Going deep on two wheels
CICLISMO de Ultrafondo (ultra-deep cycling), also known as ‘brevets’ are noncompetitive cycle races which take place on roads open to traffic, where participants have to complete a course, in a pre-set time, with total self-sufficiency and without support, except at established control points, and respecting at all times the laws of the road.
Murcia Randonneurs cycling group, in collaboration with Cartagena cycle club and the support of Cartagena city hall sports department, are hosting two ‘brevets’, the first of which took place last Saturday (February 9).
The event saw participants covering a 200 kilometre course leaving from Estadio Municipal Cartagonova in Cartagena and passing through Escombreras, Portmán, Cabo de Palos, La Manga, San Javier, Los Alcázares, San Pedro del Pinatar, Pilar de la Horadada and San Miguel de Salinas before finishing at Hotel Manolo in the city, in a time of 13.5 hours or less.
The second test takes place on Saturday, March 9 and covers a 300km course that passes through different localities in Murcia region and the province of Almería.
The route will start and finish at the same places as the first brevet and commences at 07.00.
Participants have a total of 20 hours to complete the course.
Brevets have their origins in Italian endurance sports of the late nineteenth century, and the rules were formalised in France in the early twentieth century.
Cyclists who complete a brevet are called ‘randonneurs’.
In Spain, and in general, brevets are becoming increasingly popular and there are a number of events that take place throughout the year.
The best known of which in Spain is the Madrid-GijónMadrid – a 1,200km challenge that needs to be completed in 90 hours.
The best known worldwide is the 1,230km ParisBrest-Paris ride, which takes place every four years.
In order to be able to participate in the Paris and Madrid events cyclists must have completed 200, 300, 400 and 600km brevets in the same year.
Registration for the March brevet is now open and costs €10, plus another €10 for a commemorative medal (if desired).
Full details are available from the Murcia Randonneurs cycling group website at www.murciaultraciclismo.com.