Conquering the Wild Beauty of Sardinia - The Build Up

Ultrabiking Sardinia 790

What Is It?

Ultrabiking Sardinia 790, often simply referred to as UBS 790, is a gruelling ultracycling event that stretches over a 790-kilometer course. Participants in this challenge embark on a multi-day journey through the wild, unspoiled terrains of Sardinia, pushing their physical and mental limits to the extreme.

The event combines the best of road cycling and adventure racing, offering participants an immersive experience of Sardinia's natural beauty and rugged terrain. It's not just a race; it's an adventure of a lifetime.

The Course: A True Test of Endurance

The UBS 790 course winds through Sardinia's most captivating landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Gennargentu mountains to the picturesque coastal trails. It's not for the faint of heart, with the total elevation gain surpassing 14,000 meters. It is a mix of challenging terrains, including gravel roads, steep ascents, and technical descents.

Day 1 - Finding My Way

My journey into Ultrabiking Sardinia 790 began when I landed at Olbia Airport on the opposite side of the island at 20:30. I collected a Fiat Tipo and embarked on a dark motorway and country road route to the start point in Alghero.

My journey wasn't over as I struggled to find the correct hotel. By the time I finally located it, with the help of the WhatsApp group, the clock had struck midnight. With the bike still in its bag, I settled down to sleep, knowing that Thursday would be a day to explore.

Day 2 - Preparations and Camaraderie

Thursday marked the official beginning of the Ultrabiking Sardinia 790 adventure. Registration and bike checks were on the agenda.

With the anticipation building, I couldn't wait to get my bike on the road. The moment the bike was removed from the bag, I quickly built it up, ensuring everything was in perfect order, and I was on my way to registration.

Heading over to Villa Mosca around 10 am, I joined other participants to sign on, collect race numbers, and receive the welcome pack. Bikes were meticulously inspected for mechanical issues and to ensure that all mandatory kit was onboard. It was also an excellent time to meet some of the organizers and fellow athletes.

A brief break until the afternoon allowed for a trip to Lidl to stock up on enough food to sustain me throughout most of the adventure. The afternoon was filled with excitement, as riders gathered for the safety briefing, brilliantly delivered by Giampo and his excellent translator. The meeting was followed by a delightful round of aperitifs on the terrace, and a group photo captured the growing sense of camaraderie.

Back to the apartment, I took some time to freshen up and prepare for the evening pre-race meal. It was the perfect opportunity to get to know more of the athletes who had come from 15 different countries to participate in this extraordinary challenge.

An early night was in order as my start time was set for 6:29 AM the following day. The anticipation and excitement were building, knowing that the true adventure through the wild beauty of Sardinia was just about to begin!