Granfondo Serra da Estrela 2027 Regulations

These regulations set out the rights, obligations and responsibilities of all parties involved in preparing, organising, participating in and staging the sporting event.

THE EVENT

Art. 1 – The 12th edition of Granfondo Serra da Estrela will officially start at 8:30 h on Sunday, 27 June 2027, in Manteigas, finishing at the same location.

Art. 2 – Granfondo Serra da Estrela is not a competitive race. It is a cycle sportive in which participants ride at their own pace throughout the course. Electronic chip timing will nevertheless record the time taken to complete the entire course or specific segments announced by the organisers before the event.

PARTICIPATION

Art. 3 – Granfondo Serra da Estrela is a cycle sportive governed by the Portuguese Cycling Federation’s Open Event regulations and the UCI regulations for Open Events, and is subject to their principles. It is open to all cyclists, sporting riders and touring cyclists, licensed or unlicensed, of either sex, aged over 19 for the Granfondo distance and 17 for the Mediofondo distance.

Art. 4 – Riders serving federation sanctions for doping are prohibited from participating. The use of any illegal substance during the event is also prohibited. Any participant testing positive in an anti-doping control during the event will be immediately disqualified, permanently barred from any other event organised by Arriaga, Pinto e Leite Lda, and subject to legal proceedings brought by the organiser for misconduct and damage to the reputation of the event and the sport as a whole.

Art. 5 – Only non-motorised two-wheeled vehicles (road bikes, mountain bikes and tandems) are permitted.

Art. 6 – An approved cycling helmet must be worn. Failure to comply results in immediate exclusion from the event.

Art. 7 – Each participant takes part at their own responsibility and fully assumes the risks inherent in participation.

Art. 8 – Riders must hold a current Portuguese Cycling Federation licence, valid on the registration date, in either the competition or cycling-for-all category. Unlicensed riders must purchase the one-day licence provided by the Portuguese Cycling Federation, including insurance with the following cover:

Personal Accident (PA)

• Accidental death 32.437,50 Euros
• Accident treatment expenses 5.190,00 Euros
• Funeral expenses 2.700,00 Euros

This policy operates on a reimbursement basis.

Public Liability (PL)

• Cover per member, claim and year: 25 000,00 €, with an excess of 100€ payable by the participant.

Art. 9 – The organisers accept no responsibility for any accident caused by or involving a participant, who must be covered by their cycling licence insurance, or for any expenses incurred by a participant during the event.

Art. 10 – Riders are responsible for their entry and participation in Granfondo Serra da Estrela, acknowledging that this is a physically demanding event requiring suitable preparation and good fitness. Each rider is advised to undergo an appropriate medical examination beforehand.

REGISTRATION

Art. 11 – Entries are limited and fees vary according to the following registration periods:

Category	1ST PERIOD (28.06.2026 – 31.12.2026)	2ND PERIOD (01.01.2027 – 31.04.2027)	3RD PERIOD (01.05.2027 – 31.05.2027)	4TH PERIOD (01.06.2027 – 20.06.2027)
LICENSED RIDERS (Portuguese Cycling Federation only)	47,00 €	52,00 €	57,00 €	65,00 €
UNLICENSED RIDERS* (Portuguese Cycling Federation)	52,00 €	57,00 €	62,00 €	70,00 €

* – Includes a one-day licence issued by the Portuguese Cycling Federation, including personal accident and public liability insurance.

Once payment is made, no refunds will be issued to riders who enter as unlicensed with the Portuguese Cycling Federation and join afterwards. The licence must be valid on the registration date.

Art. 12 – When registering, riders may purchase Premium Entry as an optional extra. This costs an additional 55,00 € and, in addition to the standard entry benefits, includes an Official Event Jersey and access to the front starting pen (Premium Box). Premium entries are limited to a maximum of 100 riders.

