About Utrecht Ultra

The Vortex project is all about the experience of a first-timer participating in ultra-distance racing. Something that usually sounds very daunting, partly because it is but also because racing is becoming harder and harder - on purpose. Race organisers come up with crazier, harder and more remote ideas every year. It gives us all amazing racing to look at (and a future goal, perhaps) but also increases the barrier to entry. For that reason, I always keep an eye out for projects that try to do the opposite and actively get new people to race. Most certainly because I believe so many people should have the opportunity to try and see if it’s for them. 

To kick this off, we chose to support a race that aims to lower the barrier to entry: Utrecht Ultra. It’s an event that, to me, is an excellent gateway into ultra-distance racing/bike-packing races (however you want to call them). 

Before the race, we asked race director Ruben Platte a couple of questions about his idea of racing and why UU exists: 

Tell us a bit about Utrecht Ultra

Utrecht Ultra is a 1.000km long self supported ultra-distance cycling race starting and finishing in Utrecht, The Netherlands. The race offers a mix of fixed and free routes, with staffed checkpoints in beautiful regions in neighbouring countries, such as the Ardennes and the Eifel. The route will have approximately 10.000m+, not too much at this distance but also definitely not to be underestimated. 

Why did you start UU?

I started Utrecht Ultra out of a love for the sport. Races like this offer an experience to riders that can’t be had anywhere else, and I wanted more people to have those experiences. What I did however feel, is that most races promote themselves as being the toughest, hardest and baddest thing out there. I wanted to do this differently, and design a race that focuses on accessibility and inclusivity, two things that aren’t all that common in today’s cycling industry.

What’s your own experience racing?

I love mountains and I love climbing so I’ve done races through the Alps and through the Pyrenees, but I’m slowly starting to think that organising races is more my jam than riding them ;)

⁠What makes UU different to the existing calendar?

By focusing on accessibility and inclusivity, I really try to put the experience of riders above everything else. Utrecht Ultra should not just be a race. I want it to be an event where people have a good time, no matter how bad they feel along the way. The community surrounding these events is something very special, and by organising things like a pre-race meal and a great finishers party, I hope to foster new connections between the people taking part.

⁠Any plans for the future?

Big plans actually, but I don’t want to reveal too much just yet! All I can share is that there will be one more new race on the calendar next year!

We can’t wait for next year and hope to see some of you there. Find more info through https://utrechtultra.com/, you can pre-register NOW!

Header image - Quinda Verheul