⚡️Matériel Compulsory for the Race Across Switzerland: The Complete Guide by VELOMANIA
The Race Across Switzerland by Velomania is a demanding adventure, where every detail counts - and that starts with the equipment.
Whether you're involved in the 1000 km, 500 km, 300 km or GRAVEL formats, safety, performance and autonomy are the watchwords.
Discover the complete checklist of mandatory equipment, along with our selection of products tested and approved by VELOMANIA.
Checks and final adjustments before the start of the Race Across Switzerland on the Velomania stand
CE-approved helmets: performance or comfort, the choice is yours
1. CSQ Gamechanger 2.0 headset
Aero version for speed
This aerodynamic helmet is designed to maximize your performance by reducing air resistance. Ideal for long distances, it allows you to reach optimum speeds while maintaining good ventilation.
2. CSQ Powerdome headset
Airy, lightweight version for comfort
If you prefer lightness and ventilation over longer distances, the CSQ Powerdome helmet is for you.
Front bike light - bike mount
Front lighting - a must for the Race Across Switzerland
In a long-distance event such as the RAS, night driving is unavoidable.
Two sources of lighting are compulsory:
- A powerful lamp on the bike to see the road
- A lamp fixed to the helmet to follow our gaze
1. Lezyne Super Drive 1800 Smart
Ultra-powerful and long-lasting
With its 1800 lumens, this lamp shines far and wide - perfect for fast downhill runs
or poorly lit roads.
Max. operating time: 11 h (300 lm) / 148 h (15 lm)
2. Lezyne Macro Drive 1400+
Compact, efficient, rugged
1400 lumens in a compact format. Ideal as a main light on rolling terrain or as an emergency light.
Max. operating time: 4 h (400 lm) / 22 h (15 lm)
3. Garmin Varia UT800 - road version
Lightweight, practical and versatile, attaches directly to Garmin brackets. Perfect as a
GPS complement. 800 lumens, direct Garmin Edge or handlebar mounting.
Max autonomy: 1.5 h (800 lm) / 6 h (200 lm)
Headlamp light - helmet mount
Garmin Varia UT800 - off-road version (helmet)
Dynamic vision to follow your gaze
Same power as the road version (800 lumens) but with helmet attachment.
Max. operating time: 1.5 h (800 lm) / 6 h (200 lm)
Lezyne Micro Drive Pro 800XL
Compact and reliable - headphone mounting possible
Good headphone alternative with 800 lumens.
Max. operating time: 3 h 15 (400 lm) / 35 h (15 lm)
Comfort tips by Velomania
Place your light on the top and back of the helmet to distribute the weight more evenly and reduce the load on the back of your neck. And above all, test your set-up before the RAS: good lighting is worth nothing if it becomes a nuisance after 200 km!
Important: both lights are mandatory
To ride safely on a course like the Race Across Switzerland, it's essential to have a front light on the bike and a light on the helmet. This ensures optimum visibility and helps you to better manage obstacles and bends, particularly in low-light conditions. The bike light lets you see far down the road, while the helmet light illuminates exactly where you're looking.
Rear lights - mandatory visibility, maximum safety
Two rear lights are mandatory for starting the Race Across
Switzerland, but only one must be in operation at any one time. The second is required as a back-up, or to cope with very long night sections.
At Velomania, we've selected reliable, powerful models for ultra-cycling, with extended range for all-night riding.
1. Garmin Varia RTL515
Radar + rear light: intelligent safety
This powerful LED light (up to 65 lumens) is coupled with a radar that warns of oncoming traffic, directly on your GPS speedometer. A real asset in ultra, especially at night or on isolated roads.
Maximum autonomy: up to 16 hours (night flash mode).
2. Lezyne Strip Drive Pro 300
Exceptional power and autonomy
A rear light that sends out up to 300 lumens in flash mode, visible for over 1 km. Its vertical shape hugs the seatpost perfectly.
Max. operating time: up to 53 hours (eco-flash mode).
3. Knog Cobber Mid
330° visibility
Unique curved design for ideal side range. Direct USB charging, 170
lumens and 8 lighting modes.
Max. runtime: up to 100 hours (eco-flash mode).
4. Knog Lil' Cobber
Ultra-compact, always visible
The Cobber Mid's little sister. 110 lumens, same 330° visibility, and a mini format. Perfect for discreet mounting or emergency lighting.
Maximum runtime: up to 40 hours (eco-flash mode).
Ultra-compact, always visible
The Cobber Mid's little sister. 110 lumens, same 330° visibility, and a mini format. Perfect for discreet mounting or emergency lighting.
