FKT GUIDELINES

You’re about to embark on an FKT attempt or you’ve just returned, great effort! To ensure a fair playing field and in order to maintain the integrity of our sport, please bear in mind the following rules and guidelines applicable for a successful verification. Fastest known time attempts can be submitted here >>

Self Supported

Riders must ride in the spirit of self-sufficiency and equal opportunity, which means carrying everything needed and visiting establishments that are commercially available to everyone. No physical or informational support is allowed during the ride, this includes private re-supplies, mechanical support, gear stashes or navigational assistance. Real time coaching such as being in contact with your coach for pacing advice during the ride is classed as support and is not allowed.

For those riding as a pair or tandem, support between one another is allowed, beyond the unit of two all of the above principles apply.

Solo Rides

An FKT attempt must be a solo effort, ie. not as part of a group. The exception to this rule is those competing for the pairs or tandem category, whereby the attempt is a duo effort.

Elapsed Time

The time to complete a route is the total elapsed time of the ride, and not just moving time. The clock starts when the rider sets off on the route, and stops when the rider finishes the route. Some software defaults to showing moving time only, changing the category settings to ‘Race’ will resolve this to show elapsed time.

Routing and Deviations

The official route must be followed as published on the website. All route files can be downloaded from our RWGPS collection. If any errors or outdated route information is noticed, please get in touch.

Any route deviations must have a legitimate reason. Many routes pass through some wild terrain, which is subject to the forces of nature that can result in minor temporary route changes. There may also be temporary road closures or diversions in paved sections.

Where an obstacle or blockage is encountered during a ride the rider may need to detour around it, re-joining the published route at the soonest possible point. As long as the resulting diversion does not fundamentally alter the route to the rider’s advantage, for example by shortening it or missing a key section/climb etc, the time will still be eligible as an FKT attempt.

If leaving the route temporarily by choice (for example visiting a bike shop or for resupply), the rider must go back and rejoin the route at the point where they left it. Taking a diversion in order to pass a shop etc. does not count as a legitimate deviation. Navigational errors do not count as a legitimate deviation; if a wrong turn is made, the rider must correct themself by going back to rejoin the route at the point where the wrong turn was made.

The reason for any deviations from the published route must be stated when submitting an FKT attempt for verification.

After legitimate deviations have been accounted for, at least 98% of the published route must still be completed, and the total distance and elevation gain cannot be reduced. This provides for a small allowance of up to 2% for legitimate deviations forced upon the rider during their attempt.

Distance and Elevation

The overall distance and elevation recorded during an FKT attempt must be at least that of the published route. A rider cannot finish the attempt having ridden less distance or climbed less elevation than the published route.

File Submission

All FKT attempts must be submitted as the original data file, for instance GPX, TCX, FIT file format. A link to an activity will also suffice, for instance Strava, Garmin Connect or Wahoo Fitness.

Local Laws

All riders must comply with all applicable local traffic laws and regulations throughout the attempt. This includes no jumping red lights, cycling on the incorrect side of the road, disobeying traffic signals and so on. A front and rear light is required between the hours of sunset and sunrise, along with appropriate reflectivity. A hi-visibility gilet is also advised for safety purposes.

Appeal Period

When a new FKT is published, an appeal period of three months will apply during which the community can contest the validity of the ride by getting in touch with us here. The reason for the appeal must be stated, following which the fastest known time in question will be reviewed.

Winter FKTs

Winter FKTs represent the fastest known times recorded between 1st November and the end of February – these being the months with the shortest days. All routes will be tougher going during the colder/wetter months, but short days also add significantly to the challenge, especially with longer routes.

Rider Categories

We maintain separate categories for Female, Male, Non-Binary and Pairs. In the case of Pairs, this can be a mix of any gender.

There are no age group categories.