Frequently asked questions
What does self-supported mean?
During the race, riders must remain self-supported. This means no outside help is permitted, such as using private lodgings, getting resupplies from friends or drafting other riders. All food, drinks and equipment must be carried with you or acquired at commercially available services. Any service used during the race must be available to all riders. This means booking accommodation or eating at restaurants is allowed. However, it is not allowed to book accommodation along the route before the race starts.
Do I have to plan my own route?
Yes, Ultra Ultra offers a mix of free and fixed routes, divided into five parcours that make up approximately 60% of the total race route. The five parcours are: a start parcours out of Utrecht, three parcours around the checkpoint locations, a finish parcours into Utrecht. Everything in between has to be planned by you.
Why is there gravel included in the mandatory parcours?
Although around 98% of the course is on tarmac, roughly 2% is on gravel. While we do not aim to be a gravel ultra, we do like to include a few sections here and there. Sometimes, a gravel road is simply the only way to reach a particular place or climb we want to feature. Other times, it’s the more scenic or interesting option compared to nearby paved alternatives. Beyond that, we believe these short gravel stretches add to the all-round challenge we aim to create, giving riders one more element to consider in their preparation. For reassurance: we recon all mandatory parcours on road bikes with approximately 30mm tyres to ensure every section is rideable.
Can I ride Utrecht Ultra as a pair?
Yes, Utrecht Ultra has a dedicated pairs category. Pair riders must also remain self-supported but are allowed to act as a unit, sharing things like food, equipment and information between themselves. They can help each other and ride in each other’s slipstream, but no support is allowed from outside the pair.
What can I expect at the staffed checkpoints?
Along the CP1, CP2 and CP3 parcours you will find a staffed checkpoint. These checkpoints will open as soon as the first rider arrives and will close again at set cut-off times. At each checkpoint you will get your brevet card stamped by our volunteers and on some of the checkpoints there may be services available to riders. Sleeping at a checkpoint is not possible, but filling up your water bottles should be no problem. Exact details about each checkpoint will be shared in the race manual.
When can I expect more information about the route and other race details?
We aim to share the definitive route and the race manual three months before the race starts. For Utrecht Ultra that means by the end of February. In the race manual you will find details about the checkpoints and cut-off times, the race rules, mandatory items, accreditation, sponsor deals and of course the finish party.
Which type of bike is best suited for Utrecht Ultra?
It’s up to you to decide which type of bike you choose, as long as it’s a non-electric upright bicycle. Most people opt for a road bike, but we’ve also seen lots of gravel bikes and even some time trial bikes. We recon all mandatory parcours on road bikes with approximately 30mm tyres to ensure every section is rideable.
What is a GPS tracker and can I provide my own?
GPS trackers are provided by Follow My Challenge and we do not allow people to provide their own. They are not navigational devices and are only there to provide real-time tracking of all riders via an online tracking map. It is highly recommended to bring your own navigational device, such as a bike computer or phone, since various mandatory parcours must be followed during the race.
I would like to volunteer, where do I sign up?
Utrecht Ultra wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers. If you would like to get involved and support the race at one of the various locations that the event covers, please send an email to ruben@utrechtultra.com.
