The Mountain Races Podcast
This podcast reports live from the field at mountain races in Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Greece, and Turkey. It covers events like the Silk Road Mountain Race, bringing updates and stories from the remote terrain. The show offers a direct look into the challenges and experiences of endurance athletes. It is hosted on Acast.
Episodes
SRMR 2026 Day 8: Where Is My Mind?
Day eight, and CP2 is now officially closed. The race clock is past halfway, the field strung out across Kyrgyzstan's high passes on the long haul to their third stamp at Tamga. This year the country has shown its old face: scorching heat one day, snow and freezing cold the next, and peanut butter mud that clings to everything. We hear from riders about their journeys so far from CP3. Riders featu
SRMR 2026 Day 7: Everything At Once
Over a week into the eighth Silk Road Mountain Race, and the field has settled into the strange rhythm of life on the road: long days in the elements, time melting, an afternoon gone in a breath and a hard minute stretching on forever. Well past the 1000km mark, we hear from riders as they make their way through the endless Burkhan valley. Riders featured in this episode: Virgile Dana — Cap 43Hann
SRMR 2026 Day 6: Middle of Somewhere
Past Naryn and into the long, braided sweep of the Burkhan valley, the riders climb toward the Arabel Pass — 3,800 metres of loose switchbacks that has them off their bikes and pushing after more than 1,300 kilometres in the legs. Arabel is notorious for its weather, riders often getting all four seasons in the span of a few hours — and today was no exception.Riders featured in this episode:Kerry
SRMR 2026 Day 5: All Over The Map
Nearly a week into the eighth Silk Road Mountain Race, and the field is all over the map. Checkpoint One at Son Kul closed on Wednesday with 146 riders inside the cut, worn down by 47-degree heat, endless climbing, and the countless challenges the route keeps throwing at them. We hear from riders all over the map, plus the team of volunteers stamping brevet cards around the clock.Riders featured i
SRMR 2026 Day 4: Flat Out
As is so often the case in Kyrgyzstan and at the Silk Road Mountain Race… things rarely go to plan. We set out with the best intentions this morning to bring you all the stories. But as they say, shit happens. Today it came in the form of not one, not two but three punctures, and a mad dash to CP2 to catch our leading women. It's been a long day... All of this to say — there won't be a new ep
SRMR 2026 Day 3: Son Kul
Three days into the eighth Silk Road Mountain Race, we climb to three thousand meters and the still, impossibly blue shore of Lake Son Kul, where Checkpoint 1 sits waiting at the yurt camp of Sarybulak. The riders arrive late into the night off the brutal push up Tuz Ashuu — salt-stained, nosebleeds and cut sleep behind them, the day's forty-three-degree heat traded for four degrees and hard wind
SRMR 2026 Day 2: The Pendulum Swings
On the second day of Silk Road Mountain Race 2026 we set out early in search of the leading women. We hear from riders as they push into the Karakol Valley, as well as the leading men arriving at Checkpoint 1. Over the past two days many have had to square up to the race they'd imagined and recalibrate to the one in front of them.Riders featured in this episode: Nathalie Schneitter — Cap 153Kerry
SRMR 2026 Day 1: A Dream Alive
The eighth edition of the Silk Road Mountain Race is underway! We hear from riders at the startline and on their way up the first long climb. For many this has been years in the making, and now the racing is officially underway — the adventure has begun and their dream is alive. Kerry MacPhee — Cap 105Nathalie Schneitter — Cap 153Rico — Cap 36Thomas Maberly — Cap 221BMatthew Maberly — Cap 221ASean
SRMR 2026: Day Zero
We begin the eighth Silk Road Mountain Race in Talas, a small town tucked in a green valley in Kyrgyzstan's far northwest, walled off from the rest of the country by mountains and best known as the birthplace of the hero Manas. We hear from riders on Registration Day before they embark into the mountains. Riders featured: Avri Beach — Cap 15Lajos Köves — Cap 97Rob MacLennan — Cap 104Alvin Escajeda
Welcome to Silk Road Mountain Race 2026
Silk Road Mountain Race begins 15th August, 2026 at 09:00 local time. Beginning in Tala and finishing on the shores of Issyk-Kul in Cholpon Ata, riders will embark on a route of over 2000km and 35,000m in elevation — the longest route to date. We'll be on the ground throughout the racing, bringing you visual updates on Instagram and our daily race podcast.Follow the dots on MAProgress and follow @