Maximum runtime: up to 40 hours (eco-flash mode).
5. WOWOW Cross Belt
Ultra-light, adjustable reflective safety harness designed for maximum visibility at night or in low light conditions. Ideal for ultracycling, where every gram counts, it can be easily worn over a jersey or jacket without interfering with pedaling.
6. Stikx6 Reflex 3M
High-quality reflective strips on the rear stays on both sides and on the front forks on both sides for optimum visibility. Essential for being seen from a distance, especially when riding at night.
GPS / NAVIGATION - Don't get lost... except in the beauty of the landscape
1. Wahoo ELEMNT ACE
GPS meter with intelligent navigation, color display and extended battery life,
perfect for long distances.
2. Garmin Edge 1050
Top-of-the-range GPS computer with touchscreen, detailed mapping and advanced performance tracking features.
3. Garmin Edge 1040 Solar
GPS computer with solar recharge, offering exceptional autonomy, ideal for
ultracycling events.
TOOLS / AUTONOMY - Leave nothing to chance
1. BLACKBURN Tradesman Multi-Tool
A robust and complete multi-tool designed for long distances. It includes all the essential
wrenches (Allen, Torx, screwdriver), a chain rivet, integrated tire levers, and
even a quick-link tool. Compact but ultra-efficient: ideal for those unforeseen
mechanical problems in the middle of the night or after 300 km.
2. SKS tire levers (x3)
Sturdy, ergonomic and, above all, bright orange: perfect for easy identification, even
in low-visibility conditions or at night. Their shape makes it easy to remove tires quickly
without damaging the rim.
3. Lezyne Alloy Drive Medium
Lightweight, efficient aluminum hand pump for the high pressures required for road tires.
4. Self-adhesive patches X6
Kit of self-adhesive patches for quick inner-tube repairs, without the need for
glue.
5. Muc-Off Puncture Plug Repair Kit
Repair kit for tubeless tires, includes drill bits and an insertion tool for patching punctures.
6. Muc-Off CO2 Inflator Kit 25g
Rapid inflation kit with 25g CO2 cartridge, allows you to re-inflate a tire in seconds.
7.Mini AS2 Pro E-Pump compressor
Compact, USB-rechargeable electric pump, ideal for effortless inflation in the field.
8. Standard inner tube 700x25/30 VP 60mm
Spare inner tube, essential in the event of a puncture. We recommend you take at least two with you to
.
9.tubolito TPU inner tube
Tubolito TPU inner tube: For those who want to optimize weight and performance. Ultra-light and resistant, ideal for those looking to maximize every aspect of their equipment.
10. BBB Elite Tool Carrier 0.63L
This lightweight, practical tool rack from BBB stores all your essential tools in a compact format. It can easily be attached to your bike using a bottle cage. If your bike doesn't have a dedicated holder, the Elite VIP attachment is the ideal solution for adding a bottle cage.
Hydration and nutrition
1. CamelBak Podium Chill 620ml (x2)
Isothermal cans keep liquids fresher for longer, perfect for long distances.
2. Bar Bio Extra 50g (x1)
Organic energy bars provide essential calories during exercise
3.Bar Bio Extra 50g (x1)
Organic protein bars, ideal for muscle recovery after exercise.
SAFETY
1. BBB Lightweight anti-theft device
A lightweight, effective bike lock to secure your bike quickly. Ideal for breaks or when you need to leave your bike out of sight.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED 1000K / 2500K - Ready for cold and wet conditions
2. Pro Thermal choker
High-quality thermal TdC to protect your hands on long days or cold nights
. Offering warmth and comfort while being breathable, they are an essential
for cold conditions.
Nanoflex 3G leggings and cuffs
High-performance thermals, designed to offer comfort and insulation even in the coldest conditions. Perfect for long distances and winter conditions, with a water-repellent finish to keep you dry.
VST Emergency 2 Rain (emergency rain jacket)
Lightweight, compact rain jacket, ideal for emergency situations during long-distance events. It offers excellent protection against the rain while being easily transportable thanks to its foldable design. A must-have for unpredictable weather conditions.
Test in real-life conditions:
Don't set off without testing your equipment on a long outing. Check that everything is comfortable, practical and functional before the big day. It can make all the difference!
VELOMANIA has been our retail partner on the Race Across SWITZERLAND since the very first edition.
With 14 stores and an e-shop, they bring together all the worlds of cycling and support every cyclist, whatever their age, physical condition or project. Their mission: to make cycling accessible to all, with expertise, enthusiasm and good humor. We couldn't dream of a better partner to accompany you on this adventure.