Riders purchasing Premium Entry by 24:00 on 01 June 2027 are guaranteed collection of the Official Jersey at the event registration desk. For Premium Entry purchased after 01 June 2027, the Official Jersey will be sent by post or courier to the address supplied to the organisers.

Art. 13 – Entries must be submitted exclusively through the form at www.granfondoserradaestrela.com. An entry is valid only once payment has been received within the stated deadline using the methods advertised on the official website. Registration is open until 24:00 on 20 June 2027. After closing, the organisers may offer a limited number of additional entries with a surcharge of 30 €. Riders entering after the deadline will not receive a personalised bike number plate (name and nationality) or the official T-shirt in their rider pack. Late payments will not be accepted. Payments made outside the deadline will be refunded by bank transfer within 90 days, following receipt of the credit note issued by the organising company and duly signed by the rider, less 5 € in administration costs.

Art. 14 – Participants declare that the registration details they provide are correct and truthful, and acknowledge that the email address supplied will be the preferred means of contact for all important event information, which they will be deemed to have received by this means.

Art. 15 – All contact with the organisers must be by email to info@granfondoserradaestrela.com. On 26 and 27 June, enquiries may also be made in person at the registration desk or information desk during opening hours.

Art. 16 – Entry invoices will be issued using the details collected on the registration form. Once issued, invoices cannot be amended, including the tax identification number entered on the form.

Art. 17 – By entering, each participant undertakes to download and sign the Liability Waiver provided by the organisers, declaring that they understand and accept the risks of taking part in an event on roads open to traffic. In this declaration, riders waive the right to hold the organisers liable for any accident arising from participation. All participants will nevertheless be covered by federation insurance.

Art. 18 – If a withdrawal is notified to the organisers at info@granfondoserradaestrela.com by 24:00 on 31 May 2027, 50% of the entry fee will be refunded. No refund will be made for withdrawals notified after 24:00 on 31 May 2027.

Art. 19 – A paid entry may be transferred to a replacement rider if the organisers are notified by email (info@granfondoserradaestrela.com) by 20 June 2027. The withdrawing rider will receive a voucher for the entry fee less 5,00 € in administration costs. The replacement must submit a new registration using this voucher and pay only the outstanding balance. A new rider number will be assigned.

Art. 20 – Event documentation, including the bike number plate, must be collected from the event registration desk, open on 26 and 27 June at times to be announced.

Art. 21 – To collect documentation, riders must present identification (identity card or Citizen Card) and a current cycling licence, unless they have purchased a one-day licence.

Art. 22 – Another person may collect the documentation if they present originals or clearly legible copies of the absent rider’s identification (identity card or Citizen Card) and cycling licence, together with written collection authorisation duly signed by that rider.

Art. 23 – The bike number plate and timing chip belong to the organisers. Participants are permitted to use them until the end of the event provided they comply with all rules and conduct requirements in these regulations or decisions made by the organisers at any time. At the finish, the bike number plate is given to the participant. The plate and chip are personal and non-transferable and must not be used by anyone else.

Art. 24 – All participants must attach their bike number plate correctly to the front of the handlebars, with its entire surface clearly visible. Riders failing to comply will be denied entry to the starting pens and excluded from the event, with no organisational support. Altering the graphics on the plate or adding any message or image, advertising or otherwise, is strictly prohibited.

Art. 25 – The chip must not be removed from its original position on the bike number plate supplied to each participant.

Art. 26 – The organisers cannot be held responsible for chip-reading errors or failures, whether due to misuse by the participant or any other reason.

EVENT PROCEDURES

Art. 27 – The Granfondo and Mediofondo start simultaneously, with participants assigned to starting pens in the following order:

Box A – Rider numbers 01 to 100

Box B – Rider numbers 101 to 299

Box C – Rider numbers 300 to 499

Box D – Rider numbers 500 to 699

Box E – Rider numbers 700 to 899

Box F – Rider numbers 900 to 1.099

Box G – Rider numbers 1.100 to 1.299

BOX H – Rider numbers 1300 to 1500.