HMR 2026: Cynthia Carson, Women's Winner
Cynthia Carson, women's winner of Hellenic Mountain Race 2026, fell violently ill on the opening hike-a-bike over Smolikas — what she calls the hardest thing she's ever done. With 700km still to go, she was forced to recalibrate and what follows was a masterclass in relentless self-care, patience, and perhaps a record quantity of glasses of milk consumed.Read the interviewProduction & hosting
HMR 2026: Max Riese, Men's Winner
Max Riese took the overall win at Hellenic Mountain Race 2026 by just 24 minutes, after a knife's-edge battle with his friend and rival Marc Büchel in the final days. We get into the obsessive route prep, a hailstorm that tipped him toward hypothermia, the full-compromise bike, and the metal-and-drum-and-bass playlist that carried him to the line.Read the interviewProduction & hosting by Mel W
HMR 2026: The Finish Line
The final episode of our Hellenic Mountain Race coverage. We hear from riders at the finish line about their journey, and everything that they learned along the way. Riders featured in this episode:Daniel Magrizos — Cap 40Colombine Courouble — Cap 33Jeff Hehn — Cap 214AEfthymios Tsipouras — Cap 43John Roe — Cap 86Christina Chappetta — Cap 206ASabrina Ste-Marie — Caps 206BGiannis Adamoudis — Cap 66
HMR 2026 Day 7: Beautifully Stupid
In our penultimate episode, we jump ahead to the sea. CP3 is now closed, the heat is on, and Nafpaktos is filling up with riders who've made it. With plenty hanging around, we hear from some of them before heading up to the final climb before the sea.Abe Kaufman — Cap 1 Arthur Bonal — Cap 17 Marc Büchel — Cap 106 Simone Eder — Cap 153 Urs Mannhart — Cap 164 James Penny — Cap 78 Sebastian Perzlmaei
HMR 2026 Day 6: Patience Over Panic
Day six, and the field is on the home stretch. As riders collect their final stamp at CP3 in Karpenissi, the race is taking its toll — cut hands, burst spokes, nine stitches, and a bumblebee with a bottle of Smirnoff for antiseptic. The weather has flipped: the snow and frozen passes of the early days are a distant memory, replaced by thunderstorms and scorching heat. We hear from riders at the ch
HMR 2026 Day 5: Seduced and Betrayed
Day five, and nearly a week of living on the bike is starting to show. As Checkpoint 2 in Melissourgi closes its doors, we hear from the riders streaming through, as well as those who have just arrived at CP3 in Karpenissi.Riders featured in this episode: Urs Mannhart — Cap 164John Roe — Cap 86 Andrei Tereskin — Cap 14 Simone Eder — Cap 153 Maciej Swinarski — Cap 103 Moez Bhatti — Cap 128 Gala Gia
HMR 2026 Day 4: Pines to Sky
Three days into Hellenic Mountain Race and past the halfway mark, we begin our day at Checkpoint 2 in Melissourgi. The route swings from snow-lined waterfalls and 1,600-metre climbs to baking valley heat, leaving riders salt-stained, sunburnt and behind on sleep. Giulio Soffiati — Cap 67Evert de Proost — Cap 54Moez Bhatti — Cap 128Sean Geivett — Cap 209BJames Lindsay — Cap 79Conor McKenzie — Cap 3
HMR 2026 Day 3: The Long Game
Day three of the 2026 Hellenic Mountain Race begins in Metsovo after a brutal night of storms, with riders rolling in soaked and muddy to dry kit, resupply, and weigh up whether to push on or sit out the next storm. As the field settles into the rhythm of the race, things also start to unravel for many. Riders featured in this episode: Cynthia Carson — Cap 37 Valentin Robe — Cap 165 Agostino Luran
HMR 2026 Day 2: Up and Over
Day two of the fourth Hellenic Mountain Race takes us to CP1 at the Mount Smolikas refuge, reached only by a tough nine-kilometre hike-a-bike over the second-highest peak in Greece. What follows is one of the finest, and gnarliest, single tracks in the country. Riders trickle in bleary-eyed and hungry, swapping stories of punctures, loose cranks, bear tracks and not-quite-enough sleep over spaghet
HMR 2026 Day 1: To The Mountain
The 2026 Hellenic Mountain Race is underway. We wasted no time showing riders what they signed up, ascending a 1,200-metre climb straight off the start. Rolling out of Agios Athanasios, riders are quickly dropped into the adventure, surrounded by alpine tundra and snow drifts. In this episode we transport you to the side of this first mountain pass, before catching up with riders resupplying and t
HMR 2026 Registration Day: Agios Athanasios
The fourth edition of Hellenic Mountain Race has finally arrived. We gathered in Agios Athanasios for the usual registration day proceedings. Hear from our riders, along with Nelson Trees.Riders featured in this episode:Sabrina Ste-Marie — Cap 206AChristina Chappetta — Cap 206BAbe Kaufman — Cap 001Kristen Tonsager — Cap 096Mateusz Wąsowski — Cap 115Benedek Borsos — Cap 022Colombine Courouble — Cap
