Festive 500

The Festive 500 is a global challenge to ride 500 kilometres in the eight days between December 24 and December 31. It began in 2010 as a way to keep riders motivated during the mid-winter break. To participate, you simply need to join the official challenge on Strava. You can ride solo, with friends, or join organised rides through your local Rapha Clubhouse to help chip away at the total. It’s a test of endurance, consistency, and festive spirit that has become a rite of passage for cyclists worldwide.

Yes. In recent years, we have evolved the challenge to include virtual rides. You can complete the full 500km outdoors, entirely on a trainer like Zwift, or use a combination of both. This allows riders in extreme climates or those with busy holiday schedules to stay on track. If you are riding on Zwift, ensure your accounts are synced so your mileage uploads automatically to the Strava challenge page. Completing the challenge virtually also unlocks an exclusive digital 2026 Festive 500 jersey for your in-game avatar.

Finishing the 500km is its own reward, but there are tangible perks for those who go the distance. All finishers receive a digital badge for their Strava Trophy Case. Historically, finishers have also received a discount code to spend on new men's cycling clothing or women's gear at Rapha, and entry into a grand prize draw (previous prizes have included custom bikes and vouchers). While the physical woven roundel patches are now rare collector's items, the digital accolade remains a badge of honour in the global cycling community.

Consistency is key, which means your women's and men's cycling gear needs to be ready for back-to-back days of riding. We recommend having at least two pairs of high-quality men's bib shorts or winter tights to allow for washing and drying time. Because the weather can be unpredictable, a GORE-TEX rain jacket and a set of merino base layers are essential to prevent "wetting out" or overheating. Don’t forget your bike — ensure your chain is lubed and your tyres are in good condition to avoid mechanical delays during your eight-day window.

The Festive 500 often involves riding in challenging winter conditions, and accidents can happen. If you take a tumble and tear your technical cycling apparel, the Rapha Free Repair Service is here to help, subject to certain conditions. Even if you are in the middle of your 500km push, you can log a repair request online. While we can't fix it in time for New Year's Eve, knowing that your premium men's cycling clothing is backed by a repair guarantee gives you the confidence to keep riding through the winter grit.