HPV World Championships 2025 Logo

This page contains the official regulations for the HPV World Championships 2025 in English. You can translate this content into other major languages using the translation widget in the upper right corner.

BY PARTICIPATING IN THE RACES, ALL PARTICIPANTS CONFIRM THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS AND ACCEPT THE CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION CONTAINED THEREIN.

1. INTRODUCTION

From July 11th to 13th, 2025, ASD Velocità a Pedali will organize the Recumbent World Championship 2025 (English: "Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) World Championship 2025") in the Lake Maggiore area, specifically in the municipalities of Meina, Arona, and Gattico-Veruno, featuring the following individual competitions:

Only human-powered vehicles (HPVs) are allowed in the races. These HPV racing rules are essential for all participants.

2. REGISTRATION FOR HPV WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025

To register for the championship, please send an email to iscrizioni@velocitapedali.it with the following information:

Click here for full details on the registration procedure

3. START NUMBERS / TRANSPONDERS

Start numbers must be clearly visible on the vehicle. Electronic timing with transponders (MyLaps ProChip system) will be used. Transponders can be rented at the registration desk and must be mounted on the bike (no higher than hub height). The transponder rental cost is included in the registration fee. If the transponder is not returned, an additional €100 will be charged. If numbers or the transponder are missing, no result will be produced for the participant.

4. HPV RACE CATEGORIES AND CLASSES

Categories (upon reaching at least 3 participants per category)

Further subdivisions into categories may be added based on participants.

Gender and Age Classes

Each of the above categories will be further divided into the following classes:

Scoring

For each combination of category and class, there will be a classification of all individual competitions ("class classification"), provided that at least three participants are classified in the combination. Otherwise, the organizers reserve the right to combine classes. Additionally, an overall classification will be created for all classes and categories. The category will be determined before the start of the competition and cannot be changed between individual competitions.

5. SAFETY AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HPVS

Fairing: A fairing is defined as any rigid or soft structure designed to improve a vehicle's aerodynamics. The fairing can be "front," if it covers the front section of the rider up to seat height. It is "rear," if it covers the part behind the seat. Structural coverage of the bicycle, such as frame parts or accessories (e.g., wheel fairings), is not considered a fairing unless it explicitly functions to alter airflow involving the rider. For any doubts or special situations, consult the organizer.

Helmet: To receive start numbers, vehicles and helmets must be approved by the organizer during a technical inspection. The use of unapproved vehicles or helmets for the race is prohibited. This is a key part of the HPV safety requirements.

Brakes: Each bicycle must have sufficient braking power (at least two braked wheels) and stability (in motion), in compliance with the Highway Code.

Attachments/Sharp Protruding Parts: All attachments and aerodynamic accessories must be securely fastened so they cannot loosen during the race. Bicycles with sharp protruding parts or open tube ends are considered unsafe, and corresponding defects must be repaired before the bicycle can be approved for competition.

Chain Guard: The chainring must be covered by a fixed guard or a sturdy rotating chain guard. Guards must be free of sharp edges. The only exception to this rule is if the chainring is located within a fairing or is protected by the frame.

Power: Vehicles must be propelled exclusively by human power. Non-human power sources (batteries, solar cells, etc.) are only allowed to power sensors, displays, communication equipment, and lights. Control devices, cooling fans, powered aerodynamic devices, etc., cannot be powered by non-muscular sources.

Energy Storage: No device that stores energy for more than one input power cycle (e.g., one pedal stroke) or releases energy under the rider's control may be used. Energy storage devices are allowed in these events provided no energy is stored before the event begins (this means absolutely no chemical, electrical, kinetic, potential, or other forms of energy storage at the start).

Integrity: No parts or components may be voluntarily removed from any vehicle after it has started moving. All external devices that are not an integral part of the vehicle and are temporarily attached to provide stability or assistance during the start are prohibited. This includes launching dollies. Assistance from one person for the sole purpose of maintaining balance at the start is permitted.

Geometry: Vehicle geometry cannot be changed during use, apart from the steering device.

Removal of Fairing or Part Thereof: The vehicle must participate in races in the configuration of the class in which the technical checks were performed. Removal or modification of components is allowed but must not change its class (e.g., removing the canopy of a velomobile is allowed, but removing the fairing of a partially faired recumbent is not).

Visibility: The vehicle must ensure front and side visibility for the driver to have sufficient safety, especially during overtaking. A field of view effectively covering at least 180° is required. Mirrors are not mandatory but strongly recommended.

