At Transiberica we have been promoting female participation in our events since 2019. However, the percentage of female participation is still below 14%, under the 20% we already target as a reasonable minimum participation.
We believe that the main reason for low female participation is the fear of the unknowns that these races entail. Even today, there is still a lack of information on how to train specifically, gear up, or prepare mentally for this type of event.
To help overcome that fear and encourage women to take part in such events, we are launching training camps by and for female cyclists to introduce you to ultracycling. We provide useful information about training, nutrition and other important skills for competing in an ultra distance event such as navigation or mechanical skills.
This year we are hosting two women only Introductory Ultracycling events in weekend camp format where you will ride 300-350K self-supported rides. In order to make it easier for you to explore your limits, we will provide accommodation, dinner and breakfast, a track, and some female ambassadors as ‘guides’. And of course, a great environment with fellow female cyclists like yourself. At these camps we hope to be able to answer your concerns and give you that last little push to have a go at ultracycling adventuring.
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style.
La Rioja Women Cycling Camp covers 250 km with 9000 m of climbing along the way — a seriously lumpy profile from start to finish.
La Rioja Women Cycling Camp's terrain calls for a Gravel Bike, ideally running 45-50mm Tubeless tires. On the drivetrain side, a 38-40T (1x) chainring matched to a 10-51T cassette gives enough range for the climbing involved.
We rate La Rioja Women Cycling Camp as Intermediate overall. Riders should be ready for rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, consistently demanding, with sustained climbing elevation gain, and mild and generally comfortable conditions.
La Rioja Women Cycling Camp takes place on September 27, 2025. That puts it in autumn, as conditions start cooling but daylight hours are shrinking.
Surface-wise, expect gravel throughout La Rioja Women Cycling Camp — 45-50mm Tubeless tires are a safe bet.