We introduced the E-Bike category at Husqvarna Adria Bike Series marathons back in 2017 and were the first in the region (and even beyond) to accept everyone who loves bikes and cycling, and doesn’t mind using a motor.
In the meantime, the popularity of E-Bikes has grown to unprecedented levels, and the number of participants in the E-Bike category has increased to a record number – approximately 100 participants in 2023 at Krk ‘n’ Roll. But, with the rise in popularity, technological capabilities have also grown, so these days many types of chips are easily available, both software and hardware, that remove the legally limited motor assistance of up to 25 km/h – and allow the motor assistance to go beyond 25 km/h limit.
The rules of Adria Bike Series races clearly state that E-Bikes must be limited to assistance up to 25 km/h. However, in recent years, there have been many complaints about certain participants who, according to other competitors, had removed their limiters and were faster. Significantly faster… Especially on sections where such assistance has an effect, such as on flat parts of course and uphill. Given the extremely modern “chip” technology for E-Bike motors and the technical requirements for a detailed inspection of all E-Bikes (almost impossible without opening the motor), we decided to use the old and proven method of speed control – TACHOGRAPHS.
What are tachographs? A tachograph is a device used to record data about the vehicle’s ride, especially for freight vehicles and buses. Its main purpose is to monitor and record the driver’s working time, including driving time, rest, vehicle speed and distance traveled.
As tachographs do not exist for bicycles, all E-Bike marathon participants this year will be equipped with truck tachographs installed on the rear axle.
What?
Just kidding.
However, it doesn’t make sense for us to dismantle motors to figure out who is using illegal tricks in our recreational races, especially in the E-Bike category, which should serve to promote bicycles, cycling, and the entire wonderful world you discover when you discover bicycle.
Therefore, starting this season, we are changing the rules in the E-Bike category (but not with tachographs). All participants in the E-Bike marathon will still start together, will have starting numbers, and will have their times measured, but there will be no medals, winners or awards ceremony. There will also be no infamous “handicap”, and there will be only two categories: E-Bike Men and E-Bike Women.
The new feature we’re introducing is the “Golden Time”.
What is the Golden Time?
The Golden Time is the time a participant must achieve (or exceed) in order to be declared a Golden Men or Golden Women. All who succeed will be called to the “stage” during the awards ceremony and will receive their symbolic reward for this achievement, a group photo and their 5 minutes of fame.
And how will the Golden Time be determined?
It’s quite simple. The Golden Time will be the time achieved by the fastest competitor on the same course, but in the “classic” MTB category, i.e. without an electric motor. For the Men’s category – the best time of the men will be taken, and for the Women’s category – the fastest woman’s time will be the “Golden Time”.
It might sound easy at first, but this is the pace of top cyclists who train day after day, push their own limits, and achieve their results with incredible dedication. If you try to achieve the “Golden Time”, you’ll realize how fast, in fact, they actually are.
See you at the start line – with respect for everyone who turns the pedals honestly in every category!