Audible Warning Device: The presence of an effective audible warning device is strongly recommended to ensure greater safety, especially for faster vehicles.

Participants must be able to exit the vehicle without assistance (required in case of mechanical defect or accident).

6. FAIR PLAY IN RACES

All participants are required to show mutual consideration and fairness. Riders must not behave aggressively or intimidatingly towards other riders on the course (neither verbally nor through their riding style). The use of drugs and performance-enhancing substances currently banned in professional cycling competitions is strictly prohibited. All participants agree to respect the environment and not to throw anything onto public roads (papers, bottles, cans, etc.). A trash bin will be provided in the start area for disposing of any waste produced.

Overtaking

When overtaking, the faster rider is responsible for overtaking safely. The slower rider being overtaken is not obliged to yield their position and is free to follow a reasonable race line, but must not deliberately obstruct the overtaking rider.

The organizer reserves the right to exclude participants who violate race etiquette and endanger others from the competition.

7. PARTICIPANTS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD

The minimum age to participate is 14 years old on the first day of the event. Participants under 18 years old as of 11/07/2025 must provide a consent form signed by their parents to participate in the event. Participants under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Race organizers are only responsible for the safety and well-being of young people during the races they participate in. On registration day, the accompanying adult must provide their contact details (e.g., mobile number), which organizers will keep only for the duration of the event in case they need to be contacted in an emergency (e.g., in case of an accident during the race).

8. COMPILATION OF OVERALL RANKINGS

To establish the overall and class rankings, competitors will be awarded a number of points for each individual event based on their placement and performance relative to previously and subsequently ranked competitors. For hill climbs and sprints, travel time is the measure of performance; for circuit races, it is the gap to the previously and subsequently placed competitor:

The first and last Nth-placed competitor will receive one and N points respectively, multiplied by 2 for the hill climb and 3 for the circuit race. If a competitor does not participate in an individual race, they will receive 10% more points than the last ranked competitor. For class rankings, the respective performances (time or delay) within individual classes are considered for point calculation - for the overall ranking. The winner is the participant with the fewest points. In the class ranking, the rank and reference value for performance (time or gap) refer to participants of the same class and category combination. In the overall ranking, all participants will be considered.

9. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE FOR HPV COMPETITION

For Italian residents, participation is subject to regular possession of a medical certificate of fitness for competitive cycling as per ex DM 18/02/1982 (certificates for other sports such as triathlon, duathlon, football, athletics, etc., are not valid), valid for the entire period of the event (July 11-13, 2025).

For Foreign Participants (International Athletes):

For participants residing outside of Italy: a certificate of fitness to participate in competitive cycling events issued by a medical practitioner in their country of residence is required. We encourage using the "Health Certificate for cardiovascular intensive sport activity" form, attachment no. 3 to the current FCI Implementing Rules, which can be downloaded below. This certificate serves as a confirmation from a qualified medical professional that you are fit to engage in competitive cycling, ensuring the safety of all participants in the HPV World Championships.

In other words, for foreign athletes, Italian regulations allow participation in the event by presenting a simple certificate signed by a general practitioner, confirming fitness for high-intensity cardiovascular sports. Unlike Italian competitors, there is no need to undergo extensive medical examinations or specific tests. This significantly simplifies the process, avoiding bureaucratic complications that could arise in many countries due to the lack of equivalent structures to those in Italy.

Alternatively, a sports card or any official document that, in your country of residence, allows participation in a cycling sports event requiring high cardiovascular effort (competitive) is also accepted, such as a Ufolep cycling sports card.

On the contrary, if it is possible to undergo a sports medical examination, similar to the Italian regulations, you may provide a medical certificate issued in your country of residence that meets the following requirements:

  • The certificate must be issued by a licensed medical specialist in sports medicine, cardiology, or internal medicine.
  • The certificate must explicitly state that you are fit to participate in competitive cycling events (or similar wording that clearly indicates your suitability for high-intensity cycling).
  • The certificate must be valid for the entire duration of the event.
  • The certificate must include the following information, at a minimum:
    • Full name and date of birth
    • Address and nationality
    • Date of the medical examination
    • Physician's signature and official stamp (including address and phone number)

The medical certificate must be valid for the entire duration of the event (July 11-13, 2025).

10. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Disclaimer of Liability and Risk Awareness:
The organizers decline all responsibility for adverse health-related events of participants resulting from failure to submit the required medical certificate or from submitting an unsuitable or untruthful certificate. Athletes registered for the event will be covered by sports event insurance (mandatory in Italy). The fee includes third-party liability insurance and accident insurance for participants. The organizers are not responsible for theft or loss of participants' personal belongings, unless such events are directly attributable to their negligence. By registering for the event, participants declare they are aware of the risks associated with sports activity, including high cardiovascular exertion, and accept such risks. They also declare they are in good health, as attested by the submitted medical certificate. For questions or doubts about these HPV competition rules: contact info@velocitapedali.it.

11. ORGANIZERS

ASD Velocità a Pedali
www.velocitapedali.it

12. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The official race program will always be available on the website and at the Infocenter at the Meina sports field. Please pay attention to this program, especially for start times. A possible delay may result in disqualification for the respective race.

Competition Details.

Hill Climb Event

The start will be in 3 or 4 groups based on category and at 5-minute intervals. Riders must be present at least 15 minutes before their group's start time. If a vehicle needs assistance to start, it must start from the back of the grid. Scoring will be based on travel time (the rider with the shortest time wins). The events will take place on an asphalt course with roads closed to traffic. Safety personnel will ensure that no vehicles can endanger the athletes. The area will be appropriately fenced, and notices will be posted to the local population so they are aware of the competitors' presence. Appropriate safety structures (hay bales, mattresses, etc.) will be set up at the most dangerous points to safeguard the athletes' health as much as possible. An ambulance with a doctor for first aid will always be present.

Sprint Events

Starts will be individual within a predefined time interval. The start interval is 1 minute (or less if necessary). Riders must be present at least 5 minutes before their start time. Starting assistance is allowed. Scoring will be based on travel time in the 800-meter standing start sprint (the rider with the shortest travel time wins) or the average of the last 100 meters in the 100-meter flying sprint. The events will take place on an asphalt course with roads closed to traffic. Safety personnel will ensure that no vehicles can endanger the athletes. The area will be appropriately fenced, and notices will be posted to the local population so they are aware of the competitors' presence. Appropriate safety structures (hay bales, mattresses, etc.) will be set up at the most dangerous points to safeguard the athletes' health as much as possible. An ambulance with a doctor for first aid will always be present.

2-Hour Race

The circuit race will take place on a road completely closed to traffic. Despite this, to ensure maximum possible safety, the rules of the road will generally apply. This means that, in principle, riders will ride on the right and overtake on the left. The starting grid formation (for the first 20 participants) will be based on the results of previous individual competitions. If a vehicle needs assistance to start, it must start from the back of the starting field. The competitor must be able to extricate themselves from the vehicle without assistance (useful in case of mechanical failure or accident). The race has a total duration of two hours. The leader's first pass of the finish line after the 2 hours have elapsed marks the beginning of the last lap, which will be signaled by the ringing of a bell for its entire duration. When the leader completes the last lap, the checkered flag will be displayed, and the passage of all competitors over the finish line will establish the finishing order.

Note: The last lap bell will only be heard by competitors who are not lapped by the leader on their last lap.

The classification is based on distance (whoever covers more distance or more laps wins). In case of a tie, the shortest travel time will be decisive (whoever takes less time wins). The same start time applies to all participants. The events will take place on an asphalt course with roads closed to traffic. Safety personnel will ensure that no vehicles can endanger the athletes. The area will be appropriately fenced, and notices will be posted to the local population so they are aware of the competitors' presence. Appropriate safety structures (hay bales, mattresses, etc.) will be set up at the most dangerous points to safeguard the athletes' health as much as possible. An ambulance with a doctor for first aid will always be present.

Informative Note on Participation Fees for the HPV World Championships 2025

ASD Velocità a Pedali, as organizer of the Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) World Championships 2025, communicates that the participation fee required from competitors is exclusively intended to cover the management and organizational costs of the event.

This fee, set at 80 euros per participant, serves to support expenses such as, by way of example:

The event falls under the institutional activities of the ASD, whose purpose is the promotion and dissemination of the sport of human-powered vehicles. Therefore, the participation fee is a contribution aimed exclusively at covering the direct expenses of the event.

It should be noted that participation in the event is open to all interested athletes, even those not associated with the ASD, as the event is organized in accordance with the statutory purposes of promoting the sports discipline and in compliance with current tax and association regulations.

For further information or clarifications, you can contact the organization at the official email address of the association.

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