The Ultras in 2026
🚴Ultra-distance races in France 2026: Top 5 must-do events
L'ultra-distance cycling is no longer a fringe activity. In France, it has now established itself as one of the purest forms of endurance cycling. Riding for long periods, sometimes very long periods, self-supported or semi-supported, on roads or gravel, means accepting to step outside your comfort zone to experience a physical, mental and human adventure.
In 2026, the calendar of ultra cycling races in France has never been so rich. From the Alps to the volcanoes of Auvergne, from grand crossings to more accessible formats, these events all have one thing in common: they transform each participant. Here, the clock takes a backseat. What matters are the accumulated kilometers, THE mountain passes climbed, THE sleepless nights, and above all, the memories that remain.
Ultra-distance running is also another way to travel. You discover territories differently, at a slow but intense pace, confronting the weather, the terrain, and yourself. It's a discipline where equipment, effort management, and mental preparation play a key role, but where instinct and adaptation often make the difference.
At the house of Matchy Cycling, We deeply believe in this vision of cycling: committed, authentic, and focused on experience rather than raw performance. That's why we selected The 5 must-do ultra-distance races in France in 2026, those that best embody the spirit of adventure, freedom and self-improvement.
👉 Here is our mini ultra-distance calendar 2026, with a challenge that has already become legendary in mind: The Giants.
🥇 1. The Giants – August 14, 2026 (Annecy, Alps)
The flagship event of the Alps returns for its fourth edition! Since Annecy, This race offers a variety of formats (road and gravel) ranging from 250 km to 700 km, Whether solo or in pairs, the alpine terrain and spectacular mountain passes make it a benchmark for testing your limits and experiencing a memorable adventure in the French, and sometimes Italian, mountains ;)
-
📍 Departure/Arrival: Annecy
-
📆 Date : August 14, 2026
-
🚴 Formats: 250 km–700 km, road & gravel
-
🌄 Key features: Family-run organization, prestigious alpine passes, complete autonomy, unique alpine panorama.
🥈 2. Ultra Bike France (UBF) – Spring to Autumn 2026
Rather a single race, L'UBF is a long distance challenge series which travels across France through different landscapes.Each of these events offers demanding distances (200 km, 300 km, 500 km or 24 hours non-stop) on open roads, combining sport, local culture and pushing one's limits.
Key dates 2026:
-
🌿 April 5: The Cévennes
-
🏔️ June 6: The Alps
-
⛰️ September 5: The 24 Hours of Altitude
-
🏞️ September 26: Catalan Pyrenees
-
☀️ October 17: Provence
👉 Each UBF stage is an adventure in itself, ideal for getting started in ultra-running or collecting challenges throughout the year. The UBF team will support you with kindness, and that's a huge plus.
🥉 3. GravelMan Series – 2026
The series GravelMan Combines freedom and autonomy on gravel (and sometimes road) routes throughout France. The events extend up to 500 km, with varied routes through rural, forest and sometimes mountainous landscapes.
👉 GravelMan is perfect for those who want think outside the box, combining gravel riding and ultra-endurance and discovering France in a different way.
🏅 4. Race Across France – June 18–28, 2026
There Race Across France is one of the benchmarks of ultra-cycling. It offers routes ranging from 200 km to 2500 km, allowing you to cross the country from west to east, from the Pyrenees to the Alps and then towards the Mediterranean.
-
📍 From Hendaye to Mandelieu-la-Napoule
-
🗓 June 18–28, 2026
-
📏 Distances: 200–2500 km
-
🏞️ Key features: A succession of legendary mountain passes, varied landscapes, the ultimate endurance experience.
👉 An adventure for all ultra cyclists who dream of a challenge where they can face a higher density of competition!
🏁 5. The Ultra Arverne – June 4-7, 2026
Finally, theUltra'Verne is an ultra-distance race in central France, aroundAmbert (Auvergne). Several distances are offered, reaching up to approximately 770–780 km with a significant elevation change, in a wild and panoramic setting.
-
📍 Place : Ambert, Puy-de-Dôme
-
📆 July 2026 (date to be confirmed)
-
📏 Distances: up to ~778 km
🌄 Key features: Volcanic panoramas, an extraordinary personal challenge.
👉 A friendly ultra-endurance adventure that blends nature, self-sufficiency, and intense challenge in the heart of the Auvergne region. This event is associated with the Les Copains cycling event, a long-standing tradition on the French cycling calendar.
🏁 Which ultra-distance race should I choose in France in 2026?
Choose a ultra-distance cycling event in France in 2026, It's primarily about choosing an adventure that suits you. Some events prioritize discovery and progression, while others clearly push the limits of endurance and self-sufficiency. But they all have one thing in common: they offer a unique experience, far beyond simply riding for a long time.
Among these events, The Giants establish themselves as an essential reference in the field.ultra cycling in France. Located in the heart of the Alps, this race concentrates everything that makes up the essence of ultra-distance running: legendary mountain passes, of the demanding courses, a total immersion in the mountains and a powerful human adventure, where every kilometer counts. More than a race, Les Géants is an invitation to experience cycling differently.
Whether you're drawn to road cycling or gravel riding, to a solo or two-person format, 2026 is the ideal year to get into ultra-distance running. Preparing for an event like Les Géants means setting a clear objective, structuring your training and equipping yourself to last, not just to perform.
At the house of Matchy Cycling, We believe that the greatest challenges are those that leave a lasting impression. If you're looking for an ultra-distance race in France that could mark a turning point in your cycling journey, The Giants are undoubtedly the ideal starting point.
👉 See you in August 2026, at the foot of the Alps.
