Welcome to around2k. This is not just a race; it's a demanding, self-supported adventure. The following rules exist not to restrict you, but to ensure a level playing field for all participants and to uphold the spirit of self-reliance that defines ultra-distance cycling. By registering, you agree to read, understand, and abide by these rules. Your safety is your own responsibility.

• Age: All participants must be 18 years of age or older on the day of the start.

• Medical Certificate: To confirm your fitness to participate, a medical certificate issued by a doctor (dated within one year of the start date) must be submitted digitally prior to the event start.

• Insurance: It is mandatory for every participant to have their own personal health and accident insurance. Additionally, a personal third-party liability insurance is mandatory. Proof of your third-party liability insurance must be submitted digitally prior to the event start. This is not negotiable.

• Acceptance of Risk: Ultra-distance cycling carries inherent risks, including but not limited to serious injury or death. By registering, you acknowledge these risks and accept full responsibility for your own safety and decisions throughout the event. You will be required to sign a waiver before the start.

You must carry the following items at all times. Gear checks are performed before the start.

• Bike: A mechanically sound bicycle suitable for mixed-terrain riding (gravel, forest tracks, sand, tarmac).

• Helmet: A certified cycling helmet must be worn at all times while riding.

• Lights: A powerful white front light and a red rear light. You must have a reliable charging solution (dynamo or power bank) sufficient for multiple nights of riding. A backup light for both front and rear is mandatory.

• Visibility: A reflective vest, gilet, or harness is mandatory. Additional reflective tape on your bike and gear is strongly encouraged.

• GPS Tracker: An official GPS tracker, rented by the organization, must be on and transmitting at all times.

• Navigation: A primary navigation device (GPS computer) loaded with the official event route. A backup navigation solution (e.g., a smartphone with the route) is mandatory.

• Emergency Equipment:

  • A thermal emergency blanket or bivy sack.

  • A basic first-aid kit (e.g., bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relief, blister care).

  • A reliable mobile phone, fully charged.

• Repair Kit: A kit to fix common mechanical issues, including multiple spare tubes (if you run tubeless, a repair kit and at least one spare tube), a pump, multi-tool, chain tool, and spare links.

The around2k is governed by the principles of self-reliance.

• The Unsupported Ethos: You must complete the entire route under your own power. All food, drink, and accommodation must be procured from commercial sources that are equally available to all participants (e.g., supermarkets, bakeries, hotels, campsites) or be carried with you from the start.

• No Private Support: You are not permitted to have a private support vehicle or receive any pre-arranged private assistance along the route. This includes friends, family, or dedicated supporters providing food, shelter, or mechanical aid. Using services of a friend who happens to live on the route is only permitted if that friend runs a commercial business (e.g., a public bike shop or café) and the service is available to all other riders under the same terms.

• The Official Route: You must follow the official GPX route from start to finish. Deviating from the route is only permitted for resupply, accommodation, or emergencies. You must always return to the exact point where you left the route to continue.

• Riding Together & Drafting: We believe community is built on the track. Riding together is a core part of the around2k spirit. Therefore, drafting other registered around2k participants is absolutely encouraged. Work together, share the effort, and build camaraderie. However, to ensure a fair challenge, drafting non-participants or any kind of vehicle is strictly forbidden.

• Traffic Laws: You must obey all German traffic laws at all times. You are riding on public roads open to traffic.

• Leave No Trace: Respect the environment. Do not leave any litter. Follow all local regulations in nature reserves.

• Scratching (Withdrawing): If you decide to withdraw from the race, you must inform the Race Director immediately via the official emergency contact number with a short info why you scratched and if you need help, and your location.

The spirit of the event relies on your integrity. However, any violation of these rules may result in a time penalty or immediate disqualification, at the discretion of the Race Director. The Race Director's decision is final.

From its inception, around2k has been designed with sustainability at its core. We believe that epic adventures should not come at a great cost to our planet. This philosophy is reflected in two key aspects of the event: our route design and our travel policy.

A Smarter Route for a Lighter Footprint

We have intentionally designed around2k as a loop course, starting and finishing in the same city, Leipzig. This significantly reduces the logistical complexity and travel footprint for every rider. There is no need for extra travel from a remote finish line back to your vehicle or a transport hub—your adventure ends exactly where it began, simplifying your logistics and minimizing unnecessary traffic.

The "Fly Less" Challenge

We strongly encourage all European participants to avoid air travel. A core tenet of around2k is celebrating the world-class adventures waiting on our own doorstep. We challenge you to make your journey to the start line part of the adventure itself by using more sustainable transport like trains, buses, carpooling, or even your bike.

For Our Intercontinental Riders: Fly & Compensate

We also recognize that around2k is an adventure that appeals to riders globally, and we do not want to exclude anyone. For participants coming from other continents where flying is realistically unavoidable, you are absolutely welcome.

In this case, we ask that you commit to offsetting the carbon footprint of your flight. This is a mandatory step for all who travel by air. By taking this action of personal responsibility, you help us collectively uphold the sustainable spirit of the event. We trust you to use a reputable service for carbon offsetting.

This entire policy is based on shared responsibility and the honor system that is fundamental to our community. Let's work together to make around2k a benchmark for sustainable adventure.