Audax
See the 2010 Audax Schedule of Events HERE
A standard Audax entry form can be downloaded here
See information on the Mick Byrne 100/160/200 HERE
See information about PBP 2011 HERE
Super Randonee de haute Provence is a hilly 600km in a very fine part of France, recommended by Paul O’Donoghue.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION , P.B.P. 2011 QUALIFICATION
Although 2011 may seem a long way off at present the organisers(Audax Club Parisien) have changed the criteria for qualification this is due to safety concerns and the practicalities of providing services to the standards previous participants have enjoyed. (Note.ACP have now updated their website to make available the event brochure in English).
2007 was characterised by lenghty queues at controls for beds,food and card stamping.This created major time losses for participants who were pitting their wits against some fairly harsh weather conditions and may have been already behind schedule.
In previous years qualification was gained by completing a Super Randonneur Series ( 200,300,400 & 600K) in the same year as PBP.For 2011 qualification will start the year before and any participants will be required to ride a 200,300 and 400k during 2010, these can be either calendered events or permanents.This will not guarantee entrance to PBP but will able participants to enter the event earlier those who have not ridden these distances the previous year. Entry will be processed earlier for the longer events i.e someone who has ridden a 400k in 2010 may enter a month before someone who has only ridden a 300k the year before.
In addition to this each country will be allocated a number of places by A.C.P but as an up and coming country this might actually turn out to our advantage.A 600k is not mandatory for 2010 but is highly advisable as you would be starting 2011 with a good level of experience and some important knowledge of what’s involved in stepping up to the challenge of the longer distances.
Please note that qualifiers in 2011 cannot be permanents and must be calendered events.
What is AUDAX?
Audax riding is a form of long distance touring where the main challenge is the distance rather than the speed. Over the years many Irish cyclists, both male and female have taken part in events on bikes, trikes and tandems. Since 1987 Ireland has been represented at the Paris Brest Paris (1200k) run every four years, this is the blue riband event of audax cycling with over 4000 cyclists representing 28 countries. Within the last few years Irish cyclists have successfully completed Boston Montreal Boston(1200), London Edinburgh London(1400k) and Paris Brest Paris.
What is an audax event?
All participants are required to cover a set distance within a designated time; as there is a minimum and maximum time limit, it is up to the cyclist to set a pace to match their ability. The minimum speed for the ride is 15k.p.h, the maximum 30k.p.h giving a large leeway of time for completion of the event. Participants are issued with a route sheet and brevet card, which states the location, distance and opening/closing times of the controls. At controls, time and proof of passage must be recorded, as proof that the ride was completed within in the specified time.
Participation?
All cyclists are welcome, though some form of insurance is required, if this is not available a Cycling Ireland day license can be issued. Due to the distances covered some degree of self- sufficiency is helpful and mudguards, a saddlebag and 25mm+ tyres are advised, though not compulsory. On events of 300k and over, lighting is required as the rider may be out between dawn and dusk.
The entry fee for these events will be 5 Euro without a medal and 10 Euro if you want to receive the official Audax medal from Paris. You can download an entry form here.
Admittedly these distances may appear daunting to anyone who has not covered this type of ground before, but in recent years several people have ridden all the events in the same year, not having exceeded 200k before. If you are interested in cycling further than normal, or completing a super randonneur series contact;
Paul O Donoghue,
12 Tinnapark,
Kilpedder
Co. Wicklow.
PH: 01 2810546
podluna@hotmail.com
Further information on audax cycling can be found at the following sites: