Empire Lands Rules

Empire Lands is a bikepacking event in unsupported mode, single-stage, open to solo cyclists or pairs, without any external support.

  1. The timer does not stop from start to finish, and participants must follow the provided route, with mandatory passage through checkpoints established by the organizers.
  2. The regulations are based on ensuring your safety and guaranteeing a fair adventure throughout the event.
  3. Any standard commercial bicycle with reasonable personal modifications is allowed. The route, 70% off-road, is designed for gravel bikes and is also suitable for MTB.
  4. Registration fees are non-refundable.
    • In case of cancellation/withdrawal by April 6, 2025, the registration will be transferred to the following year’s edition.
    • If cancellation/withdrawal occurs after this date, the fee will not be refunded or transferred, and participants will be marked as DNS (Do Not Start).
  5. Participants must provide emergency contact details for their next of kin.
  6. To be a finisher of Empire Lands, you must comply with the following main rules:
    a. Ride from start to finish, following the route and passing through the mandatory checkpoints specified on the event’s website.
    b. No external support. Food, drinks, and equipment must be carried or purchased at available commercial outlets along the route.
    c. All participants must retain proof of their completed track and ensure their tracking device is functional.
    d. Insurance, a helmet, and safety equipment for night riding (lights, reflective clothing, etc.) are mandatory.
    e. Participants acknowledge that they will always ride on open roads and must be familiar with and follow Italian road regulations. Due to the nature of the event and Italian law, Empire Lands is classified as a non-competitive social activity, with no road closures or safety and rescue services provided throughout the route.
    f. Riding in complete autonomy along the route is mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding registration for an Empire Lands event:

We recommend first consulting the information in the events section and carefully reading the rules.

  1. What is required to proceed with registration through the form?
    Your personal information.
  2. What is not required at the time of registration?
    Cycling Federation card, Medical Certificate, Insurance (only for non-Italian participants). If unavailable, these can be submitted later after completing the registration.
  3. By when must the required documentation be submitted?
    As soon as valid documentation for the event period is available and no later than April 6, 2025. Send it via email, specifying your name/surname/event in the subject line.
  4. How do I know if my registration was successful?
    You will receive a confirmation email at the address provided. Check your spam folder, as such messages might occasionally end up there.
  5. By when do I need to complete the payment?
    Payment must be completed within 5 days of registration via bank transfer to the coordinates received by email.
  6. Until when are the rates indicated in the form valid?
    Rates are valid until January 12, 2025. From January 13, 2025, increased rates will apply.
  7. Are spots limited?
    To ensure a positive experience for all participants, spots are limited by category, and registration will automatically close when the maximum number of participants is reached. We recommend registering early to secure your spot, as once closed, it cannot be reopened.
  8. I don’t have a Medical Certificate yet. Can I register?
    Yes, you can register, but you must submit a valid competitive medical certificate by April 6, 2025, without which you will not be allowed to start. No exceptions.
  9. I’m not a member of any cycling federation. Can I participate?
    No. In Italy, participating in any cycling event, even non-competitive, requires membership in an EPS (e.g., FCI, ACSI, Csain, UISP) or the UCI, or a foreign federation recognized by the UCI.
  10. What should I do if I’m not a member of an Italian or UCI-recognized cycling federation?
    You need to join a cycling team affiliated with a federation. If you don’t have one, we can register you with our cycling team. Contact us to request membership, and we will send you the form and all the information about the required documents for registration.
  11. I’m Italian. Do I need to be a UCI member?
    All Italian cycling federations and EPS are valid. Triathlon federations are also valid in Italy.
  12. I’m not Italian. How can I check if my team’s federation is recognized by the UCI?
    Ask your team to provide your UCI number. If the team belongs to a federation recognized by the UCI, your membership is valid. You can also visit the UCI website to check the recognized federations in each country.