Welcome to the Hellenic Mountain Race 2026
Hellenic Mountain Race begins Saturday May 23rd at 09:00 local time. This year we start in Agios Athanasios, a picturesque stone village in the north. We'll be on the ground throughout the racing, bringing you visual updates on Instagram and our daily race podcast.Follow the dots on MAProgress and follow @hellenicmountainrace on Instagram for visual updates from the trail.Production & hosting
AMR 2026 Day 8: The Finish Line
At long last, we arrive at the finish line of the sixth edition of the Atlas Mountain Race. We hear from our riders arriving in Essaouira about their stories from the road.Riders featured in this episode: Darragh Cushen — Cap 52Martino Basilico — Cap 11Luise Ollick — Cap 162Gala Giannini — Cap 81Patrick Schwarz — Cap 191Greg Martin — Cap 307ARebecca Rusch — Cap 307BSilas Schmid — Cap 189James Illm
AMR 2026: Cynthia Carson, Women's Winner Atlas Mountain Race
We sit down with 2026 women’s winner Cynthia Carson following her second victory at the Atlas Mountain Race.Returning with more experience and a clear plan, Cynthia used this race as the opening chapter of a season in which she’s racing all four Mountain Races. Finishing in 5 days, 5 hours, and 2 minutes, she rode with patience and composure across a longer course marked by more extreme weather th
AMR 2026 Day 7: To The Coast
After days of mountains and desert, riders cross back over the Atlas one last time, descending through fog and green hills toward the Atlantic coast. The air shifts, the ocean comes into view, and the end begins to feel within reach. In this episode, we hear from riders in the final kilometres before rolling into the finish line. Riders featured in this episode: Thierry Le Floch— Cap 125Kevin Masi
AMR 2026 Day 6: Victor Bosoni, Men’s Winner of Atlas Mountain Race
We've jumped forward to the finish line to catch up with our men's winner, Victor Bosoni. The young French rider won this year's race in a time of 4 days, 1 hour and 46 minutes. We sat down in the Medina of Essalouira to hear all about his ride: the highs, the lows and how prioritising rest throughout allowed him to not only race to his fullest potential, but to enjoy the experience to its fullest
AMR 2026 Day 5: The Old Colonial Road
The Old Colonial Road is one of the most iconic sections of the Atlas Mountain Race route, featured across all six editions. Carved into the mountainside, it winds through folded layers of sedimentary rock, the earth rippling in bands of rust and ochre. From a distance the surface appears smooth; up close it is loose, and badly broken in places from erosion. Many riders will rider it at night, mis
AMR Day 4: Between Two Worlds
Checkpoint Two: the halfway mark of the Atlas Mountain Race.Riders descend out of the desert and into an oasis of palms, couscous, showers, and stamped brevet cards. For some, arrival brings relief. For others, difficult decisions. Ankles, batteries, bottom brackets, and nerves are all negotiated in equal measure.We hear from riders resetting body and mind, celebrating birthdays, managing setbacks
AMR Day 3: Etched In Stone
One of the most famous sections of the Atlas Mountain Race is the 100KM stretch of no resupply through the desert. Here riders meander through the Anti Atlas, climbing their way up to a plateau with stunning views of the network of canyons below. We meet riders chasing the snail here.We also hear from riders at Café Atlas in Ait Saoun which has become a popular stop for riders, and potentially the
AMR 2026 Day 2: Windy AF
Conditions remain incredibly demanding as our riders press on towards Checkpoint 1 in Boutharar. The weather has improved in some ways, and worsened in others.The silver lining is that, at long last, most of the tarmac is behind them and the route turns back into the terrain riders came to the Atlas Mountain Race for. In this episode, we hear from those still pushing toward their first stamp, as w
AMR 26 Day 1: First Light
After a cold, rain-soaked first night at the Atlas Mountain Race 2026, riders emerge from darkness into morning light scattered across the High Atlas. Frigid temperatures, flooded roads, and icy descents define the opening hours of the race, forcing decisions around shelter, sleep, and when to keep moving.In villages along the early tarmac corridor, riders gather briefly around wood stoves, cafés,
AMR 26 Day 0: Into the Atlas
