Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about randonneuring and BRM events in the UAE.

General

What is Randonneuring?

Randonneuring is a non-competitive, self-supported, long-distance cycling activity. The objective is to complete a set course within a specified time limit. It is not a race — all finishers within the time limit are equal, regardless of their finishing position.

What is a BRM?

BRM stands for Brevet des Randonneurs Mondiaux. These are long-distance cycling events organized worldwide under the authority of Audax Club Parisien (ACP), France. Standard BRM distances are 200, 300, 400, 600, and 1000 km.

What is Audax UAE?

Audax UAE is the national organization for randonneurs in the United Arab Emirates. We oversee BRM events conducted by local clubs across the emirates, ensuring they meet ACP standards for route approval, timing, and homologation.

What does ACP stand for?

ACP stands for Audax Club Parisien, the international governing body for randonneuring based in France. ACP administers and oversees the conduct of BRMs worldwide and is responsible for homologating (officially recognizing) brevet completions.

Who is called a Randonneur?

A rider who completes any ACP-approved 200, 300, 400, 600, or 1000 km brevet within the time limit is called a Randonneur. It is a lifetime title earned by the rider.

Who is called a Super Randonneur (SR)?

A rider who completes BRMs of 200, 300, 400, and 600 km in a single calendar year (January to December) earns the title of Super Randonneur (SR). This is a prestigious achievement and a prerequisite for qualifying for Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP).

What is Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP)?

Paris-Brest-Paris is the oldest and most prestigious randonneuring event in the world — a 1200 km ride between Paris and Brest (and back). It is held every four years. To qualify, riders must complete a full Super Randonneur series (200+300+400+600 km) in the year of PBP or the year before.

Registration & Membership

How do I register for a BRM?

  1. Create an account on this website
  2. Browse the BRM Calendar for upcoming events
  3. Click on an event and hit "Register for this BRM"
  4. Show up at the start on event day with your bicycle and required equipment

Is there a membership fee?

Registration on the Audax UAE platform is free. Individual BRM events may have a registration fee set by the organizing club to cover route support, control points, and other logistics. The fee is listed on each event page.

Can I cancel my registration?

Yes, you can cancel your registration for upcoming events from the event page. Once an event has started or is completed, cancellation is no longer possible.

Can I transfer my registration to another event?

No, registrations are non-transferable between events. You need to cancel and register separately for a different event.

Is there a minimum age to participate?

Yes, the minimum age to participate in a BRM is 18 years.

During the Ride

What are the time limits for each distance?

DistanceTime LimitMin Avg Speed
200 km13h 30m~15 km/h
300 km20h 00m~15 km/h
400 km27h 00m~15 km/h
600 km40h 00m~15 km/h
1000 km75h 00m~13.3 km/h

What are control points?

Control points (also called "controls" or "checkpoints") are designated locations along the route where riders must check in to prove they are following the course. Each control has an opening and closing time. Arriving after the closing time results in a DNF (Did Not Finish).

How do I prove I passed a control?

Proof of passage can be: a stamp or signature on your brevet card, a receipt from a shop at the control location, or a photo as specified by the event organizer. The specific method will be communicated before each event.

Can I ride with others or in a group?

Yes, you may ride with other participants. However, each rider must be self-supported — no dedicated support vehicles, no drafting behind motor vehicles, and no pacing by non-participants.

What does DNS, DNF mean?

  • DNS (Did Not Start) — Registered but did not appear at the start
  • DNF (Did Not Finish) — Started but did not complete within the time limit or abandoned the ride

If you DNF, please inform the organizer immediately. You are responsible for your own return.

What happens if I arrive at a control before it opens?

You must wait at the control until the opening time before getting your proof of passage. This prevents riders from starting too early or taking shortcuts.

Equipment & Preparation

What equipment is mandatory?

  • Helmet — Mandatory at all times while riding
  • Front white light + rear red light — Mandatory from sunset to sunrise
  • Reflective vest — Mandatory for night riding sections
  • Mobile phone — Must be carried with emergency numbers saved

Your bicycle must be human-powered only. No e-bikes or motor-assisted bicycles are allowed.

What type of bicycle do I need?

Any human-powered bicycle is allowed — road bikes, gravel bikes, touring bikes, recumbents, etc. The bicycle must be in good mechanical condition. E-bikes and motor-assisted bicycles are not permitted.

How much water should I carry?

In UAE conditions, we recommend carrying a minimum of 1 litre per 30-40 km between control points. Hydration is critical in desert conditions. Many riders carry 2-3 bottles plus a hydration pack for longer stretches.

How should I train for my first 200 km BRM?

Most riders who can comfortably ride 100 km are ready to attempt a 200 km BRM. Key tips:

  • Build up gradually — ride 80, 100, 120, 150 km over several weeks
  • Practice riding at a sustainable pace (not race pace)
  • Train in conditions similar to the event (early morning starts, heat)
  • Practice your nutrition and hydration strategy on long rides
  • Ensure your bike is well-maintained and comfortable for long hours

UAE-Specific Questions

When is the BRM season in UAE?

The main BRM season runs from October through April when temperatures are manageable for long-distance cycling. Summer events are rare and if organized, will have very early morning starts (3:00 - 4:00 AM).

Where are the typical start locations?

Common start points include Al Qudra Cycle Track (Dubai), Yas Marina Circuit area (Abu Dhabi), and various cycle track parking areas. The specific start location is listed on each event page.

Can I ride on highways/motorways?

No. Cycling on highways and motorways is prohibited in the UAE. All BRM routes use secondary roads, cycle tracks, and designated cycling-friendly roads. Routes are carefully planned to avoid prohibited roads.

What emergency numbers should I know?

  • 999 — Police
  • 998 — Ambulance
  • 997 — Civil Defence (Fire)

Save these in your phone before every ride. Also save the event organizer's contact number.

Do I need a cycling license to participate?

No cycling license is required to participate in BRM events. However, you must be at least 18 years old and have a registered account on Audax UAE.

Results & Medals

What is homologation?

Homologation is the official recognition of your brevet completion by ACP (Audax Club Parisien). Once your result is homologated, it counts toward your international randonneuring record and Super Randonneur qualification.

Can I get a medal for completing a BRM?

Yes, ACP offers official BRM medals for each distance. Medal orders are processed after homologation. There is a separate fee for medals. Details will be communicated after you complete a brevet.

Where can I see my results?

Your results are available on your Profile page once the organizer records them. You can also view all results on the Results page.

Do BRM results from other countries count?

Yes! BRMs are international. A 200 km completed in India, France, or anywhere counts toward your Super Randonneur qualification, as long as it was an ACP-homologated event in the same calendar year.

Still have questions?

Reach out to us at info@audaxuae.com or message us on Instagram / Facebook.