an official category. Individual athletes must be a minimum of 18-years-old on race day. Team athletes must be a minimum of 18-years-old on race day. Provided race numbers must be visible at all times throughout the race. All athletes must register during the allocated times and attend the compulsory race briefing. All individuals and teams must rack their bicycles during the allocated times – there will be no exceptions to this rule. The Event organizers reserve the right to disqualify anyone not adhering to these rules. Any other outstanding issues will be referred to the Commissioner of the General Assembly for arbitration. SWIM RULES Wetsuit is allowed if the water temperature is up to and including 24 °C. Race organizers reserve the right to restrict the usage of wetsuit depending on conditions. Race Director will announce it at the Race Briefing, the day before the race. When large numbers of people are competing, and the space between competitors is small, competitors must pay special attention to their own and others' safety. Competitors shall wear their race number (tattoo stickers) in the specified location on their persons, and not wipe this number off until they have completed the event. In the event of an emergency, or should fatigue inhibit the competitor continuing the swim segment, competitors m ay hold on to the rope or buoy, but they may not use either to continue moving forward. Competitors in serious distress should immediately stop swimming, take off their swimming cap, and wave their swimming cap overhead to facilitate assistance from lifeguards. Competitors who do so have disqualified themselves. Competitors who wish to overtake another swimmer must not constrain the swimming strokes of other competitors. Those competing with the aid of flotation devices must enter the water last, and swim behind other competitors Compulsory gear includes swim cap (cap provided). The possibility to use a wetsuit will be communicated at the Race briefing subject to the water conditions, temperature and swim course/distance (at the Event organizer’s absolute discretion). No fins, paddles, snorkels, flotation devices of any kind are permitted. Any assistance required during swim may result in disqualification. Event organizers have the right to change the location of the swim course, the distance of the swim course or cancel the swim course (at their absolute discretion) taking into account the weather and water temperature conditions. BIKE RULES Competing in this event without a helmet is prohibited. Bikes that fail inspection will not be allowed to race. Competitors should slow down and exercise extra caution in Transition Area, near supply stations, around turns, on narrow roads, or at return points Bikes must be placed in the proper location within the Transition Area before the competitor continues on to the running segment. Competitors are not allowed to change or exchange bikes during the event. No drafting is permitted. The cycle draft zone is a 12 meter long by 3 meter wide rectangle between the front edge of the lead cycle and the front edge of the following cycle, extending each side of the cycle by 1.5 meter, measured from the leading edge of the front wheel. Another athlete has 15 seconds to pass through that zone. Likewise, once an athlete is passed they have 15 seconds to drop back out of the draft zone. Race numbers must not be altered in size or appearance, and must be worn on the back during the bike. The following helmet standards are required: ASTM – F1447-1994, Australia and NZ Standards – AS/NZS 2063:1996 or NZS5439 or AS2063.2, Snell-B90 or B95, CE European Standards-EN1078, US Consumer Products Safety Standards – USCPS. Helmets must be secured by the chin strap before unracking the bike, and must remain fastened until the cyclist has dismounted the bike and returned it to its rack. No individual support allowed. The bike course is closed to all supporter traffic and no competitor may seek or receive outside help from spectators, members of the public or any 3rd party with the exception of the official technical support crew. Each participant is responsible for the state or repair of his/her own bike. Bikes must have been serviced within three weeks of the event and be in a safe and roadworthy condition. Assistance by anyone other than official technical support personnel will be grounds for immediate disqualification. This disallows the use of spare wheels and back-up bikes and requires that each competitor be prepared to handle any possible mechanical malfunction. All bikes must undergo a compulsory check by the official technical support in the lead up to the race or at registration. Only checked bikes will be allowed into transition. Cyclists are expected to heed directions and instructions of all race officials and public authorities. Participant may run/walk their bike if necessary. Competitors must keep as far to the right as is practically possible at all times, and pass others on the left and must obey all traffic laws, traffic regulations and the directions of Event officials and the Police. Road bikes and time trial (or tri specific) bikes are the only bikes permitted for full and half distances. Flat bar road bikes are permitted for olympic distance (51.5) races. The penalty for drafting, dangerous riding or unsportsmanlike conduct will be an four minute stand down in the penalty box before enter transition area. A second penalty will result in an eight minute stand down. A third penalty will result in disqualification. Event organizers have the