Nicky Shaw

The Great British Divide has become an iconic off-road route, taking in 2000km across the length of the UK. Kevin Francis is the man behind the race; with a strong background in corporate and sporting events it's not hard to see why the race has received such success.

Dec 9th 2023

Once again, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite films from bikepacking races this year to keep those in the Northern Hemisphere entertained as we settle in for some short days and long evenings.

Dec 16th 2023

Scratching is a part of ultra distance races that most racers will have to deal with at some point. This two part roundtable aims to open up the dialogue on scratching, and debunk the negative stigma that it sometimes carries.

Nov 17th 2023

In this roundtable we discuss the topic of mandatory kit for ultra distance races. With no governing body for the sport, race organisers have differing ideas about what kit is deemed essential for the particular conditions of their race. Read on for more on this important topic.

Mar 1st 2024

The DotWatcher Dozen, a 2024 race season preview including 7 established classics and 6 inaugural races with exciting new formats. Making it a baker's dozen, the thirteenth race we highlight is one that has been on hiatus, but this year we see it return to the racing calendar.

Jan 13th 2024

A roundup of some of the most exciting races in 2023, with a spread of events across the globe. Take a look at what went down at some of the biggest races of the year.

Dec 9th 2023

Our annual awards nominated by you, the bikepacking race community, to celebrate the finest achievements of 2023 in the sport. Read the feature to learn who received this year’s awards for their endeavours on and off the bike.

Dec 31st 2023

Acier Race Team: a collective of like-minded individuals promoting healthy, fair & sustainable competition in the sport of ultra-distance, self-supported cycling. Join us as we delve into the makings of the team along with their core objectives and values.

May 17th 2024

Jasmijn grew up with the bike as a daily part of life, but she didn't pick up cycling as a serious sport until in her early 30s. She has gone on to become a renowned name in the ultra distance community, and now works to impart her knowledge to others through coaching.

Apr 15th 2023

Shermer’s Neck is a condition where the neck muscles fail from fatigue and can no longer support the weight of the head. In part 1 of this feature we aim to shed some light upon the condition, with a collective discussion concerning responsibilities and appropriate action.

Nov 21st 2022

Shermer’s Neck is a condition where the neck muscles fail from fatigue and can no longer support the weight of the head. In Part 2 of this feature we discuss how it should be dealt with appropriately on social media, actions to raise awareness and preventative measures.

Dec 9th 2022

Ana Orenz: Global citizen, Mother, Triple Everester, slightly obsessed with goats and mountains. Since her Ultra Debut in 2017 with the formidable TransAtlantic Way Race, Ana has won the women's category in virtually every race she has done since. *Cover Photo: Charlotte Gamus*

Oct 20th 2022

In conversation with Pawel Pulawski, Nicky Shaw finds out what it takes to plan a free-route for an ultra-race with 3rd place finisher of TCRNo8 and organiser of the Race Through Poland.

Jul 21st 2023

A roundup of some of the most exciting races in 2024, with a spread of events across the globe. Take a look at what went down at some of the biggest races of the year.

Jan 17th 2025

Scratching is a part of ultra distance races that most racers will have to deal with at some point. This two part roundtable aims to open up the dialogue on scratching, and debunk the negative stigma that it sometimes carries.

Nov 4th 2023

Summer is right around the corner, and with it brings a plethora of ultra distance races and bikepacking events. It goes without saying that 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for racers and dot watchers alike. Read on for an overview of which dots to watch this year.

Apr 17th 2025

The fourth edition of the Granguanche Audax Trail is a self-supported, single-stage, fixed-route, endurance cycling event across the Canary Islands; an unpaved route with considerable elevation gain. In true audax spirit, riders must be self-supported but are allowed to ride together and draft one another.

Sep 17th 2024

After a year hiatus, 2VS will be held as a free-route for the first time ever since its inception in 2019. Often used as a European season finale, this Southern Italian will take riders from Mount Vesuvio to Mount Etna via eight parcours and, undoubtedly, some steep climbs, excellent food and rough roads.

Jun 7th 2024

Northern England's free route race offers a dotwatcher's delight as riders on the Rookie and 72 Hour categories meander between the 10 checkpoints on the rugged and exposed countryside of The North. This year's edition includes some out-and-back checkpoints and some unavoidable tough climbs.

Apr 24th 2024

The third edition of the Granguanche Audax Trail is a self-supported, single-stage, fixed-route, endurance cycling event across the Canary Islands; an unpaved route with considerable elevation gain. In true audax spirit, riders must be self-supported but are allowed to ride together and draft one another.

Nov 19th 2023

The second edition of GranGuanche's Gravel audax takes in five of the Canary Islands with four ferry journeys. In true audax spirit, riders must be self-supported but are allowed to ride together and draft one another.

Feb 14th 2023

A stalwart of the MTB bikepacking calendar including a traverse of the Grand Canyon, the Arizona regularly attracts some of the strongest off-road racers and has remained true to its original low-key self-supported ethos.

Sep 6th 2022

The world acclaimed audax London Edinburgh London is a 1540km self-supported cycle ride across the United Kingdom, between the iconic capital cities of England and Scotland.

Jun 1st 2022

The third edition of the Bohemian Border Bash Race follows the ancient borderlands of Bohemia via the remnants of centuries-old road networks that still exist to this day. The riders will compete on an approximately 1300km long journey circumnavigating Bohemia - crossing back-and-forth along national borders - riding through Germany, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Jul 3rd 2023