Flaty888

FLATY888 takes riders from Basel into the heart of the Swiss Alps and towards the French side of Mont Blanc in a self-supported ultra-cycling adventure. The third edition, titled Shadows of Mont Blanc, follows the shape of a giant figure eight, with Mont Blanc serving as the turning point before riders make their way back to Switzerland.

The main challenge covers 888 km with up to 8,888 metres of elevation gain, giving participants 88 hours to complete the journey. A shorter Shortcut555 option offers a 555 km alternative with four checkpoints, providing an opportunity to experience the event without committing to the full distance.

Rather than following a fixed GPX route, riders plan their own connections between eight checkpoints, including one secret location. Public roads and paths are allowed, making route choice a central part of the challenge. The event is designed for road and gravel bikes, with some checkpoints requiring riders to venture off-road. Tyres around 32 mm or wider offer additional flexibility.

FLATY888 follows a strict self-supported format. There are no organiser-provided food stops, mechanical assistance or accommodation facilities along the route. Riders must rely on publicly available services such as shops, restaurants, hotels and campsites, with no private support or pre-arranged assistance permitted. GPS tracking allows friends and family to follow participants throughout the rally.

Distance: 888 km / 555 km
Elevation gain: Up to 8,888 m (main route)
Location: Switzerland and the French Alps
Start / Finish: Basel, Switzerland
Turning point: Mont Blanc region
Terrain: All-road, paved roads and off-road checkpoint sections
Checkpoints: 8 (main route) / 4 (Shortcut555)
Time limit: 88 hours (main route)
Format: Fully self-supported, free-route ultra-cycling rally
2027 dates: 11–15 July