‘Bikepacking and Ultra-cycling’ workshop with Marek Rupiński

During the workshops, participants will learn: how to prepare for the toughest ultra races – how to eat, how to sleep and how to manage their energy during multi-day rides, as well as how to pack their bike to set off across Poland and the world.

These and other questions will be answered by people who have cycled thousands of kilometres and know ultra-cycling inside out:

- Gosia Warelich: world-class ultra-cycling and self-supported races.

- Aneta Lamik: Race Across America, the Transcontinental Race and ultra-cycling strategy.

- Marta Gryczko: bikepacking and cycling trips around Poland and the world.

- Remek Siudziński: Race Across America, Race Around Austria and behind-the-scenes insights into the organisation of Race Around Poland

- Marek Rupiński: the road to the World and European Championships in ultra-cycling.

Event programme:

11:00 to 11:05 Welcome to participants and speakers. A brief introduction to ultra-cycling, ultra races and cycle tours, and a presentation of the Berlin–Szczecin–Kołobrzeg cycle route

11:05 to 11:45 World-class ultra-cycling and self-supported races (Gosia Warelich)

    What are self-supported races?

    What are the world’s biggest ultra-cycling events like?

    Physical and mental preparation.

    Organising riding, sleep and nutrition during multi-day races.

    Experiences from the most important races.

    Q&A with the audience.

11:45 to 12:25 Ultracycling based on Race Across America and the Transcontinental Race (Aneta Lamik)

    The unique nature of iconic ultra races.

    Planning strategies on the route.

    Time management and crisis management.

    Differences between supported and self-sufficient races.

    The most valuable lessons learnt from ultra routes.

    Q&A with the audience.

12:25 to 13:05 How to pack and travel by bike in Poland and around the world (Marta Gryczko)

    Choosing panniers and bikepacking bags.

    How to pack your kit efficiently.

    Travelling by train, bus and plane with your bike.

    Logistics before departure and after the trip.

    Practical tips from her own travels.

    Q&A with the audience.

13:05 to 13:35 Break

During the break, there will be an opportunity to chat with the speakers and:

    try out saddles designed for ultra races and long-distance cycling,

    familiarise yourself with cycling clothing designed for races lasting many hours or several days,

    seek advice on equipment and share experiences relating to preparing for ultra races.

13:35 to 14:15 From competitor to organiser of one of the toughest ultra races (Remek Siudziński)

    The first Pole to complete Race Across America and Race Around Austria.

    Experiences from the world’s toughest long-distance races.

    How Race Around Poland, one of the toughest ultra races in Poland, is organised.

    Behind the scenes of creating and running a world-class event.

    The challenges faced by both competitors and organisers of ultra races.

    Q&A with the audience.

14:15 to 14:55 The road to the World and European Championships in ultra-cycling (Marek Rupiński)

    Presentation of the Berlin–Szczecin–Kołobrzeg cycle route.

    Preparing to compete at the highest level.

    Training, recovery and strategy during ultra races.

    The biggest challenges on long-distance routes.

    Experiences from the World and European Championships.

    The nature of competition in world-class ultra-cycling.

    Q&A with the audience.

14:55 to 15:00 End of the event

    Summary,

    Thanks to participants and speakers,

    Official closing.

The event is co-financed by the European Union as part of the project entitled ‘Berlin–Szczecin–Kołobrzeg Cycle Route’, implemented under the Interreg VIA Mecklenburg-Vorpommern/Brandenburg/Poland Cooperation Programme 2021–2027.