Kirkland resident participates in historic French cycling race

Kirkland resident Chris Johnston recently competed in and completed the historic Paris-Brest-Paris cycling race. The event, held every four years, is the oldest cycling event still run regularly and one of the most difficult races.

By Megan Managan • September 7, 2011 1:15 pm
Kirkland resident Chris Johnston recently completed the historic 764 mile Paris-Brest-Paris cycling race.
Kirkland resident Chris Johnston recently completed the historic 764 mile Paris-Brest-Paris cycling race.

Kirkland resident Chris Johnston recently competed in and completed the historic Paris-Brest-Paris cycling race. The event, held every four years, is the oldest cycling event still run regularly and one of the most difficult races.

Johnston completed the 764 mile race, with over 30,000 feet of climbing in 88 hours. The race must be completed in 92 hours. It was his first time doing the event.

Johnston competed as part of the Seattle International Randonneurs, which had over 50 riders qualify for this year’s event.

The race is known as an ultra-cycling event, with a long-distance unsupported endurance cycling. Johnston said it’s typically a non-competitive sport, with self-sufficiency as the top priority.

The event first ran in 1891 as a test of human endurance and cycling ability. It runs from the southern side of Paris to the coast city of Brest and back up to Paris. The race is only open to amateur cyclists and is held in August every four years.