Get on your bike and ride: top 5 ultra-cycling races for amateurs – from mountains of Kyrgyzstan to wilds of South Africa
- From the Trans Continental Race in Europe to the toughest off-road races of South Africa, there’s plenty on offer for those seeking out a challenge
- Competitors must be self-sufficient and travel mostly on gravel roads through mountains renowned for harsh and diverse weather
In recent years ultra-cycling races of all kinds have thrived around the world, although they are still few and far between in Asia.
Comparatively new to the traditional world of competitive cycling, the ultra version has no set definition in terms of format or duration, making for some great and diverse options that are open to everyone.
From the remote gravel roads of Kyrgyzstan to the high-rise trails of the Rockies and the classic road climbs of the Alps, here are five of the biggest ultra cycling races to aim for.
Trans Continental Race (Europe)
Last weekend, the Tour de France finished on the cobbles of the Champs Elysees in Paris. After covering some 3,328km (2,069 miles) during its 21 daily stages the race lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest races on Earth.
At the same time, just a few hours northwest in the small Belgian town of Geraardsbergen, home of the Tour of Flanders race, some 200 amateurs hit the cobbles and started the eighth edition of the Trans Continental Race (TCR), the mother of all ultra road-cycling races.
The route varies each year and covers up to 4,000km as the riders make their way across Europe, with this year’s event finishing in Sarafovo, Bulgaria. Apart from a few key sectors and checkpoints, riders are free to choose their route and are tracked by GPS.
