POGON RACE 2022
The greatest mountain bike race in the borders of Greece and Albania. Ride fast along the beautiful and historic villages of Pogon and enjoy the pristine beauty of an untouched nature. Register now and be part of an unforgettable adventure.
POGON RACE PROGRAM
8:00 - 9:30: Registration at Ancient Theater of Adrianoupolis in Sofratika.
9:30-10:00: Race briefing.
9:30-10:00: Race briefing.
10:00: Start of race.
(Start and finish line will be in Adrianoupolis Ancient Theater. The athletes will compete in a circuit along the villages of Pogon).
16:00: Winners ceremony and after race party.
(Start and finish line will be in Adrianoupolis Ancient Theater. The athletes will compete in a circuit along the villages of Pogon).
16:00: Winners ceremony and after race party.

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Race Details & Information

Useful Information
Useful Information


Race Rules
Race Rules
Riders
• Riders must be in good health and well trained.
• Depending on number of participants riders might start in different starting blocks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone.
• Depending on number of participants riders might start in different starting blocks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone.
Medical
• During the PogonRace, the medical team reserves the right to withdraw a rider who is not deemed physically capable of continuing.
• Any medical expenses incurred will be for the competitors account and will be claimed from their medical aid.
• All competitors need comprehensive medical aid which will cover any medical expense which may be incurred whilst participating in the PogonRace which is conducted in the spirit of self-contained, self-reliant back country cycling.
• Any medical expenses incurred will be for the competitors account and will be claimed from their medical aid.
• All competitors need comprehensive medical aid which will cover any medical expense which may be incurred whilst participating in the PogonRace which is conducted in the spirit of self-contained, self-reliant back country cycling.
Bicycles
• Only Mountain Bikes in good working order will be allowed to start the race.
• Bikes must be marked with official PogonRace number sticker securely fitted and visible. Numbers must not be modified or mutilated in any way, including cutting, adding stickers, removing existing stickers or trimming.
• The bike is in safe working order.
• Maintenance of bicycles during the race is the responsibility of each rider.
• Bike repair services will be provided by outsourced service providers at stage finishes.
• Each rider is recommended to carry a suitable pump or similar device for the tires.
• Bikes must be marked with official PogonRace number sticker securely fitted and visible. Numbers must not be modified or mutilated in any way, including cutting, adding stickers, removing existing stickers or trimming.
• The bike is in safe working order.
• Maintenance of bicycles during the race is the responsibility of each rider.
• Bike repair services will be provided by outsourced service providers at stage finishes.
• Each rider is recommended to carry a suitable pump or similar device for the tires.
Helmets and Clothing
• A rider not wearing a helmet at any stage of the race will be removed from the course immediately.
• All helmets must comply with international “ANSI” standards.
• Appropriate riding attire, including a shirt, must be worn at all times.
• Eye protection is strongly recommended.
• It is recommended that fully enclosed footwear be worn.
• Use of cycling protection gloves for the hands is also recommended.
• All helmets must comply with international “ANSI” standards.
• Appropriate riding attire, including a shirt, must be worn at all times.
• Eye protection is strongly recommended.
• It is recommended that fully enclosed footwear be worn.
• Use of cycling protection gloves for the hands is also recommended.
Obligatory Equipment
• These items must be considered the bare minimum, and it is strongly recommended that riders ensure that they are fully prepared to deal with emergencies they may encounter. The following items must, however, be carried by a rider during the tour:
• Fully charged mobile phone in case of emergency
• Cycling helmet
• Any riders on specific personal medications are responsible for supplying and carrying such medication.
• At least 2 litres liquid capacity per rider.
• Nutrition of at least 300cals
• Multi-tool or bike repair tools.
• Mobile and working telephone.
• Fully charged mobile phone in case of emergency
• Cycling helmet
• Any riders on specific personal medications are responsible for supplying and carrying such medication.
• At least 2 litres liquid capacity per rider.
• Nutrition of at least 300cals
• Multi-tool or bike repair tools.
• Mobile and working telephone.
Cut-off limits & Finish
• The finish line closes at 15h00.
• Riders who are deemed by the Race Organisers to arrive at the finish line after the cut-off time will be swept off the route by the sweep vehicle.
• Riders who are deemed by the Race Organisers to arrive at the finish line after the cut-off time will be swept off the route by the sweep vehicle.
Traffic Regulations
• PogonRace will take place in a closed circuit of country road free of traffic. A small section in the beginning of the course and at the end of it, where cyclist will cross a central national road, will be regulated by the municipal police.
Nutrition and Hydration
• Riders retain the ultimate responsibility to carry enough water and nutrition with them.
• The PogonRace Organisation will provide water and fruit at Feed Stations on the route. More information will be provided to the participants at the race briefing before the start of the race.
• The PogonRace Organisation will provide water and fruit at Feed Stations on the route. More information will be provided to the participants at the race briefing before the start of the race.
Withdrawals
• Any person who cannot continue for whatever reason must immediately inform the PogonRace Staff. This can be done at the Race Start, the Finish or at Water points. Withdrawals will only be official once you have handed in your bike board.
• In the event of a search and rescue operation being initiated for a rider who has withdrawn, but has not informed the PogonRace Organisation team, the cost of the search and rescue operation will be transferred to the rider.
• In the event of a search and rescue operation being initiated for a rider who has withdrawn, but has not informed the PogonRace Organisation team, the cost of the search and rescue operation will be transferred to the rider.
Ethical and Environmental
• No littering or unnecessary damage to the environment will be tolerated.
• Litter, relating to sports nutrition and feeding stations, will be tolerated within the direct area of the feed stations.
• Litter, relating to sports nutrition and feeding stations, will be tolerated within the direct area of the feed stations.
Disqualification
• A Rider may be disqualified at the discretion of the PogonRace Organisation team for any one or more of the following reasons including, but not limited to:
• Riding at any point on any stage without a helmet.
• Excessive littering.
• Disrespect or damage to the environment.
• Bad sportsmanship.
• Abuse of Race Officials.
• Traffic Rule violations.
• Not completing the correct course.
• Riding at any point on any stage without a helmet.
• Excessive littering.
• Disrespect or damage to the environment.
• Bad sportsmanship.
• Abuse of Race Officials.
• Traffic Rule violations.
• Not completing the correct course.
Basic Mountain Bike Racing Rules and Etiquette
• Riders must complete the entire distance of the PogonRace, and the responsibility for following the official route lies with the rider.
• Riders must act in a polite manner at all times, and permit any faster rider to overtake without obstructing.
• Riders must respect the countryside and ride only on the official route. Riders must avoid polluting the area, and not leave any waste or litter.
• No glass containers of any kind are permitted on or near the course.
• Riders must not use offensive or abusive language during the race, act in an unsporting manner, be disrespectful to the officials, or ignore the race regulations.
• Riders must act in a polite manner at all times, and permit any faster rider to overtake without obstructing.
• Riders must respect the countryside and ride only on the official route. Riders must avoid polluting the area, and not leave any waste or litter.
• No glass containers of any kind are permitted on or near the course.
• Riders must not use offensive or abusive language during the race, act in an unsporting manner, be disrespectful to the officials, or ignore the race regulations.
Registration and Briefing
• PogonRace registration takes place at the venue and at the time and place indicated on the race website.
• All riders must have registered by the cut-off time indicated on the race website on the day preceding the first stage of the race.
• A rider must inform the race office if he is substituting another rider. The Race organiser will not be responsible if wrong information is supplied in the event of a medical or other emergency situation when a rider has not completed the substitution form at registration.
• A pre-race briefing will take place at the time and place indicated on the website.
• All riders must have registered by the cut-off time indicated on the race website on the day preceding the first stage of the race.
• A rider must inform the race office if he is substituting another rider. The Race organiser will not be responsible if wrong information is supplied in the event of a medical or other emergency situation when a rider has not completed the substitution form at registration.
• A pre-race briefing will take place at the time and place indicated on the website.

Visit Pogon
Visit Pogon
The region of Pogon is located in the south of Albania near the border with the prefecture of Ioannina (Greece), in the shadow of mountain Nemerçka and is administratively under the Municipality of Dropull. It consists of 7 villages (Sopik, Skore, Poliçan, Selcke, Hllomo, Mavrojer, Çatiste) that enchant the visitors with their traditional stone houses and the untouched beauty of the landscape. Virgin forests with many species of flora and fauna create unique images. You have the feeling of travelling to another era...Today, Pogoni attracts nature lovers and sports enthousiasts (motor sports, mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking, climbing, hiking, etc.). It is an area that maintains its traditional color. In many villages of Pogon one meets old women who wear the traditional "mandila" (headscarf) and the costume of Pogon the so-called Kavadia which was the bridal and official costume of the women.

