RACE ACROSS FRANCE

13 rules for a nice and safe long distance ride

1. No drafting: The race is self-supported, which means that you must arrive at your destination without the benefit of another rider’s (or vehicle’s) drafitng, unless you are riding in pairs or teams of four, where a relay is allowed. Drafting in will result in disqualification.
2. Follow the route: This will be provided as a GPX file and it is imperative that you follow the route from start to finish and do not deviate from it. If you have to leave the route for a refuelling or mechanical problem, you must return to the point where you left the route and continue from there. The route is on road and requires a suitable road bike with normal road bike tyres. Some deviations onto cycle paths are possible, but these are passable with a road bike.
3. Check points / Base camps: These will be located at approximately 500km intervals and will offer a place to rest/sleep, shower, warm smiles and encouragement. It is important to rest and take a break when you need to, we suggest that you do not only use the checkpoints. Sleep when you need to, camping, bivouac, hotel, b&b, all are allowed within the French laws.
4. Helmets, lights, bike in working order: It is compulsory to wear a helmet when cycling, to have working lights, with a rear light on all the time and a front light on from dusk until dawn. The bike must be in good mechanical condition, with working brakes and well-profiled tyres. Any mechanical problems on the road must be solved by the participant.
5. Autonomy / Bikepacking: No outside help is allowed. All movements must be made by calf power. Vehicle assistance is not permitted during the race. If you abandon or decide to withdraw from the race, you must inform the race headquarters as soon as possible. You will not be allowed to use the checkpoints.
6. With Assistance: Participating in the Race Across France in the “With Assistance” category implies the following rules: you must be followed by a vehicle throughout the day and night and for the duration of the event. You also have access to the check points (life bases). Your support team must consist of at least 4 people. The assistance car can jump around to avoid disturbing the traffic during the day but must stay behind you at night.
7. Respect the rules of the road: Respect the rules of the road, drive on the right, stop at red lights and stops. Treat other road users with respect: give way to pedestrians on cycle paths. Be respectful of other cyclists, our aim for this event is to be inclusive. We want to encourage new cyclists to discover the world of ultracycling. So be respectful on the road and let’s build a great community together.
8. Think green: Wherever possible, travel to the start and finish by train and boat. The route has been planned to allow for this possibility. Leave no trace, the route will take you through some of the most beautiful and wildest areas of France, including regional parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Please respect French laws and do not leave any rubbish behind.
9. Insurance is compulsory: It must be taken out by each participant. If you are coming from abroad, rescue and repatriation are compulsory.
10. Time barriers: 300 km > 24 hours, 500 km > 40 hours, 1000 km > 5 days, 2500 km > 10 days. Any competitor who does not reach the finish line before the end of the event and who wishes to continue independently can only do so after informing the race headquarters. They will do so under their own responsibility and independently.
11. Be prepared: By entering an ultracycling event, riders accept the extreme risk that comes with it. Riders are responsible for their own safety and must ensure that they get sufficient rest (take a break and sleep). Safety depends solely on the rider’s ability to adapt to storms, bad weather, mechanical problems, bad phone signal. Runners agree to wear a GPS at all times.
12. Challenge yourself: The routes are designed to allow multiple entries into ultra cycling. If this is your first long distance event, you can start with the 300 or 500 or, if you are a regular, head straight for the 2500. It is important to be aware of what you are undertaking.
13. Smile: The difficult moments will be the ones remembered the most! (probably after the race!)This is an overview of the rules to understand the spirit of the event. Read the full race rules here