As a cycling enthusiast, I have been fascinated by long-distance cycling events, and participating in brevets and audax has been a goal of mine since I started cycling. This year, I decided to take up the challenge of qualifying for Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) 2023, which is considered the ultimate cycling event. To participate in PBP, cyclists need to complete a series of qualifying brevets and become Super Randonneur.
What is a Brevet?
A brevet is a long-distance cycling event that challenges cyclists to ride a specific distance within a set time frame. Brevets are typically non-competitive and are conducted under the banner of Audax, a cycling sport that originated in France in the late 19th century. Audax is a non-competitive cycling sport that emphasizes self-sufficiency and endurance.
How to Qualify for Paris-Brest-Paris?
The Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) is 1,200-kilometer cycling event that attracts the most dedicated and passionate riders from all around the world. As PBP continues to grow in popularity, so does the registration process
To be eligible for PBP, riders must have completed official Brevets de Randonneurs Mondieux (BRM) events in the year prior. Those who have met this requirement are granted priority and can pre-register from January 14, 2023, to secure their place at PBP 2023.
Pre-registration opens in stages for riders who have completed BRM events of different distances between November 2021 and October 2022.
Preregistration dates:
1,200km BRM can pre-register on January 14
600km BRM can pre-register on January 28
400km BRM can pre-register on February 11
300km BRM can pre-register on February 25
200km BRM can pre-register on March 11
Once pre-registered, riders must confirm their place by initiating the qualification process no later than June 20, 2023, and completing it by July 2, 2023.
The registration process must be completed through the portal on the PBP website, and riders must complete a brevet series consisting of 200km, 300km, 400km, and 600km BRMs to become a “super randonneur.” The registration proper opens on May 27, 2023, and is available to all riders, regardless of whether they have completed a BRM event the previous year, as long as the field limit hasn’t been reached.
My Qualifying Brevets
I started my journey towards qualifying for PBP by registering for the 1200km brevet in 2022 to be able to preregister in January 14 2023 and choose the first group of 80 h time limit for PBP.
After pre-registration, I needed to complete the qualifying brevet series of 200km, 300km, 400km, and 600km. I completed the 200km and 300km brevets earlier this year and have two more to go before I become a super randonneur.
The 200km brevet was an incredible experience.The 300km brevet was more challenging as it was longer but was really fun exploring Zeeland. Both events were well-organized and provided a great opportunity to meet other cyclists who share the same passion for long-distance cycling.
Looking Ahead
As I progress towards my goal of becoming a super randonneur and qualifying for PBP, I am excited about the upcoming brevets. The 400km and 600km brevets will be more challenging, but I am ready to take on the challenge and push myself to the limit. I know that completing these events will require a lot of training and preparation but the sense of achievement and the opportunity to participate in PBP makes it all worth it.
What kind of aero bars are authorized for PARIS-BREST-PARIS?
According to the PBP Website, all aerobars will be allowed. However, for obvious safety reasons, their use is strongly discouraged when riding in a peloton.
The road ahead
In conclusion, participating in brevets and audax is a fantastic way to challenge oneself, test endurance, and meet fellow cyclists who share the same passion. The journey to qualify for PBP is not easy, but it is a journey that is worth taking. I look forward to completing my qualifying brevets and becoming a super randonneur, and I encourage anyone who shares the same passion to take up the challenge and join me on this incredible journey.
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