Useful Information

Race Rules

Visit Pogon
Useful Information

Visit Pogon
The region of Pogon is located in the south of Albania near the border with the prefecture of Ioannina (Greece), in the shadow of mountain Nemerçka and is administratively under the Municipality of Dropull. It consists of 7 villages (Sopik, Skore, Poliçan, Selcke, Hllomo, Mavrojer, Çatiste) that enchant the visitors with their traditional stone houses and the untouched beauty of the landscape. Virgin forests with many species of flora and fauna create unique images. You have the feeling of travelling to another era...Today, Pogoni attracts nature lovers and sports enthousiasts (motor sports, mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking, climbing, hiking, etc.). It is an area that maintains its traditional color. In many villages of Pogon one meets old women who wear the traditional "mandila" (headscarf) and the costume of Pogon the so-called Kavadia which was the bridal and official costume of the women.
Race Rules
Riders
• Riders must be in good health and well trained.
• Depending on number of participants riders might start in different starting blocks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone.
• Depending on number of participants riders might start in different starting blocks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone.
Medical
• During the PogonRace, the medical team reserves the right to withdraw a rider who is not deemed physically capable of continuing.
• Any medical expenses incurred will be for the competitors account and will be claimed from their medical aid.
• All competitors need comprehensive medical aid which will cover any medical expense which may be incurred whilst participating in the PogonRace which is conducted in the spirit of self-contained, self-reliant back country cycling.
• Any medical expenses incurred will be for the competitors account and will be claimed from their medical aid.
• All competitors need comprehensive medical aid which will cover any medical expense which may be incurred whilst participating in the PogonRace which is conducted in the spirit of self-contained, self-reliant back country cycling.
Bicycles
• Only Mountain Bikes in good working order will be allowed to start the race.
• Bikes must be marked with official PogonRace number sticker securely fitted and visible. Numbers must not be modified or mutilated in any way, including cutting, adding stickers, removing existing stickers or trimming.
• The bike is in safe working order.
• Maintenance of bicycles during the race is the responsibility of each rider.
• Bike repair services will be provided by outsourced service providers at stage finishes.
• Each rider is recommended to carry a suitable pump or similar device for the tires.
• Bikes must be marked with official PogonRace number sticker securely fitted and visible. Numbers must not be modified or mutilated in any way, including cutting, adding stickers, removing existing stickers or trimming.
• The bike is in safe working order.
• Maintenance of bicycles during the race is the responsibility of each rider.
• Bike repair services will be provided by outsourced service providers at stage finishes.
• Each rider is recommended to carry a suitable pump or similar device for the tires.
Helmets and Clothing
• A rider not wearing a helmet at any stage of the race will be removed from the course immediately.
• All helmets must comply with international “ANSI” standards.
• Appropriate riding attire, including a shirt, must be worn at all times.
• Eye protection is strongly recommended.
• It is recommended that fully enclosed footwear be worn.
• Use of cycling protection gloves for the hands is also recommended.
• All helmets must comply with international “ANSI” standards.
• Appropriate riding attire, including a shirt, must be worn at all times.
• Eye protection is strongly recommended.
• It is recommended that fully enclosed footwear be worn.
• Use of cycling protection gloves for the hands is also recommended.
Obligatory Equipment
• These items must be considered the bare minimum, and it is strongly recommended that riders ensure that they are fully prepared to deal with emergencies they may encounter. The following items must, however, be carried by a rider during the tour:
• Fully charged mobile phone in case of emergency
• Cycling helmet
• Any riders on specific personal medications are responsible for supplying and carrying such medication.
• At least 2 litres liquid capacity per rider.
• Nutrition of at least 300cals
• Multi-tool or bike repair tools.
• Mobile and working telephone.
• Fully charged mobile phone in case of emergency
• Cycling helmet
• Any riders on specific personal medications are responsible for supplying and carrying such medication.
• At least 2 litres liquid capacity per rider.
• Nutrition of at least 300cals
• Multi-tool or bike repair tools.
• Mobile and working telephone.
Cut-off limits & Finish
• The finish line closes at 15h00.
