Safety tips
How to ride the marathon safely
The Argonaut Marathon is first and foremost a recreational cycling event, and we ask everyone to ride it in that spirit.
Knowing the basic rules of group riding helps at every cycling marathon. Events with hundreds or thousands of riders require not only fitness but also a calm mind and patience. Be considerate of others and point out obstacles or changes on the road. Things do not always go your way in a large group, so stay calm and clear-headed.
Arrive early so that you can complete registration and get ready without rushing and without forgetting anything important.
Before pinning on your race number, fill in the form with your personal details on its back. In case of an accident it will greatly help the medical team.
Always keep an eye on what is happening a few dozen metres ahead of you and around you. Do not push for position: the course is long and you will have time and space to overtake.
When drafting, the gap between the rear wheel in front and your front wheel is usually 40–50 cm or less. While the bunch is still together you can safely leave more room: you lose little shelter and can focus better on what is happening ahead.
There are feed stations along the route. If you ride in a group, signal your stop to the riders behind you in good time. It is best to let the group pass, wait for a gap and only then turn towards the feed station.
Parts of the event take place under normal traffic rules. The organiser's escort vehicles mainly warn other road users of the approaching riders. Ride only on the right-hand side of the road, never on the opposite lane.
An organiser vehicle marked "KOLESARSKI MARATON" with two flashing yellow lights leads the field and an identical vehicle closes it, followed by an ambulance and the broom wagon. An additional ambulance and a fire crew are stationed at the start and finish.
Marshals along the whole route look after the safety of riders and spectators. They are volunteer firefighters in uniform wearing reflective vests.
The role of escort vehicles
Motorcycle marshals accompany the field and warn other road users. Where there is no police closure, the road is not closed: marshals do not stop oncoming traffic and riders must follow the traffic rules (side and direction of travel, riding in single file rather than side by side, right of way …). You are responsible for your own safety and should not expect a free and clear road.
Because riders have different fitness levels, the field spreads out and the gap between the first and last riders can be an hour or more. Not everyone will be escorted all the time, so look after your own safety and that of other road users.
