Audax cycling, also sometimes called randonneuring, is a non-competitive, ultra-long-distance cycling event with routes ranging from 200km to over 1,000km. While there may be some support stations along the way, riders are expected to organize their logistics, carry their own supplies, and navigate the route independently.
A Brief History of Audax Cycling
The origins of Audax-style events date back to the late 19th century. One of the most famous is the 1,200 km Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP), which remains one of the world’s oldest continuous cycling events. Interestingly, the PBP played a crucial role in inspiring the creation of the Tour de France, making Audax events deeply rooted in cycling history.
Audax has surged in popularity in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to this growth because many cyclists were forced to start riding solo. Many cafes and rest stops were also closed, so cyclists needed to be completely self-sufficient.
Another reason Audax events are becoming popular? Major bike brands realized a niche marketing opportunity and began sponsoring events and athletes. As a result, new types of ultra-distance events are popping up on the calendar.
Sound interesting?
In the latest Nduranz podcast episode, we talked to professional coach Aleksej Dolinšek about his Audax experiences. Here shared a lot of insights, including these 8 key factors for Audax success.
Listen to the full podcast episode. Or keep reading for Aleksej's expert insights.
1. Building Fitness for an Audax
Riding over 200km obviously requires a certain level of physical fitness and endurance, but you don’t necessarily need to go on 300km training rides. Coach Dolinšek says that consistency is more important that logging extreme distances.
A lot of Audax riders also tout the 60% rule: if you can comfortably ride 60% of the distance, you are ready for the challenge. So, rather than doing the weekend warrior rides, build a sustainable routine and gradually increase your distance.
2. Mastering Pacing: Ride Smart, Not Fast
Pacing is critical for an Audax. Your ability to predict and maintain a sustainable pace will determine how you plan everything from training to nutrition and sleep management.
A common pacing mistake that beginners make it trying to keep up with faster riders. Sure, it might be a bit lonely to ride on your own, but you’ll pay the price later if you go over your sustainable pace.
Remember, an Audax isn’t a race. The goal is to complete the Audax event within the time limit while still enjoying the ride.
3. Dialing in Your Nutrition Strategy
If you want to do an Audax, you will be responsible for all of your own nutrition needs between controls. It can take a lot of planning to ensure you will have enough fuel and hydration to get you through the distance—especially on routes where there aren’t a lot of cafes or stores.
This is such a big topic that we decided to take a deep-dive into it.
Read: Nutrition Planning for Audax.
4. Managing Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation
Cycling through the night at the Granguanche Audax. Image credit: @Israel González.
Audaxes often extend through the night, making sleep strategy a crucial aspect of performance. Riders typically adopt one of three approaches:
Sleep Overnight
This method involves riding faster during the day to allow for proper rest at night. Dolinšek recommends this strategy for riders new to ultra-distance cycling, as it’s both safer and more enjoyable.
Take Short Power Naps
The strategy involves brief naps, such as at checkpoints. It’s how most riders approach Audax because it provides a middle ground between rest and finishing quickly. Aleskej says that this approach will work for events that are two or three days along, but not for more extreme events like Race Across America.
Ride Through the Night
Some cyclists opt to ride non-stop. The idea is that they minimize total sleep deprivation by finishing faster. However, extreme fatigue be potentially dangerous. For example, Vilas Silverton of the Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team didn’t sleep on his first 600km Audax and had this side effect.
"I started hallucinating at around 4.30 am. I saw people walking around in the road and cars coming towards me that did not really exist. I was also having a bit of trouble keeping my bike going where I wanted it to. I promised myself a sleep at the next control."
5. Choosing the Right Gear
Audax riders must be self-sufficient, carrying tools, spare parts, and appropriate clothing for all conditions. As Aleksej said,
“If you don't have the gear for this type of event, you won't make it. I tell you because I scratched from the race because of the hypothermia and it's not fun.”
However, overpacking is just a big of a mistake as not packing enough. Every item should have a purpose. Don’t carry gadgets you haven’t actually used and tested: they will most likely be dead weight.
Pro Advice: Never carry tools in your pockets. They can make an additional mess of your body should you fall. – Simon Doughty, author of the Long Distance Cyclists’ Handbook
6. Prioritizing Comfort to Prevent Pain
When you are riding this long, comfort matters. A lot of fit cyclists—even ones with experience on long rides—end up dropping out of Audaxes because of pain.
Let’s be clear: It’s normal to experience some discomfort when you’re riding a bike for an ungodly amount of time. But serious pain is a sign that something isn't right.
- If you experience pain on the bike: It's likely a sign that your bike isn't fitted properly or that you’ve chosen the wrong components.
- If you experience pain after you get off the bike: Then training might help. For example, if your bike is properly fitted and you are still experiencing neck or back pain, you might need to do more core strength exercises.
7. Developing Mental Resilience
Because Audax events are so long, it’s almost inevitable that something won’t go according to plan—and there won’t be a support team to come rescue you when you face a challenge. This is why Aleksaj says that mental resilience is just as important as physical fitness for Audax success.
"Some riders freak out when something goes wrong. But an Audax isn’t the time for a scientific analysis. You need to ask yourself, ‘What would MacGyver do’ and then do it and move on."
To prepare for these challenges, Aleksaj recommends visualizing what can go wrong. For example, what if your bike breaks down? Or what if you get saddle sore? Then you can come up with plans in advance about how you’d deal with this.
8. Embracing the Audax Spirit
If you’ve done some road racing, you know that riders can be a bit cagey: no one wants to share their “secrets.” But this isn’t the case with an Audax. It’s all about camaraderie and mutual support.
If you embrace this community spirit, you can really learn a lot in terms of equipment, planning, and nutrition.
On top of that, you’ll have some amazing experiences. Want an example? When cycling the GranGuanche Audax, Aleksej—despite his careful planning—ended up one gel short. He happened to be riding with Kevin Boscardin at that moment. Aleksej asked Kevin if he had an extra gel, and immediately Kevin gave him one. It was his last gel.
And it turns out that the gel wasn’t even Kevin’s. He had got it from another guy. These two acts of generosity and comradeship are what allowed Aleksej to make it to the ferry on time.
"There are so many of these stories and this is the reason why you do this type of events. It's not just about the credits and the letterboards and the timings and who is winning. At the end of the day, this is the very essence of ultra-distance cycling.”