What is an Audax?

Audax. Admit it, you have a vague idea of what it is but you wouldn’t stake your life on it. It’s an traditional and often hardcore cycling event – the word audax is a Latin adjective that means ‘bold or daring’. Think of the modern word ‘audacious’ and it all makes sense.

Audax has its origins in Italy in the 19th Century, however it was the French who pushed the sport forward in the 20th Century and set up proper rules. Audax is a cycling sport in which participants attempt to cycle long distances within a pre-defined time limit. The challenge of Audax is not in racing. Participants cover long distances at their own speed. The organizer sets up checkpoints between the start and finish point. Generally :

2-4 checkpoints for 200km (13.5 hours)
3-5 checkpoints for 300km (20 hours)
4-6 checkpoints for 400km (27 hours)
5-7 checkpoints for 600km (40 hours)
6-10 checkpoints for 1,000km (75 hours)

Audax is a non-competitive sport. Success in an Audax event is measured by its completion.