Autumn is here, and for long-distance cyclists it means one thing: the most anticipated ultra-cycling event of the year, Ruska 2026, kicks off tonight, Friday September 11th, at 20:08. A group of riders will roll out from Huittinen, facing around 2,000 kilometers of quiet backroads, unexpected twists, quick bivvies on the roadside, and the brisk northern autumn wind.
Riders have until Saturday night, September 19th, to reach the finish line in Utsjoki. Along the way, the checkpoints take them through Kokkola, Suomussalmi, and Gamvik in Norway before turning south toward the finish. Participants plan their routes entirely on their own.
Ruska is ridden strictly unsupported. This isn’t an organized race with support vehicles; every rider must carry their own gear, fix their own mechanicals, and source their supplies from local shops or service stations. Outside assistance is forbidden — and the clock never stops.
Testing the New Sibbo
This year’s starting line features experienced ultra-cyclist and Pelago rider Sami Martiskainen. Sami has several Ruskas under his belt, alongside some of the world’s most demanding ultra-races like the Transcontinental, TransIberica, London–Edinburgh–London, and Japan Odyssey.
”The bags are packed and at this point there’s nothing left to do but wait for the start. A bit nervous, as always. It’s part of the process — the distance is long and demands respect. Once you get on the road and into the night, things usually find their rhythm and the ride–eat–sleep mantra takes over. That’s really the main appeal of long-distance cycling for me: for a moment, life revolves around simple basics and you don’t worry about the rest.”— Sami Martiskainen
Sami will be tackling the 2,000-kilometer journey aboard the new Pelago Sibbo. Built for performance over long distances, the steel-framed Sibbo combines road bike efficiency, durability, and versatile mounting options — features that are truly tested on northern roads.
Following from the Couch: Dot-Watching & video analysis
Every year, Ruska gathers a dedicated audience following the dots slowly moving across the map of Finland. You can follow the live tracking online.
This autumn, coverage gets even deeper as cycling YouTuber Kampiapina reports on the event’s progress throughout the week. Daily 15–20 minute analysis videos will be published on Kampiapina’s YouTube channel, covering daily tactics, route choices, rider updates, and gear deep-dives. We are along for the ride with a two-day sponsorship segment focusing on the Stavanger and Sibbo models.
We wish Sami and all Ruska riders strong legs, smooth routing, and clear nights!
