OZ Stage Race Rules

We like to keep things simple at the 2026 OZ stage race. Our number one priority is to ensure a fair and safe racing environment for all competitors. However, a race of this scale and uniqueness also requires all competitors to do their part in helping us achieve that goal. Here are a few basic rules of the event, so that we can all enjoy the experience.

RULE #1-Be courteous on course.  We make every attempt to ensure a smooth race flow out on course, by sending off race waves based on skill and rider speed. However, there are going to be instances where faster riders come up on slower riders. We ask faster riders to politely call out to the slower rider that they are approaching to overtake them. We also ask that slower riders move out of the way, when possible, to allow the leaders through before continuing with your own race. No bullying, rough riding or foul language will be tolerated.  Any reports or observation of the above, is grounds for immediate DQ and no refund.

RULE #2-No Outside Assistance. A rider cannot receive outside assistance on course from team staff, family or friends. This includes water bottles, food or clothing handouts, or assistance with mechanical issues. A rider may only receive help in the designated aid stations and/or feed zones on course. We allow 1 team member per rider in the feed zone to keep the congestion in those zones to a minimum. 

*The one exemption to this rule is riders racing in teams may assist one another out on course with tools or food and drink.

RULE # 3-No course cutting. While the course will be well marked, cheaters going to cheat. To discourage course cutting, we will place intermediate time check mats on course at undisclosed locations during each stage. Riders who do not pass through these electronic check points will be docked at the race official’s discretion. We also ask that riders police themselves out on course and report any violations to the race officials at the finish.

The course will have a combination of signs, cones, and ribbon to mark the course.  ALWAYS keep the ribbon on your RIGHT side when out in the woods.  This tells you you’re heading in the right direction.  Cones, Arrows, and other signage will be at all major intersections as well OZF staff, volunteers, or police personnel. 

RULE # 4-Two minute drill. For those racing in teams of two, you and your race partner must cross the finish line within 2 minutes or less of each other. For any team who has a member finishing outside of 2 mins of their partner, a time penalty will be added to the finishing time. Ex: Team Buddy Blazers finishes 5 mins apart from one another. In this scenario, a 3-minute penalty will be added to the team’s first rider finishing time finishing time (5min -2 min=3 min penalty).  So, consider this strategy when racing with your partner.

RULE #5-Stage Time Bonuses.  A 10/6/4 second bonus is up for grabs on every stage for the top 3 race finishers in all categories. This will include Thursday’s prologue, so race hard, every second counts.

RULE #6-Category Call Up’s.  The top 10 riders in their respective category from Thursday’s prologue will be used to set the start grid for stage #1 on Friday. Riders not attending the prologue will be seeded according to when they signed up. Stages #2 and #3, call ups will be sorted based on O/A race time.

RULE #7-Be alert. Due to the nature of this urban stage race, you may encounter pedestrians, cars, animals, etc. on course. We make every attempt to ensure rider safety out on course, however, due to the complexity and uniqueness of the stage race layout, riders need to be alert on course for potential dangers and take some responsibility for their wellbeing. 

RULE #8-Have Fun. This is #1 in our book. We all share a passion for riding and racing with our friends and that is why we created the OZ Stage race experience. Keep this in mind when racing with us, because there is nothing we are giving away that is worth anyone’s health or safety.