Giro de Shonai 2023
Event date: Sunday September 10th 2023
Application period opens: Wednesday May 10th 2023

【Event Courses】
A Course　210km
B Course　140km
C Course　75km

【Start/Goal Meeting Area】 Roadside Station Shonai-Mikawa Irorihi-no-Sato
172-1 Tsutsumi Yokoyama, Mikawa Town, Higashitagawa District, Yamagata Prefecture（山形県東田川郡三川町横山堤１７２−１）

【Event regulations】
1) Participants are expected to be generally in good health at the time of the event.
2) Participants must be at least 6 years of age.
3) Riders between the ages of 6 and 13 however may only participate in the 75km C course. Participants aged 15 and under are limited to participating in the 140km B course and below.
4) For participants of the disabled community that require the accompaniment of a companion or special assistance, please make the necessary arrangements for a companion ahead of time as no companions will be provided by this event at this time. Companions must also submit an application form.
5) All minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

【Event structure】
This event is not a race, it is a long-distance cycling event which properly observes Japan’s traffic rules.
Participants are required to ride on the left side of the road, obey traffic lights and follow other road rules, unless otherwise instructed.
Aid stations (rest areas designated by the organizers) are set up throughout the course to observe the safety of participants, and in addition, a general time limit is set to confirm participants’ general whereabouts. Other driving rules, as described in a separate section below, will be provided to raise participants’ awareness for safety.
The main objective is to complete the course rather than winning or losing. This event is more about enjoying the surroundings and the community.

【Rules of the event】
A. Event Rules
1) Road traffic will not be diverted or regulated to accommodate for this event and so all cyclists are expected to comply with all rules and regulations of traffic safety.
2) While riding in the course, participants should aim for the individual aid stations along the route denoted by the symbols (AS).
3) The event guide map will be posted on the event website.
4) There is a general set time limit of operation at each aid station.

B. Riding Rules
1) Thoroughly comply with all traffic regulations.
2) Do not stray off of the designated course route.
3) Overtaking cars on downhill slopes is prohibited.
4) Slipstreaming is prohibited.
5) It is prohibited to obstruct the flow of general traffic. (Example: supporting a participant by driving alongside them in a car)
6) At times when the traffic is light, it is easy to feel relaxed however please always be aware of sudden oncoming vehicles and potential blind spots.
7) Riding in rows of three or more bicycles alongside one another is prohibited as it may obstruct traffic.

C. Upon Starting
1) In consideration of traffic and to avoid confusion, there will be a staggered start time.
2) The reception point will be the final confirmation of your intention to start on the day of the event. Riders who decide to withdraw from the event after the initial start of the course must inform the reception of their decision.
3) If prior to the event, you are feeling unwell or fatigued, please prioritize your health and the safety of everyone around you and consider withdrawing from the event.

D. Self-check
1) Please check your tire pressure before the start of the event. If the tire pressure is insufficient or overinflated, the risk of punctures will increase dramatically and may hinder your ability to participate in the event.
2) Always keep track of your physical condition while riding. If you feel a sudden or gradual decrease in your cognitive ability during the event, it is best to stop and reevaluate if it is best to continue or not. If you force yourself to match a pace that is not realistically sustainable in the long run, you may fall ill or get injured and become unable to continue.

E. Emergency procedure
1) In the event of a traffic accident:
A. Be sure to call the police and handle the accident accordingly.
B. Additionally please immediately report the incident to the staff.
2) For minor injuries caused by falling, cars, etc., first aid can be received at the first aid station, but the subsequent treatment is the responsibility of the participant themself.
3) If you find a rider that has fallen, please stop and assess as to if the rider is able to continue or not or requires additional assistance.
4) If you hit your head when you fall off, do not force yourself to restart and please call the staff for assistance.

F. Equipment trouble
1) Spare tires or equipment are not provided by the event.
2) Participants should carry portable pumps, spare tubes, puncture repair tools, etc., and the participants are expected to be able to perform basic road maintenance all on their own in case of emergency.
*Tip: Master the skill of flat tire repair! It’s essential as a cyclist!
3) If the cycle becomes significantly damaged, it will be treated as retirement from the event, so please make sure your cycle is in good condition leading up to the event.

G. Retirement from the event
1) If you cannot pass the aid station checkpoints within the time limit allotted, or if it is judged that your physical or mental condition is impaired to the extent that you are at high risk of injury or danger, you may be asked to retire from the event.
2) Retired participants should follow the staff’s instructions thereafter.
I. Punitive course of action
1) Participants who do not follow the rules or the instructions of the staff, or participants who are significantly lacking in safety awareness will be removed from the event at the discretion of the staff.
Giro de Shonai is named after the Italian Giro d’Italia, a three-week Grand Tour cycling stage race. In Giro de Shonai, participants can experience the deep nature of the vast Shonai Plain, the Dewa Mountains, the Sea of Japan, as well as the rich culinary culture of the region, which has been recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, through this long-distance cycling event.

■Compensation
Compensation for death: up to 10 million yen / Compensation for permanent disability: 10 million yen / Daily hospitalization fee: 5,000 yen / Daily outpatient fee: 3,000 yen

■Insurance company
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance
*Please note that any damage, loss, theft or otherwise regarding bicycles are not covered by insurance.

■Personal liability insurance has been mandatory in Yamagata Prefecture since July 1, 2020.

■Insurance inquiries: Shoko Insurance Service Co., Ltd. 0235-25-3625