Participants are assigned to starting pens in order of entry confirmation.

Art. 28 – The event takes place on ROADS OPEN TO TRAFFIC. All participants must strictly obey the Highway Code, particularly the requirement to ride on the correct side of the road and respect priority at junctions. Anyone failing to do so will be immediately expelled and barred from future editions. By entering, each participant undertakes to download and sign the organisers’ Liability Waiver, acknowledging and accepting the risks of riding in an event on roads open to traffic.

Art. 29 – To allow free-paced riding on the designated sections, the lead organisational vehicles will normally travel at a speed that does not restrict riders. However, where conditions require, these vehicles may limit participants’ speed. Riders must not overtake the vehicles at the front of the event. Anyone doing so will cease to be covered by the event organisation from that moment and continue at their own risk.

Art. 30 – Assistance from support vehicles not belonging to the organisation is strictly prohibited. Accompanying vehicles must not drive among participating cyclists. Breaches may be recorded and reported by the authorities or event staff. The organisers will provide information on recommended locations where companions can watch and support riders. Security forces will prevent support vehicles from travelling among the cyclists and enforce the Highway Code.

Art. 31 – Security will be provided by GNR officers from local units and the traffic brigade, who will ensure compliance with traffic rules by everyone involved in the event and other road users.

Art. 32 – Each rider will be timed electronically using a chip. Chip use is compulsory and riders must follow the positioning and use instructions. Incorrect use or failure to use the chip will prevent checkpoint recording and result in disqualification, exclusion from the final times list and loss of the participation certificate. Timing checkpoints may be at the start, finish or elsewhere on the course and will be announced in advance.

Art. 33 – To protect riders’ safety and wellbeing, checkpoints will have cut-off times. These will be calculated from the average speed required to reach the finish before closing (18:00 h), also considering factors such as the profile of each course section. Riders arriving after a checkpoint’s cut-off must withdraw and will be taken to the finish by the organisers’ broom wagon. Checkpoint locations and cut-off times will be announced before the start. Riders choosing to continue independently must hand their bike number plate to checkpoint staff or another organiser; they will then cease to be covered by the event organisation and continue at their own risk.

Art. 34 – Riders withdrawing during the event must notify event staff in person or by telephone. A missing rider may trigger emergency and rescue services. Riders failing to report their withdrawal will be liable for search and rescue costs and barred from future editions.

Art. 35 – Riders must strictly observe the timetable, particularly the start time, and ensure they set off before the broom wagon. Otherwise they will not be covered by the event organisation and will ride at their own risk. Start checkpoint closure (km 0) – 08:40 h.

Art. 36 – Medical cover will include several mobile medical teams and ambulances. Participants requiring assistance should contact event staff, who will arrange the necessary help.

Art. 37 – Riders who suffer an accident during the event and require emergency, medical or evacuation services must report it to the federation insurer within 3 days after the event by email to sinistros.dgn@sabseg.pt. Reporting within this deadline is essential to ensure insurance cover.

Art. 38 – Mechanical assistance along the course will aim to resolve faults that can be repaired in event conditions. Labour is free, but riders must pay on the spot for replacement parts, so they should carry cash. If a rider cannot cover the cost of parts or items supplied, they must sign a debt note issued by the assistance team and settle it immediately after finishing at the registration or information desk. Puncture repairs are excluded. Fixed and mobile teams will operate along the course; however, event logistics, positioning difficulties or the complexity of a fault may prevent them from assisting every participant. This service does not remove riders’ duty to prepare their bicycles properly and ensure they are in optimal condition at the start. The organisers cannot be held responsible for a rider’s withdrawal due to lack of mechanical assistance.

Art. 39 – Riders must carry food and fluids to meet their nutritional and hydration needs. The organisers will nevertheless provide feed stations, at locations announced before the event, offering some food and drinks.

