Arabia Divide is my way of giving back. Both to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which I have called home now for over 10 years, and, to the sport of cycling, which has slowly developed into a passion for ultracycling.
The two are intertwined. Moving to the Kingdom and being welcomed so warmly by the people, shattered any preconceived notions I had about the region. And living here gave me the space and landscapes to expand my understanding of what cycling can be. This ultimately lead me to becoming an ultracyclist, competing in some of the biggest races in the sport, and creating this one.
- Valerio Cecchini
The Challenge
Ultracycling
A form of long-distance cycling that goes far beyond traditional race formats, typically covering hundreds or thousands of kilometers. It emphasizes endurance, resilience, strategy, sleep management, and mental strength as much as physical performance.
Unsupported
A race format in which riders are fully self-sufficient. No outside assistance is allowed—no team cars, no private support crews, no pre-arranged help. Participants must source food, water, accommodation, and mechanical support independently using only publicly available services.
Fixed Route
A predefined and mandatory course that all riders must follow from start to finish. The exact track is provided by the organization, and deviations are not permitted unless required for safety or rerouting. Unlike free-route events, navigation strategy focuses on execution and precision rather than route choice.
Mixed Terrain
The race unfolds across a spectacular mix of terrain — from long, fast stretches of smooth tarmac to rough secondary roads, demanding asphalt climbs, sandy tracks, gravel sectors, and technical off-road descents that test both skill and endurance.
Non-Stop
A continuous race format without stages. The clock never stops, and riders decide when and where to rest. Time management, sleep strategy, and pacing become critical elements of performance.
Rules & Fairplay
Unsupported
1
No third party support, private lodgings or resupply. All food, drink and equipment must be carried with you or acquired at commercially available service.
Self-sufficient
2
Riders must not solicit any form of private resupply from locals on the race route, any such interaction must be freely offered and unplanned
No drafting
3
Not allowed with other participants (except PAIRS), Not allowed with vehicles, Not allowed with random riders encountered along the way.
Tracking
4
All riders must maintain evidence of their ride.
Mandatory items
Travel insurance, cycle helmets, lights and equipment in the required equipment list are mandatory,
5
Remote support
You can call and chat with your loved ones during the ride but they cannot support you in providing information about the route ahead and/or reserve sleeping locations while you are riding.
6
Respect
7
Along with safety, respect is the key word of this event: respect for local culture, respect for other fellow riders, respect for the race support team and respect for the environment and the animals the you’ll encounter on the way.
Race Brevet Card
To remain in the General Classification, riders must collect all four official stamps on their Brevet Card proving their physical passage through the Check Points within the cut off times from the start:
Start: Jazan
CP1: Abha (72 hours)
CP2: Al Bahah (144 hours)
Finish: Jeddah (240 hours)
Those who arrive beyond the cut-offs may still continue their crossing of the Kingdom and reach the shores of the Red Sea. They will, however, be removed from the General Classification.
Who are we?
Driven by a passion for connection, sports and adventure in the Middle East and North Africa, our race, Arabia Divide, is an arm of the tourism company Haraka Baraka / الحركة بركة.
The name Haraka Baraka is an Arabic expression which means “Movement is a Blessing”, and they organise various sports trips, like trail running and bouldering, across the region.
Race Director: Valerio Cecchini