What the Riders had to Say:
…came away not wanting to leave Puerto Rico. From the police escorts to the food stops to the hospitality and organization, it was a really well done event. I definitely am looking forward to next year and it cannot come soon enough!
Paul Contino, 2008
Washington, DC
Tour Rules and Regulations

La Vuelta Puerto Rico Rules & Regulations

  1. Each rider must be at least 18 years of age on the day the VUELTA starts.
  2. Each rider must use a helmet at all times in accordance with the Law.
  3. Each rider must be in excellent physical condition and have medical insurance.
  4. Each rider's bike must be in excellent operating condition.
  5. Entry is by pre-registration only. No registrations will be allowed onsite the day of the event or after the established deadline which is 11:59:59 pm August 31, 2011 (Puerto Rico time)
  6. Each rider must choose riding in one of the established groups. Group "A" usually consists of world class, elite fast riders and/or racers interested in riding the VUELTA on their own, as part of a self guided group led by two to four staff cyclists. This group usually rides at 25-30 mph all day. Group "B" will consist of self guided riders that will be pacing at an average speed of 18 mph (20-25 mph all day) led by five to seven staff cyclists. Group "C" will consist of the largest guided group that will pace at an average speed of 15 mph led by another five to seven staff cyslists. This group rides at speeds from 18-20 mph all day.  Each group will be released daily at the times posted and/or announced the previous day or on this website. Once a participant joins a particular group, he/she will find it difficult and or impossible to jump ahead to the faster paced group, however, a fast paced cyclist may choose to ride slower until reached by the group behind.
  7. Each rider must comply with lighting requirements and reflective material rules for riding at early evening, dusk or night during the event.
  8. Each bike must be equipped with superior headlights and taillights. VUELTA organizers recommend a dual headlight system, with 6-volt battery, several spare batteries, and a solid red taillight. LED lights are acceptable.
  9. For lights requiring AA batteries or smaller, the rider must carry a spare set and may be required to display them at bike inspection the morning of departure. Lights requiring rechargeable batteries are discouraged.
  10. Reflective vest or reflective sash and/or ankle bands are mandatory at dark hours.
  11. Alternate routes will be provided to family members or friends who intend to follow the VUELTA. All vehicles must adhere to this second route in order to avoid excess traffic in the smaller narrow roads of the VUELTA. Support crew may not ride bikes along the path of the VUELTA with the rest of the riders.
  12. VUELTA must be completed daily within the schedule that will be prepared by the organizers. Any rider lagging group "C" riders will be requested to leapfrog the group in one of the support vehicles in order to avoid delaying services to the rest of the participants.
  13. The use of I-Pods is prohibited and cell phones is strongly discouraged unless it is used via Bluetooth wireless technology. 
  14. If a rider abandons, he/she is responsible of notifying the VUELTA staff. The use of our SAG wagons is strongly encouraged for these riders.
  15. Riders are required to use their bib, bike and helmet numbers at all times.
  16. Riders are required to wear the Official VUELTA Puerto Rico Jersey on the last day of the event. If you choose not to wear this jersey, we kindly request you remain in the back of the peloton in the last stretch from Dorado to Old San Juan. Official photos are taken at that time and you will be requested to stay at the back of the peloton.
  17. It is the sole responsibility of the rider to mark his luggage correctly in order for us to deliver to the proper hotel. Failing to do so will entail a $25 fee to move incorrectly marked luggage from one hotel to another within the same town. If your luggage is left behind in another town for any reason not related to our crew, a $50 fee will be charged. An example of the latter is leaving luggage in a hotel that is not affiliated to our event. If we have to return to that hotel for a pick up, a $50 fee will be charged.