Atlas Mountain Race 2026 is finally here, beginning with the usual proceedings of registration. Riders trickled into the cultural centre at Ain Asserdoun Park in Beni-Mellal under persistent rain. After years of drought, high rivers, lingering snow on mountain passes, and late route changes set the tone for the adventure ahead.In this opening episode, we hear from riders across the field to heart
AMR 2026: Race Preview
Welcome to our podcast coverage of the 2026 Atlas Mountain Race, supported by Tailfin, Pertex and Albion.The sixth edition is a year of change for the Atlas Mountain Race with a new start in Beni-Mellal. In this episode, Media Manager and host of this year's race podcast, Mel Webb, sits down with Race Director Nelson Trees to provide an overview of this year's route, our favourites for the win and
Welcome to the Atlas Mountain Race 2026
The sixth edition of the Atlas Mountain Race kicks off Friday 6th February, 2026. For the first time, we'll start in Beni-Mellal, a new gateway into the Atlas Mountains. From CP1 riders enter classic AMR terrain, into the rugged Anti-Atlas, winding their way to the old port town of Essaouira. Riders will have have until midnight on February 14th to reach the finish line. Tune in every day for a fr
SRMR 2025 Day 15: The Finish Line
After 1,924 kilometers, riders finally reached the finish line in Karakol. Some had been there for days, others arrived just in time for the cut-off. The end of the race can be disorienting—time on the trail stretches and bends, days blur into nights, and by the time they reach the finish line, their ride can already feel like a different lifetime.In our final episode we hear from some of our ride
SRMR 2025 Day 14: One Last Pass
As the Silk Road Mountain Race winds toward its conclusion, the final loop around Karakol brings riders close to the finish only to send them back out again along the Kazakh border. The route follows the Karkara River, climbs over a nameless pass, and then takes on Chon Ashuu, one last high mountain pass at over 3,800 meters. From there, riders still face 100 kilometers before they can finally rol
SRMR 2025 Day 13: Meaghan Hackinen, Women's Winner of Silk Road Mountain Race
In this episode of the Mountain Races Podcast, we sit down at the finish line with Meaghan Hackinen women’s winner of the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race and 10th overall. She completed the 1,924km route in 9 days, 4 hours, and 6 minutes, capping off a season where she became the first woman to finish all three Mountain Races in a single year.A Canadian ultra-distance cyclist and writer, Meaghan’s pa
SRMR 2025 Day 12: With Bated Breath
Now reporting on the 12th day of racing, the finish line is becoming busier with each passing day. Riders arrive from what we hope has been the adventure of a lifetime through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. On the final loop, riders skirt around Karakol, passing just by the finish before being sent once more into the wilds. The route follows the Karkara river along the Kazakh border and out into the
SRMR 2025 Day 11: Lost In Time
On Day 11 of the Silk Road Mountain Race, we meet riders again as they reach Checkpoint 3 on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. After more than 1,400 kilometers, they’ve endured a lot, and may be tempted by the allure of the checkpoint. For some, the checkpoint becomes a vortex, holding them longer than planned. For others, it’s a fleeting stop before setting out again into the mountains.Beyond CP3, th
SRMR 2025 Day 10: At The Crossroads
On the 10th day of racing, the route winds through a crossroads at kilometers 1191, 1347, and 1497 — a place where riders pass three times, each at a different moment in their race. Here, tracks converge and brief encounters are exchanged: a word of encouragement, a story from the road, before paths diverge again. To one side lies the easier descent to Tamga and an early end to their race; to the
SRMR 2025 Day 9: To The Moon
On day nine of the Silk Road Mountain Race, we follow riders as they climb Tosor Pass — one of the highest and most rideable passes on the route. The shifting weather, dramatic landscapes, and long climbs test both body and mind as riders make their way into the final quarter of the race. Back at CP3, we hear from pairs and solo riders managing their race in different ways. And finally, we return
SRMR 2025 Day 8: Robin Gemperle, Men's Winner of Silk Road Mountain Race
In this episode, we sit down with Robin Gemperle, winner of the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race. Finishing in 6 days, 20 hours and 36 minutes, Robin set the pace from the very start, steadily building a gap that no one could close.At just 29 years old, the Swiss rider has quickly established himself among the very best in the sport, with a palmarès that includes the Atlas Mountain Race, Transcontinen
