01 Be ultra prepared
● Expect the unexpected and be prepared for different scenarios. “You’re completely self-supported out there [in ultras such as Dirty Reiver], so having tubeless plugs, canisters and tubes easily accessible is crucial. With a mechanical, you can easily lose five minutes,” explains Andrews. “Before a big gravel race, I study the course and figure out where I could make an attack or even take an energy gel. You can only plan so much, so it’s best to