right to change the location of the bike course or the distance of the bike course (at their absolute discretion) and taking into account the weather and course conditions. Bicycle race prohibits reverse overtaking, Violators will be disqualified and cancel the results. RUN RULES Competitors will not collide with or block other competitors. Those who do so will be disqualified. Competitors must wear clothing over their torsos. Competitors who are unwell may waive their right to participate in this event, and disqualify themselves. Those who do so will transported back to the Transition Area. Those who have thus waived their right to participate may not re-enter the event. Competitors must not alter the size or appearance of the race number, and must wear it clearly and visibly on their front. Slower competitors must keep to the right with other competitors overtaking on the left. Runners must stay inside the designated running area at all times. Runners who step outside the designated area onto the open road will be disqualified immediately. No individual support vehicles or non-participant escort runners or cyclists are allowed. Friends, family members, coaches or supporters of any type may not bike, drive or run alongside competitors, may not pass food or other items to competitors and should be warned to stay completely clear of all participants to avoid the disqualification of a participant. Runners are expected to follow the directions and instructions of all race officials and public authorities. Outside assistance is strictly forbidden and the size and nature of penalties for such an offence are at the sole discretion of the Event Director and Race Referee. Many runners will still be on the course after dark. Please note – these competitors must provide a head torch in their Run Leg Special Needs bag. Competitors are responsible for attaching reflective tape to their gear prior to the event and must carry any other safety material provided to them by the event team on the day of the race. Competitors must obey all traffic laws, traffic regulations and the directions of Event officials and the Police. Event organizers have the right to change the location of the run course or the distance of the run course (at their absolute discretion) and taking into account the weather and course conditions. PROTESTS Where opinions as to the above rules differ, the presiding official's opinion holds precedence. The Chinese version of these rules, in matters of dispute, also holds precedence over the English version. Protests must be in writing, and must be presented to an official, who will refer the matter to a committee. Those issuing a protest must pay a deposit of $8000 NT, and this money will be refunded after a successful protest. If the protest is denied, then this money will not be refunded, and will instead be used for future events. For protests during the event itself, a competitor can make his or her protest orally to a presiding official, and then write the protest within 30 minutes of his or her finish time. During the event, competitors, their family and friends, or coaches are not allowed to protest to officials over "judgment calls." Such protests will result in disqualification. "Judgment calls" are here defined as situations regarding drafting, blocking, and other unsportsmanlike conduct. The organizers reserve the right to change the rules. Any further announcements or revisions to these regulations will be announced by the event organizers. Update status: 12th April, 2022
Competitors should understand and follow basic Competition Rules Competitors should give priority to safety, and be aware of their physical condition at all times. Take rests, or withdraw from event where appropriate Competitors shall not use drugs to enhance their performance, or drink alcoholic beverages during this event. Those found to have done so will be disqualified, or else a medical examination will be requested in suspicious cases. Competitors must complete the event within the specified time limit. Those who do not do so will be disqualified. The General Assembly reserves the right to disqualify any competitor who is not in a physical condition to continue the event safely. The General Assembly will supply a swimming cap, a race bib, removable number tattoos, and number stickers. Competitors will use these as directed and will not alter them without permission. Should weather turn hazardous, the General Assembly reserves the right to suspend or cancel the event. Competitors who have abstained from entering the race at the appointed time, or competitors who have been disqualified, are not allowed to re-enter the race where and when conditions become more favorable Competitors are allowed to accept food, beverages, and health care resources as supplied by the General Assembly. Competitors are also prohibited from handling others' bikes and race equipment. Competitors' conversion time (i.e. time spent in Transition Area) will be computed as part of their total race time. At all times competitors must obey the instructions of Race officials and Police Officers and beware of vehicular transport. Any competitor who fails to obey the instructions of Race officials or the Police will be removed from the Event and disqualified. The Event Director and Race Referee have the discretion to disqualify competitors. Please obey all traffic laws and regulations at all times and treat all parts of the course as open to the public and vehicles at all times. While some parts of the course may be closed to public