Ultracycling
Ultracycling refers to long-distance cycling events that exceed standard professional road racing distances, focusing on endurance, self-sufficiency, and navigation. Rides may be single continuous efforts lasting many hours or days, or staged events across multiple days. Distances commonly begin around 200 miles (approximately 320 kilometers) and extend to thousands of miles.
Formats range from self-supported competitions, where riders provide their own food, shelter, and gear, to fully
Notable events include the Race Across America (RAAM), a transcontinental race across the United States; the
Common challenges include extended sleep deprivation, caloric management, weather exposure, navigation, mechanical reliability, and safety risks.
The sport has roots in early long-distance cycling and randonnée traditions, with a global community of clubs,