What is the Crew Role in Supported Ultra Races? 

Unlike other cycle races, Supported Ultra Races require that each solo racer and each team has support vehicles with them at all times during the race. This means that for every cyclist/team there may 3 to 10 crew members accompanying them at an Ultra Race. Not only is the participants performance dependent on their support crew, but also their safety! Working with a crew to ensure a safe and successful race needs some understanding of what roles the crew will play.

Inspire India has compiled some resources here for participants of The Deccan Cliffhanger and The Ultra Spice Race, which are also relevent for other International Ultra Races.

The Ultracycling community is a small one and looks for support within its members…. Crew, racers and officials often exchange roles from event to event! In the beautifully put words of Julie Stokes… “The long distance (ultracycling) community is much smaller than the equivalency in the running world. Consequently many of us know each other, and want to help each other. We are also cognizant that given the smaller pool, we have to help each other individually, and collectively to grow the sport. There is also the karma thing. In ultra events there are many variables completely outside your control. Having a strong ‘karmic bank balance’ is always in your best interest.”– Julie Stokes

“It can be great fun! It is hard work, and not the best way to see the countryside, but you get to meet some awesome people and support them in meeting their goals!”  – Divya Tate  (crewed and Officiated at RAAM & RAW for 5 consecutive years, also crewed at Race Across Europe and twice at Race Around Austria)

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Essential Characteristics

Crewing requires some intensive interaction with people who may well have been strangers before race day! While this ‘intimacy’ is not always a bad thing, it is a good idea for crews to come prepared to live without any personal space for the duration of the race! It is a good idea for crew to understand what they are signing up for beforehand, and judge whether they are suited for the tasks! Racers are advised to look out for suitable and unsuitable characteristics before deciding on their crew!