UTRECHT
ULTRA
XL

The race

Utrecht Ultra XL is a self-supported ultra-distance cycling race that starts and finishes in Utrecht. Riders set off together in a mass start on Saturday, August 1 at 8:00 and are given 158 hours to complete the course before the finisher party on Friday, August 7 at 22:00. This means participants have nearly seven full days of riding time to make it back on time.

As a self-supported event, riders must rely on their own abilities and may only use commercially available services to meet their needs along the way. No outside support is allowed, and, in keeping with the spirit of ultra-distance racing, no prizes are awarded to the fastest finishers.

The route

Utrecht Ultra XL combines fixed parcours with free routing, with approximately 99% of the course on tarmac. Riders begin on a fixed parcours from the starting point in Utrecht, after which they will have to pass through three different checkpoints (CPs) located in neighbouring countries.

The CPs are strategically placed, requiring riders to carefully plan their own routes between them. Each CP features a short mandatory parcours.

CP1 follows the Luxembourg-Germany border, covering beautiful river valleys and a handful of climbs on pristine tarmac roads. From there, the route heads south into France, where the Vosges mountain range sets the stage for the toughest part of the route. Starting in the region’s lesser-known northern hills, the 218km CP2 parcours winds its way south across increasingly demanding climbs, adding up to nearly 5000m of elevation. Along the way, riders will find a staffed checkpoint at a mountain refuge, offering beds and warm showers to those passing through.

Finally, CP3 brings riders to Oudenaarde, with a parcours that features some of cycling’s most iconic cobbled climbs. After tackling this final hurdle, riders will return to the Netherlands, following a fixed route from Zeeland back to Utrecht.

Find a preview of the route below. Definitive routes will be shared early May.

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 XL offers a mix of free and fixed routes, divided into three parcours that make up approximately 50% of the total race route. The three parcours are: a start parcours out of Utrecht, a checkpoint parcours in the Vosges mountain range in France and 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 99% of the course is on tarmac, roughly 1% 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 XL as a pair?

Yes, Utrecht Ultra XL 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 checkpoint?

Along the fixed parcours in the Vosges, France, you will find a staffed checkpoint at a mountain refuge, offering beds and warm showers, where you will also get your brevet card stamped. This checkpoint will open as soon as the first rider arrives and will close again at a set cut-off time. Exact details about the checkpoint and which available services to expect 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 XL that means early May. 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 XL?

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 XL 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.