The Ultraists: Riders of the PanCeltic Race

With a varying route across the modern Celtic nations*, the PanCeltic Race is an annual ultra-distance cycle race that has a well-earned reputation for being one of the toughest events in the racing calendar. The 2024 edition was no exception, beginning with a 160km night time trail around the Isle of Man. Following a ferry crossing back to England, the 2,295km route made its way up the west coast of Scotland before ending in Inverness. Whilst a handful of riders were competing for the win, most were aiming to make the finishers party and complete the course in less than 10 days.

Throughout the race, riders are required to be self-reliant and self-supported and no outside assistance is permitted. Consequently ultra-distance riders tend to be stoic types, less interested in the kit fellow riders use but happy to discuss in great detail strategies for finding sleeping spots, fuelling and the avoidance of saddle sores.

These portraits were taken on the Isle of Man as riders relaxed and prepared for the time trial to begin. They form part of a larger project shot during the race which is currently being edited and sequenced.

*Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man