As I reflect on 2024, I’m proud to have completed 10,000 km of riding. However, one thing stands out: I didn’t truly push myself beyond my comfort zone. Most of the year, I stayed within familiar boundaries, but when I did venture outside of them, I was able to accomplish remarkable feats.
For 2025, I’ve set myself a new challenge—one that will stretch my limits: ultra-distance cycling. This commitment marks a major shift in my approach, as I aim to push my endurance to new heights. It was during this period of reflection and goal-setting that I discovered the Race Across Quebec, a race that aligns perfectly with the challenge I’m ready to take on—300 km on August 21 and 22.
The Race Across Series: Origins and Evolution
The Race Across series began with Arnaud Manzanini, an ultracycling enthusiast whose experience in the Race Across America profoundly impacted him. This event tested his physical and mental limits and sparked the idea of bringing ultracycling to Europe. His vision came to life with the creation of the Race Across France, an event designed to give cyclists an adventurous and challenging ride through the country’s stunning landscapes. The Race Across France held its first edition in 2018, with 42 riders participating.
Race Across Quebec: The Second Edition
In 2025, the Race Across Quebec will host its second edition, offering three race distances: 300 km, 500 km, and 1000 km. The event is structured around several loops centered on a single base, where participants will complete one or two loops, which may differ from each other. This compact format ensures easy access to personal gear and provides a central location for family and support crews. It’s a format that simplifies logistics while maintaining the race’s challenging nature.
The inspiration for a North American version of the Race Across series came when David Proulx and Jesse Cabon took part in the Race Across France. Motivated by their experience, they decided to organize the Race Across Quebec, providing an exciting challenge for ultracyclists in North America.
My Journey: Training for the Race Across Quebec
Participating in the Race Across Quebec is not just about the race itself; it’s a journey that will involve serious training, experimenting with bike setups, and testing new equipment. Along the way, I’ll seek advice from seasoned ultracyclists, test my fitness in various events, and evaluate my progress.
This challenge is something I’m approaching with full commitment. I’ll be putting in the maximum effort with proper preparation and expert advice to ensure I’m ready for the event. Throughout this journey, I’ll share my experiences in a series of upcoming articles titled My Journey to the Race Across Quebec — stay tuned for the insights and lessons learned along the way!
Brands We Will Test Along the Way
As part of my journey, I’ll be testing products from several renowned brands that offer high-performance cycling gear. These partnerships are integral to optimizing my training and ensuring I have the best tools for the race. Here are the brands I’ll be working with:
- Sram: Known for innovation and performance, Sram offers high-quality drivetrains, brakes, and components designed for serious cyclists. Their products are engineered to handle the demands of ultra-distance cycling, ensuring smooth and reliable performance.
- WTB: A leader in cycling tires, saddles, and wheels, WTB is dedicated to creating products that balance durability and comfort, helping cyclists tackle challenging terrains with confidence.
- FSA: A trusted name in bike components, FSA delivers performance-oriented handlebars, stems, cranks, and wheels. Their products are built to withstand the pressures of ultra-distance events while optimizing efficiency.
- Hammerhead: Known for their cutting-edge GPS technology, Hammerhead’s Karoo 2 is a game-changer for cyclists who require precise navigation and intuitive user interfaces to track their progress during long rides.
- LCKD N LDED: A Canadian-based company specializing in backcountry bikes, LCKD N LDED focuses on delivering high-performance yet affordable carbon fiber bicycles without compromising quality.
- Camelbak: The go-to brand for hydration solutions, Camelbak provides reliable water reservoirs and bottles that help cyclists stay hydrated throughout their longest rides.
- Pack2Ride: A Turkey-based company producing durable and functional bikepacking gear, offering locally made products with a lifetime warranty.
And this is just the beginning — there will be more brands joining us as we move forward in this journey. Each brand’s gear will play a crucial role in helping me meet the challenge ahead.
You would like to have more information about the Race Across Québec? It’s here
You would like to register? Here is a code for 15% off: ALLEN15RAQ25