access, residential, emergency and Event vehicles will be using the course, and all road rules and regulations must therefore be followed at all times. Right hand drive rules apply. Challenge Taiwan is an invitation event, and the Event organizers may refuse entry to any competitor, on any grounds, and at their own discretion without explanation. The Event Medical Team will have ultimate discretion and the final decision as to the suitability of a competitor to continue in the Event, and likewise if they should be withdrawn from the Event. No competitor may use any banned substances with the intent to improve their performance, eliminate the sense of fatigue or for any other purpose. Doping tests will be performed. It is important that all competitors exhibit good behavior and sportsmanlike conduct, and treat fellow competitors, Event organizers, volunteers and contractors with courtesy and respect. Failure to do so may result in disqualification at any time before, during or after the Event. If a competitor withdraws from the Event they must advise the course officials of their withdrawal immediately. Any competitor failing to do so and being the subject of a resulting search and rescue operation will incur all costs relating to this exercise if they are found to be in their accommodation or other such safe place. Challenge Taiwan reserves the right to alter rules, regulations, Event course and venues at any time provided athletes are advised prior to the Event, or if such a hange is in the interest of competitor safety. No headphones or headsets may be worn during swim or bike legs of the event. Personal MP3 players are permitted on the run leg. Volume must be at a level that allows outside noise to be heard. If an official is not heard by an athlete due to excessive volume, the Event reserve the right to remove the MP3 player in the interest of safety. Each competitor must be familiar with the entire course and it is their responsibility to follow the correct route. Any protests must be lodged with the Race Referee within two hours of the athlete finishing the Event, or within two hours of their disqualification (if relevant) and must be accompanied by a 8,000NTD lodgment fee. If their protest is upheld, the 8,000NTD will be refunded in full. If the protest is not upheld, the fee will be forfeited. In the case of bad weather, Challenge Taiwan reserves the right to convert the Event to duathlon status in the interests of competitor safety but will not be held liable for any loss as a result of such a decision. If the conditions are still deemed to be unsafe to run a duathlon, Challenge Taiwan has sole discretion, and may cancel the Event without obligation to refund entry fees. Challenge Taiwan may test any athlete for the use of a prohibited substance at its own discretion. A positive test will result in disqualification. Age Group categories will be in 5 year increments and in case not enough participants in a single age group, we reserve the right to group age groups together. Trophies will be awarded to the top three in each age group so long as they are an official category. Individual athletes must be a minimum of 18-years-old on race day. Team athletes must be a minimum of 18-years-old on race day. Provided race numbers must be visible at all times throughout the race. All athletes must register during the allocated times and attend the compulsory race briefing. All individuals and teams must rack their bicycles during the allocated times – there will be no exceptions to this rule. The Event organizers reserve the right to disqualify anyone not adhering to these rules. Any other outstanding issues will be referred to the Commissioner of the General Assembly for arbitration.
Wetsuit is allowed if the water temperature is up to and including 24 °C. Race organizers reserve the right to restrict the usage of wetsuit depending on conditions. Race Director will announce it at the Race Briefing, the day before the race. When large numbers of people are competing, and the space between competitors is small, competitors must pay special attention to their own and others' safety. Competitors shall wear their race number (tattoo stickers) in the specified location on their persons, and not wipe this number off until they have completed the event. In the event of an emergency, or should fatigue inhibit the competitor continuing the swim segment, competitors m ay hold on to the rope or buoy, but they may not use either to continue moving forward. Competitors in serious distress should immediately stop swimming, take off their swimming cap, and wave their swimming cap overhead to facilitate assistance from lifeguards. Competitors who do so have disqualified themselves. Competitors who wish to overtake another swimmer must not constrain the swimming strokes of other competitors. Those competing with the aid of flotation devices must enter the water last, and swim behind other competitors Compulsory gear includes swim cap (cap provided). The possibility to use a wetsuit will be communicated at the Race briefing subject to the water conditions, temperature and swim course/distance (at the Event organizer’s absolute discretion). No fins, paddles, snorkels, flotation devices of any kind are permitted. Any assistance required during swim may result in disqualification. Event organizers have the right to change the location of the swim course, the distance of the swim course or cancel the swim course (at their absolute discretion) taking into account the weather and water temperature conditions.
