TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. General Terms

1.1 Event Description

Gran Fondo Bulgaria 2026 is a UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier cycling event taking place on June 21, 2026, in Velingrad, Pazardzhik Province, Bulgaria. Velingrad is a mountain spa resort in the Western Rhodopes at approximately 750-780m altitude, known as the Balkan SPA Capital. The Event offers two route options:

• Gran Fondo: 140.4 km with 1961m elevation gain
• Medio Fondo: 69.7 km with 663m elevation gain

1.2 Event Location

The Event is based in Velingrad, Bulgaria with the following key locations:

• Start/Finish: Boulevard Saedinenie 73, Velingrad
• Official HQ & Teams Hotel: Sante SPA Hotel 5★
• Region: Western Rhodopes Mountains

1.3 Access & Travel

Velingrad is accessible from:

• Sofia Airport (SOF): 131 km, approximately 1h 30min - 1h 45min via A1 Trakia motorway + II-84
• Plovdiv Airport (PDV): 94 km via Pazardzhik/Varvara then II-84

1.4 Eligibility

To participate in the Event, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age on the day of the Event, OR be at least 16 years old with written parental/guardian consent
• Be in good physical health and fitness appropriate for the chosen distance
• Possess adequate cycling skills and experience
• Complete the registration process and pay all applicable fees
• Agree to these Terms and Conditions
• Sign the liability waiver

1.5 Acceptance of Terms

By completing the registration process, you confirm that:

• All information provided is accurate and complete
• You meet all eligibility requirements
• You accept full responsibility for your participation
• You will comply with all Event rules and regulations
• You understand and accept the risks involved in cycling

2. Registration & Entry

2.1 Registration Process

Registration for the Event is conducted online through our official website. Registration is considered complete only when:

• The online registration form is fully completed
• Full payment has been received and confirmed
• A confirmation email has been sent to the registered email address

2.2 Registration Periods and Fees

2.3 Entry Includes

Your registration fee includes:

• Participation in the Event on your chosen route
• Electronic timing and results via tracksport.live.eu
• Race number and timing chip
• Event jersey (sizes subject to availability)
• Mechanical support on course and at refreshment stations
• Three refreshment stations with nutrition and hydration
• Medical support at all refreshment stations and along the route
• Finisher medal and certificate
• Access to post-race refreshments
• Event insurance coverage

2.4 Race Pack Collection

Race packs must be collected in person at the designated location:

• Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Location: Boulevard Saedinenie 73, Velingrad (Start/Finish Area)

Limited race morning collection is available from 6:30 AM - 7:45 AM at the start area. A valid ID matching the registration is required.

3. Payment Terms

3.1 Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

• Credit/Debit Card: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro (processed via Stripe)
• EasyPay: Cash payment at EasyPay locations or online via ePay.bg
• Bank Transfer: Direct transfer to our bank account

3.2 Payment Processing

• Card payments are processed immediately and registration is confirmed instantly
• EasyPay payments must be completed within 7 days of receiving the payment code
• Bank transfers must be received within 7 days of registration with the correct reference number

3.3 Currency

All prices are listed in Euros (EUR). Payments in Bulgarian Lev (BGN) are accepted at the official exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN.

3.4 Failed Payments

If payment is not received within the specified timeframe, the registration will be automatically cancelled and the spot released for other participants.

4. Cancellation & Refund Policy

4.1 Participant Cancellation

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to granfondobulgaria@gmail.com. Refunds are processed as follows:

4.2 Organizer Cancellation

In the unlikely event that we must cancel the Event, participants will be offered:

• Full refund of registration fees, OR
• Transfer of entry to the following year's event

The Organizer is not liable for any additional costs incurred by participants (travel, accommodation, etc.).

4.3 Event Modification

The Organizer reserves the right to modify the Event format, routes, or schedule due to safety concerns, weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control. Such modifications do not entitle participants to refunds.

