RULES

6^th Annual M&M Engineering Tour of Belize 2008

Draft Technical Guide

Summary of Meetings and Events

Monday, February 11, 2008

Race Office Open 9:00 am- 5:00 pm

Belize City Centre

Central American Blvd.

Belize City

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Race Office Open 9:00 am- 1:00 pm

Belize City Centre

Central American Blvd.

Belize City

Team Registration 1:00pm- 3:00pm

Belize City Centre

Team Presentation 3:10pm- 4:50pm

San Cas Plaza Parking Lot

Manager’s Meeting 5:00 pm

Belize City Centre

All Staff Meeting 7:00 pm

Belize City Centre

The M&M Engineering Tour of Belize 2008

February 13^th- 17^th 2008

Specific Regulations

Article 1. ORGANIZATION

The M&M Engineering Tour is organized by the M&M Engineering Tour Committee of 2 ½ miles Northern Highway, Belize City, Belize under the regulations of the UCI (International Cycling Union) enrolled in the class 2.2 of World Ranking UCI. It is to held from February13th- 17^th, 2008.

The Secretary General for each stage is Robin Mckenzie, Project Director. The organization’s address is:

Address: M&M Engineering Tour of Belize

2 mls Northern Highway

Belize City

Belize

Phone Number: 223-1033 Cellular: 625-4210 Fax number: 223-4719

Email Address: cooley2000@hotmail.com

Article 2. TYPE OF EVENT

The event is open to athletes of the Men’s Elite and under 23 categories. The event is entered on the UCI America Tour calendar and is registered as a class 2.2 event. In conformity with the UCI rules, points are awarded as follows for the UCI ranking of the Elite and U23 Continental Classification.

Final General Classification
Points
Stage Placings
Points
Daily Individual GC Leader Points
1
40
1
8
4
2
30
2
5
3
16
3
2
4
12
5
10
6
8
7
6
8
3

Article 3. PARTICIPATION

According to article 2.1.005 of the UCI regulation, the event is open to the following teams: UCI Professional Continental Team, UCI Continental Team, National Team, Regional Team or Club Team.

As per article 2.2.003 of the UCI regulations, teams must be formed of minimum of (6) six and maximum of (9) nine riders.

Article 4. RACE HEADQUARTERS

The race headquarters shall be open starting at 9:00 am on Monday, February 11 and is located at:

Belize City Centre

Central American Blvd.

Belize City

Team representatives are requested to confirm their starters and collect their race numbers at the race headquarters from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2008.

The team managers’ meeting, organized in accordance with article 1.2.087 of the UCI regulations, in the presence of the Members of the Commissaries Panel, is scheduled for 5:00 pm (1700 h) on Tuesday, February 12 at the race headquarters.

Article 5. TEAM TIME TRIAL

The starting order of the Stage 3 Team Time Trial will be taken from the General Classification of teams at the end of Stage 2. Teams shall start at three-minute intervals in reverse order of Individual General Classification. The team’s time will be recorded when the fourth rider crosses the line. Any rider behind the team will be given their individual time. The maximum amount of time that a rider who finishes with their team loses to the riders on the winning team is determined by the placing of their team. Riders given the time of the team that finishes second can lose no more than 20 seconds, 3^rd- 30 seconds, 4^th- 40 seconds and so on in ten second increments down to the 21^st team whose riders can lose no more than 3 minutes. If the team finishes closer to the winners than the maximum, the riders get the actual team time.

The Race Jury reserves the right to modify the start order to potentially avoid teams passing one another.

All follow vehicles must be driven by a UCI license holder.

Article 6. RADIO TOUR

The Radio Tour service is handled by technician Sidney Turton of Marine Technical Services.

The frequency for Radio Tour is 160.075 mhz with a tone of 100.0.

Article 7. NEUTRAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT

The technical support service is handled by M&M Engineering Tour Organization. The vehicles will be provided with Shimano parts. For this reason, it is advised that teams using another brand should provide its own material to these vehicles to avoid compatibility problems.

The neutral support is taken care of by means of:

• 2 automobiles • 2 motorcycles

Article 8. Race incidents occurring in the last three kilometers

In the case of a duly noted fall, puncture or mechanical problem after passing the three kilometer to go point, the rider(s) involved shall be credited with the time of the rider(s) in whose company they were riding at the moment of the accident. His or their placing shall be determined by the order in which he or they actually cross the finishing line.