SRMR 2025 Day 7: Two Worlds Apart
Day seven of the Silk Road Mountain Race brings Control Car 2 to Tamga and the calm shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. After days of snow, mud, and cold at altitude, the descent into the valley feels like a different world. Riders arrive to shade, trees, and the rare luxury of a proper guesthouse meal — a short pause to wash clothes, patch gear, and reset before heading back into the mountains for the fina
SRMR 2025 Day 6: Riders on the Storm
On day six, the Silk Road Mountain Race has reached the wide expanse of the Burkhan Valley and the steep switchbacks of Arabel Pass. It's an endless valley, with hundreds of kilometers of no resupply, made longer this year with a right hand turn after Arabel Plateau and a 200km loop up and over the second Suyek Pass.The conditions changed quickly. Sunlight in the valley gave way to storms at alti
SRMR 2025 Day 5: Borderline
On the fifth day of the Silk Road Mountain Race, many of our riders made their way through the Chinese border zone. Vast grasslands stretch in every direction, hemmed in by jagged ranges that feel impossibly large. Rusting fences, distant watchtowers, and the hum of trucks passing through mark the frontier, but otherwise this is a place that feels almost untouched.For riders, this stretch comes wh
SRMR 2025 Day 4: Rivers & Roads
Four days into the Silk Road Mountain Race, the field is now stretched across hundreds of kilometers. Leaders have already passed through Checkpoint Two at Kezgin Guesthouse, while much of the pack is still making their way over the Suyek Pass, the last major obstacle before reaching the valley near the Chinese border.Tucked away in a stunning valley, surrounded by towering peaks, Checkpoint Two o
SRMR 2025 Day 2-3: CP1 at Peak Lenin
Sitting in the shadow of the towering Peak Lenin, Checkpoint One at Topol Camp feels like a real refuge. At 3,600 meters, the yellow tents stand against the wind, the alpine lakes reflect the mountains above, and riders arrive carrying stories from the road.It’s just over 300 kilometers into the route, but already they’ve faced long hike-a-bikes, icy river crossings, and the reality of altitude. S
SRMR Day 1: The First 24 Hours
The first full day of the Silk Road Mountain Race is behind us. From Osh, riders faced over 6,000 meters of climbing in just 300 kilometers en route to Checkpoint One at Peak Lenin Base Camp. For some, that meant pushing on through the night. Others chose to rest early and save energy for the long road ahead.In this episode, we follow riders up the tight switchbacks of the Koy-Djul Pass topping ou
SRMR 25 Day 0: Into The Unknown
Our podcast coverage begins in Osh as the Silk Road Mountain Race moves from registration day through to the race start. Riders gather in the theatre to collect trackers, check their bikes, and receive Albion race caps printed with their numbers, along with t-shirts, socks and goodies from our partners Pertex and Styrkr. The atmosphere is a mix of excitement and nerves—quiet conversations punctuat
SRMR 2025: Race Preview
Welcome to our podcast coverage of the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex, STYRKR and Julbo.The Silk Road Mountain Race returns for its seventh edition with more than 700 kilometres of new, remote, and rarely travelled terrain. In this episode, Media Manager Mel Webb sits down with Race Director Nelson Trees to break down the 2025 route and preview the stronges
Welcome to the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race
The Silk Road Mountain Race, created by Nelson Trees, is a self-supported bikepacking race through the remote mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The seventh edition kicks off on Friday August 15th at 6PM local time from in front of Mayor's Hall in Osh, Kyrgyzstan.Riders will have until midnight on August 30th to reach the finish line in Karakol. We'll be bringing you daily updates from the field throug
HMR 25: The Finish Line
After more than a week in the Pindus Mountains, the 2025 Hellenic Mountain Race draws to a close in the seaside town of Nafpaktos. Riders have been arriving over the past few days—unwinding by the water, sharing stories, and slowly beginning to process what just happened out there.In our final episode from Greece, we do our best to capture that feeling. We catch up with riders between swims and ic
HMR Day 8: Meaghan Hackinen, Women's Winner of Hellenic Mountain Race 2025
Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. In this episode, we sit down with Meaghan Hackinen, the women's winner of the 2025 Hellenic Mountain Race. Meaghan crossed the finish line in 4 days, 7 hours, and 10 minutes—over ten hours faster than last year’s winning time—landing her in ninth place overall on the general c
HMR Day 7: One Last Climb
Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. The finish line is finally within reach. After nearly a week on the road and collecting their third stamp, riders are faced with one big final push: 190 km with 6,300 meters of climbing. The most technical terrain is behind them, but this section holds the highest climbing rat
HMR Day 6: Alex McCormack, Men's Winner of Hellenic Mountain Race 2025
Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. We sit down with Alex McCormack, the 2025 Hellenic Mountain Race winner, just days after his ride to the sea. Alex reflects on his back-and-forth battle with Anatole Naimi, the unrelenting nature of the course, and what it took to hold on for the win. He shares thoughts on sle
HMR Day 5: Spiralling Upward
Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. By Day 5 of the Hellenic Mountain Race, everyone is feeling it. Fatigue is universal, moods are mixed, and the weather, like the terrain, has it's own ups and downs.In this episode we start at Checkpoint 2 for some of the final riders to arrive ahead of the time cutoff. From t
HMR Day 4: Halfway Human
Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. Tucked into the mountains at the halfway point of the race, Checkpoint 2 has a kind of gravity to it. The views are big, the vibes are laid back, and time starts to melt for everyone who enters the compound.In today’s episode, reporting from the fourth day of the day, a mechan
HMR Day 3: Checkpoint 1 at Munti Smolikas
Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. All of our riders have now passed Checkpoint 1 and collected their first stamp. Checkpoint 1 marks a key moment in the Hellenic Mountain Race. It’s the first validation official validation of their effort so far and a place to reset, refuel, and reflect. Set in the mountains a
HMR Day 2: Stone Forests
Welcome to the Hellenic Mountain Race Podcast, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. Day two of the Hellenic Mountain Race unfolded under clearer skies, but the lingering mud, fatigue, and technical challenges left little doubt—this race is as tough as it is beautiful. Riders pushed through sodden forests, ancient staircases, and one of the course’s most breathtaking zones: the Vitsa St
HMR Day 1: Into the Pindus
Welcome to the Hellenic Mountain Race Podcast, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. The third edition of the Hellenic Mountain Race kicks off beneath the cliffs of Meteora as nearly 200 riders embark on an epic journey into the Pindus mountains. In this episode, we hear from a diverse cast of riders, Control Car 3 spending time the day intercepting the midpack. It's early days and most
HMR Registration Day: Welcome to Meteora
Welcome to the Hellenic Mountain Race Podcast, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR.Today, we’re in Meteora for registration day. Riders gather beneath the towering cliffs to collect their trackers, run through kit checks, and pick up race caps printed with their dot numbers. The atmosphere is quietly electric—part excitement, part nerves—as the reality of what’s ahead begins to settle
Hellenic Mountain Race 2025 Race Preview
In this episode, Mel and Nelson sit down in the shadow of the towering Meteora rocks to preview the 2025 edition of the Hellenic Mountain Race. They walk through this year’s course, unique challenges, and highlights—from forested tracks and rocky descents to unforgettable vistas, hearty local tavernas, and warm local people.Expect insights into the terrain, technical sections, weather forecast, an
Welcome to the Hellenic Mountain Race 2025
In just one weeks time we return to Greece for the third edition of the Hellenic Mountain Race. An off-road, unsupported bikepacking race down the rugged spine of the Pindus Mountains. A journey of 877 kilometres with nearly 28,000m of climbing. The race kicks off at 9AM local time on May 24th and the clock does not stop until midnight on Saturday June 1st. Tune in every day for a front-row seat t
Marei Moldenhauer, Women's Winner of Atlas Mountain Race 2025
Marei Moldenhauer was the first woman to reach the finish line in Essaouira, winning the women’s race and finishing 8th overall at the 2025 Atlas Mountain Race. She finished in a time of 4 days 14 hours and 20 minutes, nearly 5 hours faster than last year’s women’s winner on an arguably even harder course.From the very start, Marei led the women’s race and never let up. We sat down with her to div