5. Entry Transfer

5.1 Transfer to Another Participant

Registered participants may transfer their entry to another person under the following conditions:

• Transfer requests must be submitted at least 14 days before the Event
• A transfer fee of €15 applies
• The new participant must meet all eligibility requirements
• The new participant must complete their own registration details
• Only one transfer per original registration is permitted

5.2 Distance Change

Participants may request to change their registered distance:

• More than 30 days before Event: Free of charge (pay difference if upgrading)
• Less than 30 days before Event: €10 admin fee applies
• Downgrades: No refund of price difference

5.3 Deferral to Next Year

In case of injury or medical condition preventing participation, entries may be deferred to the following year's event with valid medical documentation. Deferral requests must be submitted at least 7 days before the Event.

6. Race Rules & Regulations

6.1 Race Schedule

The Event will follow this schedule on June 21, 2026:

• Gran Fondo Start: 8:15 AM from Boulevard Saedinenie 73, Velingrad
• Medio Fondo Start: 8:30 AM from Boulevard Saedinenie 73, Velingrad

The race will begin with a neutral start protocol, with a safety car escorting riders for the first 2km.

6.2 Course Description

Gran Fondo Route (140 km):

Velingrad → Kostandovo → Dorkovo → Danoto area → Prevala (right turn) → Tsigov Chark → Rakitovo → Kostandovo → Dorkovo → Danoto area → Prevala (left turn) → Batak → Peshtera → Saint Constantine → Prevala (right turn) → Tsigov Chark → Rakitovo → Velingrad

Medio Fondo Route (70 km):

Velingrad → Kostandovo → Dorkovo → Danoto area → Prevala (right turn) → Tsigov Chark → Rakitovo → Kostandovo → Dorkovo → Danoto area → Prevala (right turn) → Tsigov Chark → Rakitovo → Velingrad

6.3 Refreshment Stations

Refreshment stations are located at:

Products available: water, electrolyte drinks, ice, fruits (bananas, oranges, apples, watermelons), energy bars, gels, oat bars, pretzels, crackers, chips, sandwiches, cookies.

6.4 General Conduct

All participants must:

• Follow all instructions from Event officials, marshals (approximately 110 positioned throughout the course), and police
• Obey all traffic laws and signals unless directed otherwise by officials
• Ride in a safe and responsible manner at all times
• Show respect to other participants, officials, and spectators
• Not use offensive language or engage in unsportsmanlike behavior
• Display race number visibly at all times during the Event

6.5 Prohibited Actions

The following are strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification:

• Drafting behind motor vehicles
• Receiving outside assistance (except at official refreshment stations)
• Littering on the course (mandatory penalty: disqualification)
• Using headphones or earbuds that impair hearing
• Cutting the course or taking shortcuts
• Participating under someone else's registration
• Use of performance-enhancing substances

6.6 Disqualification

The Organizer reserves the right to disqualify any participant who:

• Violates any of these Terms or race rules
• Poses a safety risk to themselves or others
• Fails to follow official instructions
• Provides false information during registration

Disqualified participants are not entitled to any refund.

7. Equipment Requirements

7.1 Mandatory Equipment

The following equipment is mandatory for all participants:

• Helmet: A properly fitted, CE-certified cycling helmet must be worn at all times while on the bike
• Bicycle: A roadworthy bicycle in good mechanical condition (pre-race bike check will be conducted)
• Race Number: Must be clearly visible on the front of the bike or body
• Timing Chip: Must be properly attached as instructed
• Lights: Front and rear lights if required based on weather forecast

7.2 Recommended Equipment

• Spare inner tube and repair kit
• Mini pump or CO2 inflator
• Multi-tool
• Mobile phone (for emergencies)
• Personal identification
• Health insurance card
• Rain jacket (weather dependent)

7.3 Prohibited Equipment

• Time trial (TT) or triathlon bikes
• Aerobars or clip-on extensions
• Electric bicycles (e-bikes)
• Recumbent bicycles
• Fixed-gear bicycles without brakes
• Any bicycle without functioning front and rear brakes

8. Safety & Medical

8.1 Health Declaration

By registering for the Event, you declare that:

• You are in good physical health
• You have no medical condition that would make participation dangerous
• You have trained adequately for the chosen distance
• You will inform the Organizer of any changes to your health status

8.2 Safety Measures

The following safety measures will be in place:

• Road closures and managed lanes along both routes supported by local police
• Approximately 110 marshals positioned at all junctions, crossings, and high-risk areas
• Signage and barricades for safe passing
• Neutral start with safety car for first 2km
• Weather monitoring via National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology
• Central communication and command center at Start/Finish
• Live GPS tracking of all participants via tracksport.live.eu

8.3 Medical Services

Comprehensive medical support will be available:

• Start/Finish (Velingrad): Main medical center with doctor, paramedics, nurses, medical tent, and 2 ambulances
• Dorkovo (13.6km & 59.3km): Paramedic and nurse with ambulance access
• Danoto Area (26km & 71km): Doctor/advanced paramedic with ambulance - critical zone with steep terrain
• Peshtera (103km): Doctor, paramedics, nurse with ambulance and direct access to Peshtera Hospital
• Additional medical zones at descents near Rakitovo and Peshtera

Nearby hospitals: MBAL Velingrad, Regional hospitals in Pazardzhik and Panagyurishte (Uni Hospital with heliport). Helicopter landing zone available at Chepinets Stadium.

8.4 Emergency Procedures

In case of emergency:

• Stop in a safe location
• Alert other participants and officials
• Call the emergency number: +359 888 000 911
• Provide your race number and location
• Follow instructions from emergency personnel

8.5 Medical Decisions

Event medical staff have the authority to remove any participant from the Event if, in their professional judgment, the participant's health is at risk. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

8.6 Weather Contingency

The Organizer maintains contingency plans including:

• Delay or cancellation protocols
• Heat protocols (additional hydration, medical readiness)
• Storm protocols (rain/wind storm, lightning risk)

9. Liability & Waiver

9.1 Assumption of Risk

Cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. By participating in the Event, you acknowledge and accept that:

• Participation involves risks including but not limited to: falls, collisions, equipment failure, weather conditions, road hazards, traffic, and physical exertion
• The course traverses mountain terrain in the Western Rhodopes with steep descents and technical sections
• These risks may result in serious injury, permanent disability, or death
• You voluntarily assume all such risks

9.2 Release of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, you agree to release, waive, and discharge:

• Gran Fondo Bulgaria Ltd.
• Event sponsors and partners
• Event officials, volunteers, and staff
• Municipality of Velingrad and local authorities

from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from your participation in the Event, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

9.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organizer and related parties from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your participation in the Event
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your negligent or reckless conduct
• Any damage you cause to third parties

10. Insurance

10.1 Event Insurance

The registration fee includes basic accident insurance coverage during the Event. This coverage includes:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Medical evacuation if required
• Third-party liability

10.2 Additional Insurance

Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain additional personal insurance including:

• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Equipment coverage for bicycles and gear
• Medical repatriation coverage

10.3 Life Insurance

All participants need to have life insurance to participate.

11. Media & Photography

11.1 Image Rights

By participating in the Event, you grant the Organizer the right to:

• Photograph, film, and record your participation
• Use your image, likeness, and voice in promotional materials
• Distribute such content across all media platforms

This grant is worldwide, royalty-free, and perpetual.

11.2 Official Photography

Professional photographers will be stationed along the course. Photos will be available for purchase after the Event through our official website.

12. Privacy & Data Protection

12.1 Data Collection

We collect and process personal data as described in our Privacy Policy, including:

• Registration information (name, contact details, date of birth)
• Emergency contact information
• Payment information
• Race timing and results
• GPS tracking data during the Event

12.2 GDPR Compliance

We process your data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For full details, please see our Privacy Policy.

13. Force Majeure

The Organizer shall not be liable for any failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters, severe weather, or acts of God
• War, terrorism, or civil unrest
• Epidemic or pandemic
• Government orders or restrictions
• Infrastructure failures

In such cases, the Organizer will make reasonable efforts to reschedule or provide alternatives.

14. Amendments

The Organizer reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated to registered participants via email. Continued participation after notification constitutes acceptance of the amended Terms.

These Terms are governed by the laws of Bulgaria. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Sofia, Bulgaria.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or the Event, please contact us at the above address.