FNLD GRVL Rules and Regulations

Riders must wear a helmet at ALL times while on the bike.

Follow the rules of the road. The roads are OPEN to vehicle traffic, so treat them as such! You do not want to take your chances mixing it up with a car. These rules include, but are not limited to:

Follow the centerline rule. Keep your bike on the APPROPRIATE side of the road. In Finland, that is the RIGHT side of the line. If you are visiting from another country for the race, make sure you are set on that before the gun goes off (and also, welcome to Lahti!).

Ride as far right as safely possible. Most of the paved sections have a shoulder, but if not, stay as close to the right as possible. Again, no one wants to mix it up with a vehicle.

On the gravel roads, please stay on your “side of the road”. We realize that there is no line down the center but use your best judgement. This is especially important when going around blind corners. That car/tractor/reindeer/competitor is going to expect you to maintain your line on your OWN side of the road.

There will be stop signs with no traffic control. Treat them as such.

If you are reported violating road rules, you will be disqualified (some due process may be involved).

No direct outside support on the course (Friends, Family, Sponsors). Our Aid Stations will be fully stocked and our volunteers ready to assist you. Riders accepting support from a source not available to all riders will be disqualified.

No headphones, earbuds or operating you phone while riding. We know that the course is gorgeous. If you feel the need to pull out your phone to take photos and post to Instagram, please pull over to the right side, come to a complete stop and have at it!

No e-bikes (except for the designated e-bike race on the short course). They are AWESOME, but not for the race. Please don’t make us go all UCI on you and check your bike (we just bought an X-ray machine, we don’t want to have to use it). Come prepared to use single person power (except tandems). You’ve got this!

There are no call-ups at the start! This means that pros and amateurs will line up at the start line in the order that organically happens. The first 500 meters are neutral and the race starts on the first paved uphill. Show up early--all riders doing the same course will start together!

No aero bars! Trust us, you will want access to your brakes with the several significant dirt descents on course.

Lights are not required, and we will need to have all participants finished by dark. The sun sets late in Finland in June, so you should be fine (see time cut off information in FAQ section). Flashing tail lights are always helpful for vehicles who may come upon you during the race. We like being visible to traffic!

Please use the Port-a-Potties at the Aid Stations. Nature happens, but we try to leave the urinating in the ranchlands to the animals for which they are intended. This MOST DEFINITELY applies to the Start Line. We will be in town, near stores and families....and no one wants to see that! Riders that are spotted nature-ing with the animals will be disqualified.

Show your best character. Yes, we get that racing can be intense. But it is ONE day. You do not want to be forever known as “that person”. Be courteous, respectful and generally act like a decent human being. We have a lot of respect for the city of Lahti and our courses do cross through private property, and we have worked hard to get permissions so that you can have an incredible day on the bike. Don’t mess it up for everyone else!

Riders are expected to be prepared to deal with mechanical issues. Please bring extra tubes, a hand pump and/or CO2, tire plugs, etc. There will be some Neutral Support on the course thanks to our partners, but aim to be self-sufficient as their proximity to you is spread out.

This race is held in early June, and there was just a LOT of snow on the ground a few weeks ago. That means that our weather has the potential to be 32 celsius and sunny to 0 celsius and blustery. Come prepared for any sort of weather. Windbreaker, rain jacket, ear warmers, 3 pairs of gloves to choose from on race morning. It is okay to over pack your race bag. We won’t judge. You are going to want options.

In the event of a natural disaster or weather that could be potentially dangerous to racers or volunteers (or our beloved spectators), the race will be delayed, shortened, postponed or canceled without refund.

All riders will be taking advantage of our awesome Aid Stations. That means you will have the pleasure of receiving the support of our INCREDIBLE volunteers. Make sure to give them a Thank You or a big smile and a head nod-whatever you can muster at that point!

Your jersey has pockets. Not only do they store your food, but they store your trash. Please make sure to keep our beautiful scenery litter-free. We would be happy to take your trash at the Aid Stations and the Finish Line. If you are seen littering during the event, we are sure we can come up with an appropriate punishment.

Transgender & Non-Binary Participant Policy

FNLD GRVL’s policy allows any competitor to register for an entry as the gender with which the competitor identifies. If that gender is different from the gender reflected on the competitor’s birth certificate or is a different gender from that previously used by the competitor at a cycling or competitive sporting event and a complaint is filed, the competitor must provide to FNLD GRVL an objective manifestation upon request (documentation or other evidence) that shows the stated gender is sincerely held and reflects the person’s core identity. Documentation satisfying this standard generally may include, without limitation, government-issued documentation or documentation prepared by a health care provider or licensed counselor. The health care provider or licensed counselor must not be the athlete’s first or second-degree relative.