Art. 40 – For safety reasons, participants must not wear headphones to listen to music or use a mobile phone during the event.

Art. 41 – During the event, participants must carry a mobile phone with the number supplied on the entry form (or another number notified in advance), identification and cash if they wish to obtain spare parts from the mechanical assistance service. If adverse weather is forecast, the organisers may require riders to wear or carry specific equipment, such as thermal blankets, windproof clothing or waterproofs.

Art. 42 – The organisers may change the course or event arrangements where justified, without being required to compensate participants.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Art. 43 – Participants must act responsibly to keep clean and protect every area used by the event, including the course, start and finish. As the event is held entirely within the protected Serra da Estrela Natural Park, particular care is required. Littering before, during or after the event is strictly prohibited. Riders must retain food and drink packaging used during the ride. The organisers will provide bins at feed stations and the finish for this waste. Breaches result in immediate exclusion and a ban from other events run by the same organisers.

PENALTIES

Art. 44 – Participants may be penalised if they:

44.1 – Fail to comply with these regulations.

44.2 – Disobey instructions from security forces or event staff.

44.3 – Miss the start, finish or any other checkpoint along the course.

44.4 – Act unsportingly, use unauthorised means or endanger themselves or others to gain any advantage.

44.5 – Disrupt the normal running of the event or act contrary to these regulations.

44.6 – Show disrespect towards other participants or organising staff through words or actions.

Art. 45 – Breaches listed in the previous article may be detected and reported by event staff or police officers supporting the event. The event jury has the final decision on penalties.

Art. 46 – Possible penalties are:

• Exclusion from the event, without a result or certificate.
• Publication of the rider’s number and name on the list of sanctioned riders after the event.
• A ban from future editions of the event.
• Penalties imposed by police authorities supporting the event.

COMMERCIAL AND ADVERTISING RIGHTS

Art. 47 – The organisers hold exclusive advertising and commercial rights to the event and are responsible for negotiating and administering these rights on behalf of, and in the interests of, participants, sponsors, partners and other entities.

Art. 48 – The organisers hold the exclusive right to receive, retain and distribute all revenue from commercial and advertising rights.

Art. 49 – Participants must strictly respect all contracts and agreements concerning commercial exploitation of the event and make every effort to ensure that the organisers’ obligations in this regard are fulfilled.

Art. 50 – Unless expressly authorised by the organisers, participants are prohibited during the event from displaying advertising in any form or promoting companies, products, goods, equipment or services.

Art. 51 – Participants are responsible for all charges arising from their use of trademarks, patents or intellectual property licences during and at the conclusion of the event.

Art. 52 – If the organisers face a claim for infringement of any rights mentioned above, the participant must indemnify them for all resulting expenses and any sums payable for any reason.

ACCEPTANCE OF THE LIABILITY WAIVER

Art. 53 – By submitting and validating their entry, all participants accept these rules. Any questions or situations not covered here must be notified to the organisers in writing.

Art. 54 – By ticking the box, you agree to the event registration and participation terms and all provisions of these regulations, which is equivalent to declaring:

1. I have read and agree to the Official Rules of Granfondo Serra da Estrela available at www.granfondoserradaestrela.com;

2. I am aware of my state of health and confirm that I meet the physical and mental requirements for the event;

3. I declare that I will not take part if my health changes after validating my entry;

4. I understand the content, particularly the terms and cover, of the existing insurance policy;

5. By participating, I authorise the organisers and their partners to use my image without charge or restriction. I grant all image rights, including photographs and videos taken during the event, and have no right to claim any proceeds arising from their use in communications materials;

6. I take part voluntarily and release the organisers, their partners, directors, associates and other companies associated with the event from any liability arising from my participation before, during and after the event (for example, loss of belongings through theft, damage or other circumstances);

7. I am aware of and fully accept the event cancellation conditions.

COMPLAINTS

Art. 55 – Complaints must be submitted in writing at the event registration desk or, after the event, by email to info@granfondoserradaestrela.com.

