Ultracycling for beginners: Embark on an adventure on two wheels!
Ultracycling is a demanding discipline that combines a passion for cycling with a taste for extreme challenges. If you're a cyclist with an appetite for discovery, endurance and self-improvement, ultracycling could be your next challenge.
In this article, we'll take you step-by-step through this adventure and give you all the advice you need to cross the starting line with confidence.
A Race Across Series participant equipped for ultracycling © Edouard Hanotte (@edhanot)
1.mental and physical preparation for ultracycling
Before taking up ultracycling, it's essential to prepare yourself mentally and physically.
Endurance and resilience are the two key qualities that will enable you to tackle long distances.
👉 A few tips to get you started:
Consult a doctor to check your physical fitness.
Gradually increase your training volume.
Integrate muscle strengthening and mountain work to prepare your legs and your mind.
Get used to riding in a variety of conditions (night, rain, heat).
💡 Mental tip: develop a winning mentality. Ultracycling is as much about the head as the legs.
2.essential equipment for ultracycling
The right equipment can make the difference between a successful adventure and giving up.
👉 The essentials :
The right bike: focus on comfort as much as performance (geometry adapted to your body shape, optimized position).
A comfortable saddle: your best ally in avoiding pain and injury.
Pedals and shoes adapted to your habits.
Powerful lighting for safe night riding.
Panniers or minimalist bikepacking to carry your gear.
💡 Comfort tip: test your gear on long rides before a first ultracycling race like the Race Across France.
3.Planning ultracycling outings and races
Successful ultracycling requires precise planning.
Set yourself progressive goals: start with 100 km, then 200 km, before aiming for 400 km and more.
Alternate short and long outings to get your body used to them.
Take part in brevet randonneurs or small local events before attempting an official ultra-distance race.
Get ready for legendary events such as Race Across France, Race Across Belgium and other European formats.
💡 Planning tip: simulate your race conditions (night, range, weather) to avoid unpleasant surprises.
4.ultracycling nutrition and hydration management
Riding for 10, 20 or 30 hours can't be improvised. Your nutritional strategy is crucial.
Eat regularly, every 30 to 45 minutes.
Alternate between fast carbohydrates (bars, gels) and more substantial foods (sandwiches, pasta, dried fruit).
Hydrate every 10 to 15 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Adapt your intake to the weather: more electrolytes in hot weather.
💡 Nutrition tip: test your products in training, never for the first time in a race.
5.managing rest and recovery for ultracycling performance
Sleep and recovery are often neglected factors. Yet they are crucial to your performance.
Give yourself rest days between your big outings.
Prioritize quality sleep before and after your workouts.
Incorporate active recovery techniques: stretching, yoga, self-massage.
During a race, learn to manage micro-naps to stay clear-headed.
💡 Recovery tip: a rested mind is more effective than an over-trained body.
Conclusion
Getting started in ultracycling is a demanding but incredibly rewarding adventure. With the right preparation, planning and a positive mental attitude, you'll be ready to take on the ultra-distance challenge.
Remember: every kilometer is a victory, and every effort brings you closer to your goals.
So get your bike ready, strap on your helmet and embark on this incredible adventure on two wheels. 🚴
