DIVIDE
The divide are very challenging cycling events, a mix of bicycle touring, adventure and ultracycling. This kind of competition is characterized by the huge distance (even more than 4,000 km) and the remarkable physical effort it requires. Typically, the track develops on both asphalt and dirt roads and also on mountain bike trails.
The most important event of this kind is the Tour Divide that takes place in the USA. More than 4,400 km of completely dirt roads across the United States from the Canadian to the Mexican border.
TRAIL
With Italian trail competitions, we tried to imitate American divide by adapting it to the geography of our territory. The first experiments date back to 2014, today the main features of an Italian trail are:
- More than 450 km length
- Minimum positive drop of 5000 m
- At least one night spend on the trail
Participants leave all together and are obliged to follow the GPS track provided by the organization faithfully. Everyone is pedaling at his own pace, but has to finish the journey within a certain time limit.
The challenge is therefore not against others, but about yourself. Cycling for so many km in solitude puts a lot of pressure on the physical and mental endurance of every athlete.
The organization also does not provide support to the participants. Everyone has to have everything he thinks necessary and is free to stop where he likes it.
The only rule is the use of a helmet and a suitable lighting system.