Hey everyone 🤘
Today we’re taking a look at ultra-cycling so the whole team is up to speed before we reveal the best ultra races in Europe…🤘
A brief definition of ultracycling
Ultra-cycling is anendurance cycling event that takes place over long distances, often on mountain roads or through challenging terrain. These races can last from a few hours to several days or even weeks, covering distances ranging from 200 km to several thousand kilometers.
Much more than just a bike ride, it’s an experience that pushes you togo beyond your physical and mental limitsanddiscover new sensations. What makes this activity so special is thesense of power, freedom, and independenceitinstills in you.
It is a sport that attracts a growing number ofrunnerseveryyear thanks to its unique challenges, impressive records, and community of enthusiasts.
Ultracycling and bikepacking: What's the difference?
Ultracycling is also an unforgettable adventure (even if you don't compete).
So, bikepacking is also a form of ultracycling that focuses on exploring and discovering new places, rather than on speed or performance.
Bikepacking involves cycling long distances with everything you need to survive your expedition packed in your backpack and on your bike.
Your bike becomes your mode of transportation, your home, and your travel companion.
Bikepacking lets you explore places you would never have seen otherwise. You can set off on adventures along mountain trails, country roads, and dirt paths...
Women and Ultracycling
Ultracycling has long been dominated by men, but more and more badass women are taking part in long-distance events. Women often face unique challenges in ultracycling, particularly due to physiological differences and the need to navigate a sport that has historically been male-dominated.
However, many women have managed to overcome these obstacles to become top cyclists in this sport. (fan fan fan 😍)
- Jeannie Longo: An internationally renowned French professional cyclist, Jeannie Longo dominated women’s cycling for more than two decades. She also fought for equality in the sport.
- Isabelle Pulver: This French ultracyclist is known for winning the Ultra-RAAM in 2015 and for setting the women’s world record at the Race Across America in 2017.
- Juliana Buhring : Juliana Buhring has cycled around the world and won the inaugural Transcontinental Race in 2013. She is also the co-founder of The Adventure Syndicate, an organization dedicated to inspiring women to embark on cycling adventures.
While women are becoming increasingly prominent in ultracycling, there is still much work to be done to improve female representation in the sport. Event organizers must make efforts to make races more inclusive and accessible to women, in order to further encourage them to participate.
Needless to say, we’re huge fans and we wholeheartedly support women who take on the challenge of ultra running, just like our ambassadors: Caroline, Marjorie and Marie 🤘
Our Top 4 Resources for Ultra-Distance Cycling
Here are a few inspiring and talented people in the world of ultra-cycling that you can follow on social media, blogs, or podcasts ⬇️
- Lael Wilcox's Instagram profile - The Alaskan ultradistance runner shares photos and stories of her epic races on Instagram, along with tips on training and nutrition.
- The Ultra Talk podcast dedicated to ultra-cycling, hosted by Arnaud Manzanini, a French ultra-distance cyclist. In this podcast, Arnaud shares his passion for ultra-cycling and interviewscyclistsandexperts in the field to discuss topics such as physical and mental preparation, nutrition, race planning, and much more.
Listen on Spotify / Listen on SoundCloud
3. The Instagram page of Transcontinental Race — a world-renowned ultracycling event that crosses Europe. The race’s Instagram account is a great way to follow the riders as they traverse spectacular landscapes and face physical challenges.
4. Emily Chappell’s Instagram Profile - Author and ultrarunner Emily Chappell shares her running experiences on Instagram and on her blog, where she writes about her journey as an ultrarunner and encourages others to take up the sport.
Of course, at Wilma we have everything you need in terms of clothing to be ready for the ultra! Cycling shorts, jerseys, windbreakers, water bottles…!
So, girls, ready to give it a try?