• Riders who are deemed by the Race Organisers to arrive at the finish line after the cut-off time will be swept off the route by the sweep vehicle.
• Riders who are deemed by the Race Organisers to arrive at the finish line after the cut-off time will be swept off the route by the sweep vehicle.
Traffic Regulations
• PogonRace will take place in a closed circuit of country road free of traffic. A small section in the beginning of the course and at the end of it, where cyclist will cross a central national road, will be regulated by the municipal police.
Nutrition and Hydration
• Riders retain the ultimate responsibility to carry enough water and nutrition with them.
• The PogonRace Organisation will provide water and fruit at Feed Stations on the route. More information will be provided to the participants at the race briefing before the start of the race.
• The PogonRace Organisation will provide water and fruit at Feed Stations on the route. More information will be provided to the participants at the race briefing before the start of the race.
Withdrawals
• Any person who cannot continue for whatever reason must immediately inform the PogonRace Staff. This can be done at the Race Start, the Finish or at Water points. Withdrawals will only be official once you have handed in your bike board.
• In the event of a search and rescue operation being initiated for a rider who has withdrawn, but has not informed the PogonRace Organisation team, the cost of the search and rescue operation will be transferred to the rider.
• In the event of a search and rescue operation being initiated for a rider who has withdrawn, but has not informed the PogonRace Organisation team, the cost of the search and rescue operation will be transferred to the rider.
Ethical and Environmental
• No littering or unnecessary damage to the environment will be tolerated.
• Litter, relating to sports nutrition and feeding stations, will be tolerated within the direct area of the feed stations.
• Litter, relating to sports nutrition and feeding stations, will be tolerated within the direct area of the feed stations.
Disqualification
• A Rider may be disqualified at the discretion of the PogonRace Organisation team for any one or more of the following reasons including, but not limited to:
• Riding at any point on any stage without a helmet.
• Excessive littering.
• Disrespect or damage to the environment.
• Bad sportsmanship.
• Abuse of Race Officials.
• Traffic Rule violations.
• Not completing the correct course.
• Riding at any point on any stage without a helmet.
• Excessive littering.
• Disrespect or damage to the environment.
• Bad sportsmanship.
• Abuse of Race Officials.
• Traffic Rule violations.
• Not completing the correct course.
Basic Mountain Bike Racing Rules and Etiquette
• Riders must complete the entire distance of the PogonRace, and the responsibility for following the official route lies with the rider.
• Riders must act in a polite manner at all times, and permit any faster rider to overtake without obstructing.
• Riders must respect the countryside and ride only on the official route. Riders must avoid polluting the area, and not leave any waste or litter.
• No glass containers of any kind are permitted on or near the course.
• Riders must not use offensive or abusive language during the race, act in an unsporting manner, be disrespectful to the officials, or ignore the race regulations.
• Riders must act in a polite manner at all times, and permit any faster rider to overtake without obstructing.
• Riders must respect the countryside and ride only on the official route. Riders must avoid polluting the area, and not leave any waste or litter.
• No glass containers of any kind are permitted on or near the course.
• Riders must not use offensive or abusive language during the race, act in an unsporting manner, be disrespectful to the officials, or ignore the race regulations.
Registration and Briefing
• PogonRace registration takes place at the venue and at the time and place indicated on the race website.
• All riders must have registered by the cut-off time indicated on the race website on the day preceding the first stage of the race.
• A rider must inform the race office if he is substituting another rider. The Race organiser will not be responsible if wrong information is supplied in the event of a medical or other emergency situation when a rider has not completed the substitution form at registration.
• A pre-race briefing will take place at the time and place indicated on the website.
• All riders must have registered by the cut-off time indicated on the race website on the day preceding the first stage of the race.
• A rider must inform the race office if he is substituting another rider. The Race organiser will not be responsible if wrong information is supplied in the event of a medical or other emergency situation when a rider has not completed the substitution form at registration.
• A pre-race briefing will take place at the time and place indicated on the website.
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