Brevets
In series
Travelling long distances by bike - that was the idea of French randonneurs ("hikers") in the 19th century. In this tradition, the AUDAX Randonneurs Allemagne organise long-distance rides in Germany. These non-commercial brevets (endurance tests) over distances of usually 200 to 1,200 kilometres are not races; the aim is to complete the route on your own within the time limit. A brevet series is often offered over the course of the season, starting with a 200-kilometre ride and increasing the distance with each subsequent event. As a rule, the brevet routes are not signposted and have no refreshment points. "Superrandonnées" are a form that has its roots in brevets: After registering, participants can set off independently on a predetermined route of around 600 kilometres and at least 10,000 metres in altitude. Examples include the "Belchen satt" or "Große Glockner Rundfahrt".
Selected brevets 2022
- 11 June - 300-cc brevet ARA Weserbergland
- 11 June - Jura-Brevet ARA Breisgau
- 25 June - Allgäu Tour ARA Munich 600
- 30 June - 1,000-person brevet ARA Saxony
- 22 July - 400-cc brevet ARA Ruhr area
- 11 August - Berlin-Munich-Berlin
Selected websites for information
Ultracycling
At speed
In view of new long-distance formats (e.g. bikepacking or grave events, see below), classic ultracycling races have taken a back seat. Competitions for experienced long-distance cyclists are characterised by extreme distances, often over endless metres in altitude, and constantly high speeds. In most cases, the riders have to be accompanied by a team. The races last for several days, with only short breaks for sleep. The best-known commercial non-stop race is the Race Across America (RAAM), for which you have to qualify. There are also ultra-cycling races with a long tradition in Europe. Participation usually requires long, targeted preparation and can cost several thousand euros.
Well-known ultracycling events
- 10 June - Glocknerman (AUT)
- 24 June - Race Across The Alps (AUT)
- 1 July - Race Across Germany (GER)
- 8 August - Race Around Austria (AUT)
- 18 August - Tortour (SUI)
Cycling marathons
For beginners
The cycling marathons organised by the clubs in the German Cycling Federation (BDR) are the perfect introduction to long-distance cycling. The BDR classifies rides of 200 kilometres or more as cycling marathons - but there are also significantly longer routes on offer. In addition to the marathon distance, many organisers also organise shorter routes. The roads are not closed, there is no timekeeping and the entry fees are comparatively low. Refreshment points, start numbers and route signposting are standard. In Germany alone, more than one hundred marathons are taking place this year, twenty of which are part of the Cycling Marathon Cup Germany.
Selected marathons 2022
- 28 May - ERG2 North Sea
- 12 June - Jura Cycle Marathon
- 19 June - RG Hamburg Cycle Marathon
- 26 June - Giro Hattersheim
- 31 July - Holsteiner wave ride
- 31 July - Arber Cycle Marathon
- 21 August - Northern Black Forest Cycle Marathon
- 28 August - Around Berlin
Bikepacking
As an adventure
There is a wide range of new bikepacking events, many of which leave the tarmac roads behind. Some breathe the sporting spirit of ultracycling races - but most are less performance-oriented and many are offered by commercial organisers. Races such as the Transcontinental are fundamentally different from an ultracycling event such as the RAAM: no support is allowed - the athletes have to complete the distance on their own (self-supported). Although they have to head for certain checkpoints, they can choose individual routes in between. There are many ways to cover long distances over several days with light luggage on a bike: on a gravel bike or road bike, as a race or as an independent adventure. Offers where you can follow the route on a freely chosen date via a GPS track are widespread. The community concept is very pronounced.
Selected bikepacking events
- 12 June - Taunus Bikepacking (GER, Gravel)
- 6 July - Transdolomitics Way (ITA)
- 9 July - Three Peaks Bike Race (AUT)
- 10 July - Transost Challenge (6 countries, Gravel)
- 6 August - French Divide (FRA)
- 5 September - BikingMan Euskadi (ESP)