If, as the result of a fall beyond the three kilometer to go point, a rider cannot cross the finish line, he shall be placed last in the stage and credited with the time of the rider or riders in whose company he was riding at the time of the accident.

However, in conformity with article 2.6.029 of the UCI rules, the above provisions are not applicable for Stage 3 (time trial stage) on February 14 or Stage 5 (mountain-top finish) on February 16.

Article 9. Finishing Time Limits

Taking into account the characteristics of each stage, the finishing time limits have been set as follows:

Stage 1 10%

Stage 2 10%

Stage 3 20%

Stage 4 15%

Stage 5 20%

Stage 6 none

The time limit may, in exceptional circumstances, be increased by the Commissaires’ Panel in agreement with the organizer according to the article 2.6.032.

Article 10. Classifications - Time bonuses – Postings

The following classifications will be issued. All leaders are required to wear the appropriate jersey.

Article 11. Winner of the Stage

The Belize Electricity Limited winner of the stage is determined by the first rider that crosses the line at the end of the stages.

12.1 Individual General Classification

The competitor with the lowest cumulative time for all stages will be the Cessa Cement Race Leader. At the conclusion of the M&M Engineering Tour of Belize this rider will become the winner of the General Classification. The race leader’s time will include any time penalties assessed by the Jury of Commissaires as well as Time Bonuses awarded in individual stages.

In accordance with article 2.6.015 of the UCI regulations, in the event of a tie in the individual general classification, the following criteria shall be applied until the tie is broken:

The fractions of a second from the team time trial shall be added back into the total time to decide the order.

2. The sum of the stage placings shall be added.

3. The place obtained in the last stage ridden.

Time Bonuses will be awarded at both the intermediate sprints and stage finishes on the following stages:

Stage 1 Belize City- Mexico Border- Orange Walk

Stage 2 Orange Walk- Burrell Boom- Belize City

Stage 4 Belize City- Benque Viejo

Stage 5 Benque Viejo- Dangriga- Gap

Stage 6 Cayo- Benque Viejo- Belize City

2^nd
1st
2^nd
3rd
Stage Finish
10”
6”
4”
Intermediate Sprint
3”
2”
1”

11.2 Best Team Classification

In accordance with article 2.6.016 of the UCI regulations, the team classification for the day shall be calculated on the basis of the sum of the three best individual times from each team in each stage ridden. In the event of a tie, the teams are separated by the sum of the places acquired by their three best-placed riders on the stage. In the event that the position is still tied, the placing of their best-placed rider for the stage separates the teams.

For the Team Time Trial stage, the final time awarded to the team shall be used. In the event of a tie, the following criteria shall be applied in order until the teams are separated:

Number of first places in the daily team classifications.

2. Number of second places in the daily team classifications, etc.

3. In the event that the position is still tied, the teams are separated by the placing of the best-

placed rider in the individual general classification.

Any team reduced to fewer than three riders shall be eliminated from the team general classification.

11.3 Best Sub- 23 Rider Classification

The Belize Tourism Board Best Sub-23 Rider classification is restricted to riders born on or after January 1, 1985. The highest placing on the Individual General Classification shall be the Best Sub-23 Rider.

11.4 KOM Classification

The Joseph & Taylor Mountain Climber’s classification is based on the total points awarded at the KOM locations. Exact locations and mileage are indicated on the course maps and technical summary in the technical guide. Note that points will be awarded for the Stage 4&5 finish. Points are awarded as follows:

General Information Race Regulations

1^st
2^nd
3^rd
4^th
5^th
6^th
7^th
8^th
9^th
10th
2.2
12
10
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Cat 1
10
9
7
6
5
4
2
Cat 2
8
7
6
5
3
Cat3
6
5
4
3
1
Cat 4
4
3
2
1

In accordance with article 2.6.017 of the UCI regulations, in the event of a tie in the final individual general classification of the KOM competition, the following criteria shall be applied until the tie is broken:

1. Number of first places in the highest category climbs

2. Number of first places on climbs in the next highest category and so on

3. Final individual general classification by time.

11.5 Sprint Leader Classification (Points)

The Sol Belize Ltd. Sprint classification shall be determined by the sum of points scored by individual riders in both intermediate sprints and finish sprint locations. Exact locations and mileage are indicated on the course maps and technical summary in the technical guide. Points are awarded as follows for each of the sprints:

1^st
2^nd
3^rd
4^th
5^th
6^th
7^th
8^th
9^th
10^th
Stage Finish
15
12
10
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Int. Sprint
5
3
1

In accordance with article 2.6.017 of the UCI regulations, in the event of a tie in the final individual general classification of the Sprint competition, the following criteria shall be applied until the tie is broken:

1. Number stage wins

2. Number of wins in intermediate sprints counting for the general classification on points

3. Final individual general classification by time.

11.6 Best Belizean Rider

The Tony’s Super Store classification rider must be a local rider with the best Individual Classification after each stage.

Article 12. Prize Money

A grand total of $11,305.00 US will be awarded in prize money at the event.

See the prize money tables on Page 13 for a complete breakdown of prize amounts per category.

Additional prizes may be offered by local communities. A complete list of such prizes will be available at the Manager’s Meeting.

Article 13. Antidoping

The UCI antidoping regulations are entirely applicable to the event.

The antidoping tests will take place at a dedicated location after each stage. Please see the stage-by-stage information in this guide for specific locations.

Article 14. Awards Ceremony

In accordance with article 1.2.112 of the UCI rules, the following riders must attend the official awards ceremony on a daily basis except for stage 5:

· The first three of the stage

· Individual General Classification Leader

· Best Sub-23 Rider

· KOM

· Sprint

· Best Belizean Rider

Moreover, at the general finish of the event after Stage 6, the following riders must also present themselves at the final awards ceremony:

• The first three of the Individual G.C.

• Members of Best Team Overall

The riders will present themselves at the podium within 10 minutes of crossing the finish line.

Article 15. Penalties

The UCI penalty scale is the only one applicable.

Article 16. Controls

Starts: A pistol blank will be fired under the control of the Commissaires to start each stage excluding the team time trial. In the team time trial, one of the Commissaires will start each of the teams.

Sprint Locations: Green rectangular-shape signs denoting 5 kilometers, 1 kilometer, and 200 meters to go will be placed right-side for all sprint locations, and one on the sprint line itself. There will also be bright green flags and signs at all actual sprint lines.

KOM Locations: Red and white polka dot rectangular-shaped signs denoting 5 kilometers, 1 kilometer, and 200 meters to go will be placed course-side at all KOM locations. A sign will be located at all KOM locations.

Feed Zone Locations: Feed zones will be marked with yellow rectangular-shaped signs denoting 5 kilometers, 1 kilometer, Begin Feed Zone, and End Feed Zone.

Distance Markers: White rectangular-shaped run-in signs denoting 50 kilometers from the start and 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 kilometer(s) and 500, 300, 200, 150, 100 and 50 meters from the finish will indicate to the racers and the caravan how far it is to the finish line. A 1-kilometer to go rectangular-shaped sign will also be on the road.

A white rectangular-shaped sign denoting 0 kilometers will be used to show the actual race start when a neutral start is used. All race distances will be taken from this point.

Caravan Deviation: All caravan vehicles are required to use the caravan run-off provided in the last 500 meters at all stage finishes.

Article 17. Signature Control before starting each stage

Competitors must confirm their participation each day by signing the signature control sheet. Signature confirmation will be closed 10 minutes before starting time on each stage. The table will be staffed by an Assistant Commissaire and will be identified with a sign reading “Racer Sign-In.”

Article 18. Results

Results will be released after the Arrival Judge signs them. Each team manager will receive copies at their respective hotels. Official results will be posted on the race’s official web site,

www.tourofbelize.com

Article 19. Local Laws

It is against the law to urinate in public in the Country of Belize, and by doing so you may be cited by local law enforcement and penalized by the race jury. Please obey all traffic laws, speed limits and the directions of law enforcement.

Article 20. Rider Identification

During road stages, all competitors must use the frame number plate and body numbers as supplied.

One body number for each rider is to be worn in the Team Time Trial.

Article 21. Dismissal

Where it is deemed that the image or reputation of the M&M Engineering Tour of Belize may be blemished notably with regard to anti-doping laws, to the behavior of any member of a trade team (management or athlete), the organizer reserves the right at any time during the race to exclude the rider(s) or the team member involved from the race.

