1 Organization and concept
The Circolo degli Ufficiali Bellinzona (the Officers’ circle of Bellinzona) organises an international military sport competition under the heading “Military Cross Bellinzona” for civil and military athletes.
The competition is a relay biathlon race characterised by 4 legs (to be run, as a whole, by 3 runners and 1 biker) and some special testing posts, respectively at the end of the 1st and in the middle of the 4nd leg, as indicated under paragraph 4.
Each team, to be formed by 4 members, must cut the finish line with the baton that will be provided at the start of the first leg. Within the individual category, the participants will run all the four legs without having to attend any special test.
2 Categories
Both men and women may participate in the competition within the following categories:
A – Military units and troops corps, recruits’ and cadres’ schools, Military Security formations, military and paramilitary associations;
B – Associations and sporting groups;
C – Police, border guards, firemen, civil protection formations;
D – Individuals (men and women), without any tests to be attended;
E – Women team.
Teams with mixed genders are in category A, B or C.
3 Rules for each track
The start will be ordered to groups of participants at short intermediate intervals to be decided by the Organizing Committee. The starting order will be drawn on the day prior to the race. The participants who will not present themselves at the start at the foreseen time will have to start after the last group. The participants are responsible for their own safety and must pay the required attention to the persons or the things that may be met on their way during the competition. The participants must follow the track indicated by the organization; failure to do so will imply disqualification. The participants are responsible for reaching autonomously their respective changeover zones.
3.1 Track I – Piazza del Sole –Torretta bridge, runner
The first runner, upon departure, must wear the baton according to point 4.3 of this document. Before the changeover, except for the individual category, the runner must attend a test involving the launch of a fake hand grenade according to the indications under paragraph 4.
3.2 Track II – Torretta bridge, biker
The participants covering the 2nd leg must use their own mountain bike and wear a bike helmet (that will be checked by the Organizing Committee).
The competitions’ track is, in principle, closed to the motor traffic; the participants are nonetheless required to pay the necessary attention to pedestrians, bikers and vehicles that may be possibly met on their way. The leg foresees an off-road passage. Pay close attention to the walkways that cross the river (bridges) and carefully follow the signs. On the walkways that cross the river (bridges) it’s forbidden to overtake other competitors.
3.3 Track III – Torretta bridge – Sasso Corbaro Castle, runner
The runner runs through all the three castles following the indicated track.
3.4 Track IV – Sasso Corbaro Castle – Piazza del Sole, runner
The runner must pay attention on the downhill and the road. For safety reasons he/she shall constantly run on the sidewalk. Just before the arrival line there will be a shooting test (see point 4), except for the individual category. At the finish the baton must be re-handed over.
4 Special tests
4.1 Track I and IV, training for the special tests
The participants covering the 1st and the 4th leg must respectively attend a test requiring the launch of a fake hand grenade and shooting with a rifle. The material for these tests (including the weapon) will be provided on site by the Organizing Committee.
4.2 Hits and penalties
Launch: The participant will only be allowed to make one attempt. The participant that hits the target will continue the competition; otherwise the participant must cover a (marked) supplementary distance prior to relay the next team’s member.
Shooting: The participant must hit all 5 targets assigned. Every mistake is penalized with 15 seconds of penalty.
Targets are considered hit if:
– the fake hand grenades land within or hit the internal part of the target area
– shooting: the automatic target lowers
4.3 Baton
The baton consists of an anklet with integrated chip for detecting times. During the race it is compulsory to fasten it to the ankle and can be removed only at the hand over to the next competitor for the team categories, respectively at the end of the race. It is strictly forbidden to throw the baton and wearing it in other ways (in your hand, in your pocket, ...). In case of loss, the cost (CHF 65.-) is charged to the team leader (contact person).
5 Competing gear and uniform
5.1 During the competition
Sporting gear and shoes for everybody in all categories
5.2 For the awarding ceremony
Ceremony uniform for military formations and corps representing institutions (categories A and C).
Uniform gear for teams participating in other categories.
6 Timing
6.1 Overall timing
The overall timing is calculated from the start to the finish. An electronic and chip-based time tracking system will be used. The rank will be assessed based on the overall timing. The maximum overall timing allowed is decided by the organizing committee and is 02:00 hours for the team category (A, B, C and E) and 02:15 hours for the category D.
6.2 Time for the special tests
The time spent at the test posts is considered for the calculation of the overall time.
6.3 Timing of each leg
For the teams and the individual category, the leg’s timing is calculated at the passage indicated at the changeover areas.
7 Disqualification
The team will be disqualified in the following cases:
– if the baton is not being re-consigned at the finish.
– in the event of other breaches of these racing rules.
The sanctions are decided by the jury, who is the guarantor of the application of the present racing rules and who is the competent authority to decide in case of disagreements about its application. There is not right of appeal against the jury’s decision.
8 Claims
Any complaints must be sent in writing within 30 minutes from the end of the competition to the jury that will decide final.
9 Food and drink supplies
The Organizing Committee will provide water and energy drinks at the start, at the finish and at each changeover area. After the awarding ceremony the Organizing Committee will offer a standing dinner to all the announced participants and supporters. The organizing committee organizes the lunch for the collaborators and the teams that request it.
10 Health service
A team of doctors and qualified personnel will be guaranteed along the whole racing track via efficient radio network. All accidents must be reported to the competition’s management. The report must indicate the following data: family name, name, date of birth, address of the injured person and a brief description of the accident.
11 Insurance coverage
The participants who are active members of the Swiss armed forces (basic military training or advancing service) are covered by the Military Insurance. Those who do not fulfil this condition are personally responsible for their necessary individual insurance coverage. The clothing and personal gear are not covered by the insurance.
12 Registration
The registration fee is decided by the Organising Committee. The registration fee includes the final reception, but neither meals nor overnight stays. The registrations and the fee payments must reach the Organising Committee within the deadline decided by the Organising Committee before the competition (see the registration form).
13 Particular rules
The present racing rules are drafted in Italian, German, French and English. In case of divergences the Italian version applies.
Version: 11 January 2020
