L'Ultr'Arverne

L'Ultr'Arverne begins and ends near Ambert in the Puy-de-Dôme, within France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Its road cycling routes extend deep into the Auvergne mountains and forests. This multi-day event, typically held in early July, offers routes from standard long rides of 67, 90, 115, 133, and 156 km to much longer ultra-distance courses of 237, 330, 363, 560, 573, 774, and 778 km. The event's tagline, “A journey to Jules Verne,” suits its scope: it focuses on how far into the region riders choose to go, rather than a single fast loop. The longest formats cater to riders who appreciate distance, climbing, and self-sufficiency. The 774 km route features 15,284 meters of elevation gain and includes passes like the Col du Béal, Pas de Peyrol, Col de Prat de Bouc, and Col de la Croix de Peccata. The 560 km route has 10,407 meters of climbing, and the 330 km route includes 6,183 meters. The ultra-distance version has no classification; riders aim to finish the entire course in under 82 hours with complete autonomy. Participants manage their own navigation, nutrition, hydration, mechanical issues, and safety, with no outside support. It is part of Les Copains-Cyfac, a long-established Auvergne cycling event organized by Union cycliste Ambert Auvergne. The participants are primarily endurance cyclists, bikepacking enthusiasts, and individuals seeking a personal challenge over competition.