Prize Money Payment Procedures

Prize money for the M&M Engineering Tour of Belize will be mailed directly from the office of M&M Engineering Tour of Belize. Prize money will be paid approximately 45 days following the event and after receiving the official results of any medical control/anti-doping testing. Should you have any questions regarding payment please contact M&M Engineering Tour of Belize directly.

No prize money will be paid unless you have provided the following current information:

• Identification Card

• Exact name of payee to receive payment

• Mailing address

The following items will be deducted from prize checks:

UCI CFAD Tax 2% All prize money.

Other All non-authorized charges incurred while participating in the event (hotel, meal, damage, etc).

Prize Money

Daily Stage Prizes			Overall GC
Place	BZE	USD	Place	BZE	USD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	$1000.00 $500.00 $280.00 $140.00 $120.00 $80.00 $80.00 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00	$500.00 $250.00 $140.00 $70.00 $60.00 $40.00 $40.00 $25.00 $25.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	$2,000.00 $1,000.00 $560.00 $280.00 $240.00 $160.00 $160.00 $100.00 $100.00 $80.00 $80.00 $80.00 $80.00 $80.00 $80.00 $80.00 $80.00 $80.00 $80.00 $80.00	$1,000.00 $500.00 $280.00 $140.00 $120.00 $80.00 $80.00 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00
Total	$2,740.00	$1,370.00	Total	$5,480.00	$2,740.00

Team Overall	BZE	USD
Total	$1,200.00	$600.00
Overall Category Leader-KOM, Sprint, Sub-23, Best Belizean
1^st Place	$400.00	$200.00
Team Time Trial
1^st place 2^nd Place 3^rd Place 4^th Place 5^th Place	$460.00 $200.00 $150.00 $120.00 $100.00		$230.00 $100.00 $75.00 $60.00 $50.00
Total	$1,030.00		$2,060.00

Medical Services will be provided during the M&M Engineering Tour of Belize by the staff of BERT Ambulance Services.

Pre-Race Staging

A medical support vehicle and staff will be available in the staging area in start cities approximately one hour before the race start each day.

Race Caravan

The following medical support vehicles and staff will be available in the race caravan:

• Doctor’s Car

• Ambulances (1)

Race Finishes

A medical services tent will be located adjacent to the finish line each day for treatment of athletes immediately after the race finish.

Medical Staff

Race Doctor Dr. Victor Rosado

Medical Coordinator

Medical Staff

Emergency Support BERT Ambulance Services

Area Hospitals

Belize City

Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital

Princess Margaret Drive

(501) 223-1548/ 223-1564

Belize Medical Associates

5793 St. Thomas Street

(501) 223-0303

Universal Health Services Medical Arts Complex

Blue Marlin Blvd/ Chancellor Ave

(501) 223-7870

Cayo District

La Luma Luz

Santa Elena

(501)824-2087

Western Regional Hospital

San Ignacio

(501) 822-2263

Corozal District

Corozal Hospital

Corozal District

(501) 422-2076

Stann Creek District- Dangriga

Southern Regional Hospital

(Stann Creek District)

(501) 522-3832

Orange Walk District

Northern Regional Hospital

Orange Walk District

(501) 322- 2072

For emergencies, dial 911 on your phone.

Anti-doping

The 2008 M&M Engineering Tour of Belize will have anti-doping control daily per the regulations of the UCI.

At the end of each stage, the following riders will be tested:

• The winner of the stage

• The leader on GC after the stage

• Two riders selected at random

Should the winner of the stage also be the GC leader or should one of the random riders also be the stage winner, one of the riders drawn as a reserve will be tested, such that under all circumstances, there will be 4 tests per day.

The list of riders to be tested will be posted each day near the stage finish and also on the entrance to the anti-doping control facilities. It is the rider’s responsibility to personally check to see if his name is on the list.

Other means to notify riders may be used, such as announcing the names over Radio Tour, however the absence of either of these will not be admitted as an excuse for missing a test. It is the responsibility of the athlete to report to testing.

The following time limits apply for riders to appear for testing:

• Riders who must go to the awards ceremony have 30 minutes from the end of the ceremony.

• Riders who must go to a press conference have 50 minutes from the end of the awards ceremony

• Riders who had abandoned the race have 30 minutes from the time of the last finisher.

