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 and are given several days to complete the course before the finisher party. In this year’s first first edition, participants had 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. On the fixed parcours sections, all riders follow the same roads, while in between these they must plan their own routes between checkpoints. This balance of set parcours and self-navigation makes strategic planning a key part of the challenge.

In the 2025 edition, Utrecht Ultra XL included a passive checkpoint in northern France, before sending riders deep into the Vosges mountains for a demanding fixed parcours. That section alone covered more than 200km and over 6000m of climbing, taking riders across some of the region’s most famous cols. A staffed checkpoint in a mountain refuge offered an opportunity for rest and recovery.

From there, the route turned north into Germany’s Eifel region for another checkpoint, before turning back toward Utrecht along a final fixed parcours. The specific checkpoints and parcours for the next edition will be announced later, but for now you can find the 2025 route below.

2025 route

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 40% 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.

Can I ride Utrecht Ultra XL as a pair?

Yes, Utrecht Ultra XL has a dedicated pairs category. Pairs 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 where you will get your brevet card stamped by our volunteers. 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 finisher's 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 at Utrecht Ultra we’ve also seen lots of gravel bikes and even some time trial bikes.

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.