Competing in this event without a helmet is prohibited. Bikes that fail inspection will not be allowed to race. Competitors should slow down and exercise extra caution in Transition Area, near supply stations, around turns, on narrow roads, or at return points Bikes must be placed in the proper location within the Transition Area before the competitor continues on to the running segment. Competitors are not allowed to change or exchange bikes during the event. No drafting is permitted. The cycle draft zone is a 12 meter long by 3 meter wide rectangle between the front edge of the lead cycle and the front edge of the following cycle, extending each side of the cycle by 1.5 meter, measured from the leading edge of the front wheel. Another athlete has 15 seconds to pass through that zone. Likewise, once an athlete is passed they have 15 seconds to drop back out of the draft zone. Race numbers must not be altered in size or appearance, and must be worn on the back during the bike. The following helmet standards are required: ASTM – F1447-1994, Australia and NZ Standards – AS/NZS 2063:1996 or NZS5439 or AS2063.2, Snell-B90 or B95, CE European Standards-EN1078, US Consumer Products Safety Standards – USCPS. Helmets must be secured by the chin strap before unracking the bike, and must remain fastened until the cyclist has dismounted the bike and returned it to its rack. No individual support allowed. The bike course is closed to all supporter traffic and no competitor may seek or receive outside help from spectators, members of the public or any 3rd party with the exception of the official technical support crew. Each participant is responsible for the state or repair of his/her own bike. Bikes must have been serviced within three weeks of the event and be in a safe and roadworthy condition. Assistance by anyone other than official technical support personnel will be grounds for immediate disqualification. This disallows the use of spare wheels and back-up bikes and requires that each competitor be prepared to handle any possible mechanical malfunction. All bikes must undergo a compulsory check by the official technical support in the lead up to the race or at registration. Only checked bikes will be allowed into transition. Cyclists are expected to heed directions and instructions of all race officials and public authorities. Participant may run/walk their bike if necessary. Competitors must keep as far to the right as is practically possible at all times, and pass others on the left and must obey all traffic laws, traffic regulations and the directions of Event officials and the Police. Road bikes and time trial (or tri specific) bikes are the only bikes permitted for full and half distances. Flat bar road bikes are permitted for olympic distance (51.5) races. The penalty for drafting, dangerous riding or unsportsmanlike conduct will be an four minute stand down in the penalty box before enter transition area. A second penalty will result in an eight minute stand down. A third penalty will result in disqualification. Event organizers have the right to change the location of the bike course or the distance of the bike course (at their absolute discretion) and taking into account the weather and course conditions. Bicycle race prohibits reverse overtaking, Violators will be disqualified and cancel the results.
Competitors will not collide with or block other competitors. Those who do so will be disqualified. Competitors must wear clothing over their torsos. Competitors who are unwell may waive their right to participate in this event, and disqualify themselves. Those who do so will transported back to the Transition Area. Those who have thus waived their right to participate may not re-enter the event. Competitors must not alter the size or appearance of the race number, and must wear it clearly and visibly on their front. Slower competitors must keep to the right with other competitors overtaking on the left. Runners must stay inside the designated running area at all times. Runners who step outside the designated area onto the open road will be disqualified immediately. No individual support vehicles or non-participant escort runners or cyclists are allowed. Friends, family members, coaches or supporters of any type may not bike, drive or run alongside competitors, may not pass food or other items to competitors and should be warned to stay completely clear of all participants to avoid the disqualification of a participant. Runners are expected to follow the directions and instructions of all race officials and public authorities. Outside assistance is strictly forbidden and the size and nature of penalties for such an offence are at the sole discretion of the Event Director and Race Referee. Many runners will still be on the course after dark. Please note – these competitors must provide a head torch in their Run Leg Special Needs bag. Competitors are responsible for attaching reflective tape to their gear prior to the event and must carry any other safety material provided to them by the event team on the day of the race. Competitors must obey all traffic laws, traffic regulations and the directions of Event officials and the Police. Event organizers have the right to change the location of the run course or the distance of the run course (at their absolute discretion) and taking into account the weather and course conditions.
Where opinions as to the above rules differ, the presiding official's opinion holds precedence. The Chinese version of these rules, in matters of dispute, also holds precedence over the English version. Protests must be in writing, and must be presented to an official, who will refer the matter to a committee. Those issuing a protest must pay a deposit of $8000 NT, and this money will be refunded after a successful protest. If the protest is denied, then this money will not be refunded, and will instead be used for future events. For protests during the event itself, a competitor can make his or her protest orally to a presiding official, and then write the protest within 30 minutes of his or her finish time. During the event, competitors, their family and friends, or coaches are not allowed to protest to officials over "judgment calls." Such protests will result in disqualification. "Judgment calls" are here defined as situations regarding drafting, blocking, and other unsportsmanlike conduct.