• All other finishers have 30 minutes from their own finish time

Riders are required to appear with their licenses, and may be accompanied by one attendant and, if necessary, an interpreter.

Once a rider’s name is put on the list as a leader, random, or reserve, only the Anti-doping Inspector can tell the rider that he is not needed for testing. All riders listed as reserves must personally appear to verify if they are to be tested or not.

Race Communications

Radio communication equipment will be provided to staff, teams and select individuals in the form of hand-held and mobile UHF radios. These radios will be used for separate functions with channels for:

• Race Caravan • Officials

• Radio Tour • Media Operations

All vehicle drivers will be assigned a radio for the entire race. Radio distribution for teams will take place after the Team Managers’ Meeting.

Recipients of radios will be required to sign out for the radio by completing a registration form. Staff and teams are financially responsible for all radio equipment.

The communication equipment staff will be at the staging area one hour prior to the start of each stage with charged batteries. If you are having problems with your equipment please make sure you report it at this time.

After the finish of Stage 6, radios are to be turned in to the Communications Staff at caravan deviation.

The organizer reserves the right not to issue a radio to any person not adhering to the above procedures.

Communications Protocol

Many channels will be operated through a repeater that serves to enhance the range of the units. In some cases the repeater may be non-operational for periods of time. If this is announced over your channel, you may switch to the “simplex” version of the channel for direct radio-to-radio communication. The two channels are listed on the channel identification card you will be issued with your radio.

Transmitting Priorities:

• Immediate threat to life or safety of person(s)

• Possible hazards to life, safety, or property

• Race critical information or decisions especially officials’ decisions

• Urgent, time critical transmissions

• All other communications

Radio Notes: Share the channel. Avoid long, unbroken transmissions. Yield the channel to those with more important traffic. Use plain English.

Vehicle Usage and Policies

The race organization will be providing selected teams, officials and staff with race ready vehicles.

Each vehicle will be signed out to a team manager or race assigned driver who will be responsible for anything that happens to the vehicle. It may be required that you leave a credit card imprint or a cash deposit prior to receiving a vehicle to insure against negligence or damages.

• Anyone found to be operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or driving in a reckless or careless manner will be removed from driving immediately without exception.

• No walking, standing or sitting on roofs or hoods for any reason. No driving vans with side doors open.

• Traffic citations will be the responsibility of the designated driver.

• All designated drivers must be at least 21 years of age or older and hold a valid drivers license.

• In case of an accident do not leave the site until requested to do so by the responding authorities after all required forms have been completed. It is expected that operators and/or passengers of all race provided vehicles will take any and all appropriate safety precautions in case of an accident. In the case of accident, theft, etc., all paperwork must be filled out and copies given to M&M Engineering Tour of Belize Staff.

• Any fuel or toll charges will only be reimbursed with receipts and an expense report. A copy may be obtained at the race HQ.

• Please keep unattended vehicles locked at all times.

• Vehicles must be returned clean and without damage. Any charges for repair or cleaning incurred by the race organization are the responsibility of the individual to whom the vehicle was assigned. Funds will be charged against your credit card or deducted from any prize payments or fees to cover the above.

• Immediately following the event, all vehicles should be returned to the event transportation staff located in the race organization designated parking facility.

• Vehicles are to be used for race related functions only. Alternate means of transportation such as cabs must be used for post- race functions.

Caravan Procedures

• Safety must come first in all situations.

• Team vehicles in the caravan may only be driven by a licensed team manager.

• The left lane is reserved for passage of vehicles performing technical support. All other caravan vehicles must remain in single file in the right lane. All vehicles must yield the right-of-way to vehicles moving up for technical support.

• Please read the course information and course logs to become familiar with obstacles, railroad crossings and finishing circuits.

• The caravan deviation is noted on course maps. All but the Commissaires and Race/Technical Director are required to pull off. Director /Team Managers may be allowed through the finish line if following a solo breakaway with sufficient time gap and only at the discretion of the Commissaires.

• Event staff will be directing the caravan to the runoff and parking areas.

• All vehicles must be properly prepared and staged at the start line no later than 30 minutes prior to the race start. Drivers must remain with their vehicles. All non-caravan staff and event vehicles that cannot leave the venue before the start of the event must leave immediately after the event begins. If no alternate route to the finish exists, these vehicles may only pass the peloton under the direction of the Commissaires. Extreme care must be taken when passing the riders.

