1 000 du Sud

1000 du Sud

Cousin of Paris-Brest-Paris, the 1000 du Sud is a unique cycling event in Provence, featuring approximately 20,000 meters of elevation gain on roads, including possible gravel sections.

Firstly, it was a Brevet de Randonneurs Mondiaux, and as such had specific rules. Thus, at a length of 1,000 km, this BRM had to be completed in less than 75 hours to be validated.

Since the change in elevation in recent years, the ride is no longer a BRM as the elevation approaches 20,000 m and requires a time limit beyond the 75 hours imposed by the BRM format.
This ride now has a time limit of 100 hours, which is an average of 10 km/h.

Furthermore, being organized from the heart of Provence by an experienced club of local cyclists, this ride has a unique spirit. Thus, in 2011, the ride crossed, among others, the Lautaret Pass. In 2012, the BRM covered 16,000 m of positive elevation, with, among other passes, the Col de la Cayolle (2,326 m altitude) after 600 km of riding.

In 2019, the talk is about the Parpaillon Pass, which is a mule track pass.

If Paris-Brest-Paris can be completed in 45 hours with a time limit of 90 hours, the 1000 du Sud can be completed in 60 hours with a time limit of 75 hours, and thus with an elevation of 20,000 m or less.

Regarding the route, in 2012 the BRM passed through the departments of Var, Alpes de Haute Provence, Vaucluse, Drôme, Isère, Hautes Alpes, and Alpes Maritimes.

Crossing Provence on a very mountainous 1,000 km route provides great satisfaction, as it allows you to visit beautiful sites and landscapes: the Méouges Gorges, the foot of Mont Ventoux, the Nesque Gorges, the Balme de Rancurel, the Vésubie Gorges, as well as particularly spectacular passes through the surrounding mountains or traversing massifs: Col Rousset, Col Valberg, Col de la Cayolle (28 km), Col de Vence, etc.

Like any distance over 600 km, the 1000 du Sud requires specific preparation. Note that since its inception, no recumbent bike has ever completed the ride, even beyond the time limit.

Unlike Paris-Brest-Paris (France) or the Rocky Mountain (Canada) which take place every four years, the 1000 du Sud is organized annually.