Lachlan Morton is a professional cyclist who has competed in both ultra-cycling events and more traditional road races. In this article, he discusses the differences between the two disciplines and what he enjoys about each one.
Who is Morton?
Lachlan Morton is an Australian professional road racing cyclist, who currently rides for the Education First - Easypost team. He has competed in races such as the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, but has also found success in ultracycling events such as the Race Across America and the Transcontinental Race. His last adventure was the “Migration Gravel Race”: a 4 days – 650 km – 8.000 meters of climbing in Kenya.
In recent years, Morton has become more known for his ultracycling exploits than his traditional road racing results. This is partly due to the fact that he has had some impressive results in ultracycling events, but also because he is one of the few professional cyclists who regularly competes in these types of events.
Morton's switch to focus more on ultracycling has been a controversial one, with some people questioning whether he is still committed to road racing. However, Morton has stated that he is still very much interested in both forms of cycling and that he sees them as complementary to each other.
Whether you love or hate Morton, there's no denying that he is a fascinating character in the world of cycling. His unique approach to training and racing is sure to continue to create headlines in the years to come.
What is ultracycling?
Ultracycling is a type of long-distance cycling where riders attempt to cover extremely long distances within a set period of time. It is similar to racing, but there are no official races or distance records.
Ultracycling is growing in popularity, as more and more people are looking for ways to push themselves physically and mentally. The sport can be extremely challenging, both mentally and physically, but the rewards can be great.
Some ultracyclists ride solo, while others form teams. There are also some who rideSupported, which means they have someone with them during the entire ride (usually in an RV or support vehicle). When Morton did his “Alt Tour” i.e., the entire Tour de France route, even the parts that the other riders rode by bus, was solo: one had to buy food and repair the bike himself, adding yet another challenge to the already grueling adventure
Whether you're looking for a new challenge or just want to see how far you can push yourself, ultracycling is definitely worth considering.
Ultracycling vs racing
When it comes to ultracycling, the main difference compared to regular racing is the distance. Ultracycling races can range anywhere from 200 miles to multiple days long, with the latter being more common. This means that riders need to be prepared not only physically but mentally for these endurance events.
While there are many similarities between ultracycling and regular racing, there are also some key differences. For one, ultracycling tends to be more solo affairs with riders typically going it alone for the entirety of the race. This can be a real test of mental fortitude as riders push themselves to their limits. Additionally, ultracycling races often take place in remote locations which can present additional challenges such as dealing with inclement weather or wildlife.
So, which is better? Ultimately, it depends on what you're looking for. If you're up for a real challenge and enjoy pushing yourself both physically and mentally, then ultracycling might be for you. However, if you prefer the camaraderie and competition of regular racing, then that might be a better option. Either way, both ultracycling and regular racing offer their own unique set of rewards.
How to find the right saddle for ultracycling?
“The best saddle is the one you don’t think about” these are the words of Morton. His favourite model is the Scratch M5 AGX, specifically designed for gravel. He loves it so much that this same model is mounted on his XC and road bike as well.
For many cyclists, the quest for the perfect saddle is never-ending. But for those who take on ultracycling - defined as any ride over 200 miles - finding the right saddle becomes even more important. In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to find a saddle that will work best for you on those long rides!
How to find the right saddle?
When it comes to cycling, comfort is key. And when you're planning on spending hours in the saddle, you need to make sure you have the right one. Here's how to find the right saddle for ultracycling.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a saddle for ultracycling. First, you need to think about the width of the saddle. You want something that's wide enough to support your sit bones, but not so wide that it rubs against your inner thighs. Second, you need to think about the shape of the saddle. Some people prefer a curved saddle, while others prefer a flat one. Third, you need to think about the padding. You want something that's firm enough to provide support, but not so firm that it's uncomfortable. Fourth, you need to think about the material. Some saddles are made with leather, while others are made with synthetic materials. Fifth, you need to think about the price. You don't want to spend too much money on a saddle, but you also don't want to get something that's going to fall apart after a few rides.
Once you've considered all of these factors, it's time to start shopping around.
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What are the important features?
There are a few important features to look for when choosing a saddle for ultracycling. First, you want a saddle that is comfortable for long periods of time. This means that it should have plenty of padding and support your sit bones well. Second, you want a saddle that is durable and can withstand the rigors of ultracycling. This means that it should be made from high-quality materials and have a strong construction. Finally, you want a saddle that is light weight so that it doesn't add too much weight to your bike.
How to chose it?
When it comes to choosing a saddle for ultracycling, there are a few things you need to take into account in order to make sure you end up with the right one. Here are a few tips on how to find the right saddle for ultracycling:
1. Consider your riding position. The first thing you need to do is take a look at your riding position and see what kind of saddle will work best for you. If you're more of a upright rider, then a narrower saddle might be a better option for you. However, if you tend to ride more in a racing position, then a wider saddle might be a better choice.
2. Take into account the width of your sit bones. Another important factor to consider is the width of your sit bones. This will help determine the width of the saddle that you'll need. You can usually find this information by looking up your bike size or measuring yourself.
3. Choose a saddle that's comfortable. This might seem like an obvious one, but it's important nonetheless. Make sure to choose a saddle that's comfortable for you. This means taking into account things like the padding and the shape of the saddle.
We know there are many factors to consider, so we created the myown fitting system to find the right saddle immediately. Find the store with this system near you here: https://prologo.it/en/pages/myown