• The Commissaires are in charge of the race. Follow their instructions. Speeding and reckless driving will result in citations and ejections from the race. Remember, this event is held on public roads.

• All caravan vehicles will be provided with a radio. You will be instructed as to which channel to use. Violations of radio protocol may result in penalties as determined by the Commissaires. Managers are reminded that their riders are to indicate requests for feeding and service so that the team cars can be called up as it is appropriate and according to the conditions of the race. Mechanical and breakdown assistance take priority.

• Team vehicles wishing to proceed to the peloton are required to first request permission from the Commissaires by drawing even with the Commissaires and stating their intentions. Team vehicles can then proceed as instructed remembering to use the left lane.

• Vehicles wishing to drop back shall pull to the far right-hand side of the road and allow the caravan vehicles to pass on their left until their position is reached.

• The movement of caravan vehicles will be controlled by the Commissaires. All carvan vehicles must respect the red flag, which forbids the passage of vehicles.

• In the event of a breakaway, no team support vehicles will be permitted between the breakaway group and the chase group unless there is at least 1 minute difference but always at the discretion of the Commissaires.

• Primary teams cars will be labeled with black caravan order numbers.

Start ceremonies

Riders will be called to the line at 10 minutes prior to the Start time.

A list of riders to be called to the line for Stage 1 will be distributed at the Team Managers meeting on Tuesday, February 12.

For Stages 2-6, riders will be called to the line in the following order:

· Individual General Classification Leader

· Best Sub-23 Rider

· KOM

· Sprint

· Best Belizean Rider

Additional riders may be called to the line under special circumstances. Team Managers will be notified in these cases.

The National Anthem of Belize will be played at approximately four minutes prior to the published Start time.

Finish Ceremonies

The awards ceremony will begin approximately 15-20 minutes upon the completion of each stage. All recipients should report to the awards area within 10 minutes of crossing the line.

The Overall Leader after each stage will be interviewed on the Winner’s Presentation Stage by the Race Commentator.

Moreover, at the general finish of the event after Stage 6, the following riders must also present themselves at the final awards ceremony:

• The first three of the General Classification

• Members of Best Team Overall

The M&M Engineering Tour of Belize 2008 has retained a Press Team, including the Publicity Director and volunteer press officers, to promote the race and teams to international, national, regional and local media outlets. While the press team services the media, it will interact with each race team throughout the M&M Engineering Tour of Belize 2008, to help facilitate interviews and coordinate photo opportunities. The press team respectfully asked that in all instances the race is referred to by its official name, the M&M Engineering Tour of Belize.

Interviews& Official Spokespersons

A list of official spokespersons and contact information for the M&M Engineering Tour of Belize, each professional cycling team in the race and each sponsor will be provided. Only these representatives will be official spokespeople.

The press team encourages each cycling team be open to granting interviews with the media at a convenient time. Additionally, the press team can assist in arranging interviews with cyclists and teams during the race, if time permits. However, the press team is highly encouraging media contact each team’s press officer prior to the race to schedule onsite interviews during race week.

Television Interviews

Team directors and press officers are encouraged to consider the value of television interviews, and build a schedule that can accommodate possible opportunities. Prior to teams arrival at the race, the press team will help secure interviews with attending television media, as long as an arrival schedule is submitted to the publicity director two weeks prior to the event.

The press team asks that a very limited number television interviews take place immediately following the stage finishes and prior to the awards ceremonies so that the event may run as scheduled. Due to time constraints and team/racer schedules, the press team has asked media to request an interview time other than at official press conferences.

Photographers

All photographers hired by teams must also wear a media credential, and in some instances an official vest, to avoid confusion and in order to be allowed in media specific areas. Approved photo credentials may be picked up in the Media Centers.

Press Conferences

It is expected that the top three stage finishers and each jersey classification winner be present at each press conference. Press conferences will be held immediately following the awards ceremonies for each race stage, approximately 45 minutes after the stage ends. The only exception will be Stage 5. Escorts will be available to assist in getting to the press conference.

Participants who are required to attend the daily press conference:

• 1st Place finisher • GC leader • Best Belizean Rider

• 2nd Place finisher • KOM leader • Sub-23 Rider

• 3rd Place finisher • Sprint leader