IMAGE RIGHTS

Art. 56 – Entering and accepting these regulations necessarily authorises the organisers to record all or part of the participant’s involvement and freely use the images to publicise and promote the event in all media (television, radio, press, internet, posters, cards and flyers, photographs and videos). Participants assign all image rights for commercial and advertising use of these recordings, with no entitlement to financial compensation from the organisers.

DATA PROTECTION

Art. 57 – The Granfondo Serra da Estrela organisers fully comply with current data protection law. Riders acknowledge and authorise the inclusion and processing of their personal data in the event organisation’s files for development, administrative and commercial management and other activities. Riders must specify the name to appear on their number, entry lists and final results published on the event website. Under the privacy policy, any rider may request amendment or removal of their data by emailing info@granfondoserradaestrela.com.

Art. 58 – By confirming their entry, participants authorise Stop and Go and Arriaga, Pinto & Leite, Lda to contact them by telephone, SMS and email for the following purposes:

• payment details
• participant details
• results information
• event information

Art. 59 – If they additionally consent when registering, participants authorise the organisers to process personal data received or generated through event registration for general or profile-based marketing, by any means (letter, telephone, email, SMS, MMS, instant messaging applications, etc.), concerning products or services of the organisers and companies belonging to the Podium Events, S.A. group, or relating to sporting events, races and competitions, merchandising or similar activities, for the retention period set out in the organisers’ internal policies. Participants may withdraw this authorisation at any time.

Art. 60 – Participants may at any time exercise their statutory data protection rights of access, rectification, cancellation/erasure, objection, restriction and portability by contacting the organisers by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt at Av. Santos Dumont nº 68, 4º andar, 1050-204 Lisboa, or by email at info@granfondoserradaestrela.com.

Art. 61 – Without prejudice to those rights, the organisers will retain personal data supplied by participants or generated by entry and/or participation throughout the event and for the limitation period applicable to legal actions either party may bring.

Art. 62 – After that period, the organisers may retain processed personal data to identify former participants and offer them discounts and promotions for future events, as well as the organisers’ products and services, provided they have given prior consent.

Art. 63 – For further information on the organisers’ data protection measures, participants should consult the Privacy Policy published on the official website at www.granfondoserradaestrela.com.

CANCELLATION OR POSTPONEMENT

Art. 64 – Various circumstances may require the organisers to suspend, postpone or cancel the event, or change its locations, times or course. None of these situations constitutes a breach; the organisers cannot be held liable and are not required to compensate any rider, person or entity financially or otherwise.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Art. 65 – All participants must comply with the measures applied by the organisers at the various locations and stages of the event to meet the rules and guidelines issued by local and national health authorities in force on the event date.

OTHER PROVISIONS

Art. 66 – The organisers accept no responsibility for loss of or damage to participants’ bicycles or other equipment. Participants release the organisers from liability for loss or deterioration of personal belongings in any circumstances.

Art. 67 – By submitting and validating their Granfondo Serra da Estrela entry, participants acknowledge and unreservedly accept these regulations and waive any legal proceedings against the organisers arising from participation.

Art. 68 – These regulations may change. Amendments, additions or annexes will be published on the official event website and deemed accepted unless participants object to the new provisions in writing to info@granfondoserradaestrela.com within eight days of publication.

Art. 69 – The organisers will appoint a five-member event jury from the organising team to decide penalties and all event matters not covered by the regulations or arising from misinterpretation of them.

Art. 70 – If a registered rider does not participate or collect their documentation and any gifts from the registration desk, these items will not be sent out. They may only be collected on site during the event dates.

Art. 71 – Granfondo Serra da Estrela is organised by Arriaga, Pinto & Leite, Lda.

Art. 72 – These regulations take effect at 12:00 on 28/06/2026 and revoke all previous provisions and decisions.