Mountain bikers may not receive any assistance from outsiders or other competitors. If they are assisted, they are disqualified. Pulling the jerseys of other competitors or pushing or leaning on them can be penalised by the race commissaire. The penalty is decided by the commissaire depending on its severity and influence on the race. The race is not stopped when an offence is committed, the transgressor is informed of the penalty at the end of the race.
Riders can protest if they feel they have been obstructed.
This must be done in writing within 10 minutes of the end of the race. Competitors can change their sunglasses and be given food and drink at feed stations around the course. Mountain bikes are sturdier than road and track bikes with frames built to withstand tough treatment over rough terrain and fat, knobbly tyres for the same reason. Bikes are fitted with front suspension and may feature shock absorbers. They have straight handlebars and up to 24 gears.