Most riders are there to finish, not to win. You ride at your own pace inside the time limit.

No, everything is communicated in English although learning a few local words goes a long way.

Only on the longer distances. The 200km has a twelve-hour limit, so most riders finish in daylight. From 300km upwards you'll be riding at least one night.

You're self-sufficient between bases, so you carry what you need and can buy food from shops on the way. At the bases you can rest, eat and pick up your bag, which is moved on for you. Every rider carries a GPS tracker and the team monitors everyone around the clock.

The routes are on open roads, so normal road rules apply and you ride in traffic as you would at home. Every rider carries a GPS tracker and the team monitors everyone around the clock. There are rules on lights, reflective kit and insurance.

That is down to you and route planning. Please note that urban camping is very common outside of the UK and there are basecamps on your route where riders normally catch some shut eye.