The IncaDivide 2017 proved to be one of the most grueling ultra-cycling races in the world, set against the dramatic and breathtaking landscapes of Peru. Spanning 2,000 kilometers and featuring 40,000 meters of climbing, the event tested riders’ physical limits and mental resilience. From rugged dirt roads to oxygen-deprived altitudes, participants faced challenges unmatched in other ultra-cycling events. Despite the difficulties, the spirit of adventure and determination shone brightly, leaving participants eager to return and conquer the race anew.
A battle against Peru’s rugged terrain
The Peruvian Andes presented riders with a unique and harsh environment. Cycling at altitudes of 3,500 to 4,700 meters, competitors battled thin air, steep gradients, and unrelenting terrain. One rider noted that cycling at 3,500 meters in Peru was equivalent to cycling at 6,000 or 7,000 meters in Europe due to the difficulty level. This combination of high altitudes, rough dirt roads, and unpredictable weather created conditions that pushed even the most seasoned cyclists to their limits.
Mechanical issues were a significant challenge. One participant shared their frustration with electronic gears failing, which forced them to ride the last three days on a limited gear ratio. On Peru’s rugged dirt roads, this proved to be an exhausting ordeal. Despite the setbacks, riders persevered, viewing the experience as a valuable training ground for future attempts.
Altitude: the ultimate challenge
Cycling at such high elevations added a layer of complexity to the race. The oxygen-deprived environment drained riders’ energy faster than usual, making recovery and endurance management crucial. For most of the race, participants remained above 3,000 meters, with peaks reaching 4,700 meters. This level of sustained altitude exposure is rarely encountered in other ultra-cycling races, making IncaDivide a truly unique challenge.
The physical toll of altitude was compounded by the mental challenge of isolation and fatigue. Riders spent hours or even days without encountering others, relying solely on their determination to keep going. For those who love cycling and adventure, however, this aspect of the race was deeply rewarding.
A test of resilience and adaptability
IncaDivide demanded not only strength but also adaptability. Riders had to make critical decisions about their gear, nutrition, and strategy. One rider reflected on their choice of equipment, realizing that a mechanical setup might have been more reliable than the electronic gears they brought. Lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly shape future attempts, as participants refine their strategies to better suit the extreme conditions.
Despite these obstacles, riders embraced the race’s challenges. One participant described it as “probably the coolest and hardest race you can do,” highlighting the unparalleled adventure and sense of accomplishment that comes with completing such a demanding event.
A camaraderie among competitors
While the race was fiercely challenging, it also fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants. Riders supported one another, sharing stories, advice, and encouragement along the way. One competitor mentioned riding with another cyclist, Rodney, who was described as “spinning like a machine” and destined for the front of the race. These bonds, forged in the crucible of extreme endurance cycling, added a layer of humanity to the raw and rugged experience.
Lessons learned for future races
For many participants, IncaDivide 2017 was not just a race but a learning experience. Riders left with a deeper understanding of the unique demands of ultra-cycling in such extreme conditions. One cyclist expressed their determination to return with a better configuration, planning to carry fewer items and rely on more mechanical components instead of electronic ones.
The race served as a “training camp” for some, a proving ground where they tested their limits and identified areas for improvement. For these riders, the experience was invaluable, laying the groundwork for stronger performances in future editions.
The allure of IncaDivide
The appeal of IncaDivide lies in its unparalleled combination of adventure, challenge, and natural beauty. The race takes participants through remote and stunning landscapes, offering an experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere. One rider compared the conditions to cycling in Tibet, a region known for its forbidding terrain and high altitudes, but which is largely inaccessible to cyclists.
IncaDivide’s reputation as one of the hardest ultra-cycling races in the world makes it a bucket-list event for adventurers and cyclists alike. Its ability to test both physical endurance and mental fortitude ensures that it leaves a lasting impression on all who take part.
Unforgettable moments from the 2017 edition
- Riding at extreme altitudes
The sustained elevation of over 3,000 meters, with peaks of 4,700 meters, challenged riders’ lungs and legs like no other event. - Unforgiving terrain
Participants navigated rugged dirt roads, steep climbs, and remote paths that pushed their technical skills to the limit. - Mechanical failures
Equipment issues, such as failing electronic gears, underscored the importance of preparation and adaptability in ultra-cycling. - A shared adventure
The camaraderie among riders, forged in the face of immense challenges, was a highlight for many participants.
Looking ahead: the return to IncaDivide
For most riders, IncaDivide 2017 was not the end but the beginning of a deeper connection with ultra-cycling in extreme conditions. Many expressed a desire to return, better prepared and ready to tackle the race’s unique challenges. The lessons learned from this edition—whether related to equipment, strategy, or mental resilience—will undoubtedly fuel stronger performances in the future.
The IncaDivide continues to stand as a beacon for cyclists seeking the ultimate test of endurance and adventure. With its combination of stunning landscapes, grueling conditions, and the unparalleled challenge of high-altitude cycling, it promises an experience that is as rewarding as it is demanding. For those who dare to take it on, the race offers the chance to push their limits and discover their true potential.
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