Alex McCormack. Men's Winner of Atlas Mountain Race 2025
Alex McCormack was the first rider to reach the finish line in Essaouira, winning both the men’s race and the overall at the 2025 Atlas Mountain Race with a time of 3 days and 20 hours. At 27 years old, the British rider put in a performance that was fast, composed, and ultimately 15 minutes quicker than the previous best time on this course, set by Robin Gemperle in 2023, the last time Telouet Pa
AMR Day 4: A Long Walk in the Desert
By the time this episode reaches you, the full men’s and women’s podiums will have arrived in Essaouira, but for many riders, the race is still very much underway.On day four, we set our sights on the infamous sand section—now an AMR stable. Some years, it's rideable. Other years, it’s nothing but deep, loose sand. This year, one of our control cars got stuck at the entrance, which says everything
AMR Day 3: The Turning Point
Checkpoint 2 at the Atlas Mountain Race marks a major turning point for riders. Some arrive exhausted but determined, others battle mechanicals, freezing temperatures, or even food poisoning just to get here. For some, CP2 offers a much-needed reset—food, rest, and encouragement to push on. For others, it’s a place of tough decisions, including whether to continue at all.In this episode, we hear f
AMR Day 2: Chasing the Light
Control Car 3 catches up with midpack riders in the long remote stretch between Imassine and Afra. Riders are settling into their rhythm—decisions about sleep, food, and pacing are becoming more deliberate, and the reality of the race is setting in. Some push through the night, chasing position, while others stop to recover, knowing that there’s a long way to go and self-care is everything. W
AMR Day 1: The First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours of the Atlas Mountain Race have delivered everything riders signed up for—adventure, exhaustion, and the raw challenge of racing through Morocco’s rugged terrain.In this episode, we break down the opening night and day on course, from the first arrivals at CP1 to the struggles and triumphs unfolding on the road. We hear from one of our riders at the front as well as stories from
AMR Day 0: Nerves, Excitement, and the Road Ahead
Registration day at the Atlas Mountain Race is always a mix of excitement and nerves, and in this episode, we take you inside the buzz of 'Day Zero.' Hosted by the race team and supported by Redshift, this episode captures the anticipation before riders roll out into the unknown.Dotwatch and follow the action hereFor visual updates throughout the race follow us on Instagram @atlasmountainraceEpiso
Atlas Mountain Race 2025: Race Preview with Nelson Trees
The fifth edition of the Atlas Mountain Race is here, and in this episode we bring you an in-depth preview straight from Marrakech with race director Nelson Trees. This year’s race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. 278 riders will be lining up on Friday February 7th. Tune in as we break down this year’s route, the top contenders and expected race conditions. Dotwatch and
Welcome to the Atlas Mountain Race 2025
In just one weeks time we return to Morocco for the fifth edition of the Atlas Mountain Race. An off-road, unsupported bikepacking race. Starting in Marrakesh, the route takes riders over the towering Atlas Mountains, and through the rugged Anti-Atlas, winding its way to the old port town of Essaouira. A journey of 1,305 kilometers with over 23,000m of climbing. The race kicks off at 6PM local tim
SRMR 2024 Day 15: The End of the Road
Welcome to day 15 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race. As the race reaches its conclusion, Allan interviews a few more racers who have crossed the finish line. In these final moments, riders share their reflections and what it took to get to the end. Tune in to hear their stories.Follow the riders progress on MAProgress. Thanks as always to our race partners: PedalEd TailfinRide Wit
SRMR 2024 Day 14: Stories from the Finish Line Part 1
Welcome to day 14 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race. As the Silk Road Mountain Race inches closer to and end, Allan interviews the finishers who are now unwinding by the serene lakeside in Cholpon-Ata. This episode, the first of a two-part series, captures the peaceful yet tired reflections of racers who have completed their epic journey. Listen in as they recount their experiences.Follow the ri
SRMR 2024 Day 13: It Ain’t Over till it’s Over
Welcome to day 13 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race. As the end of the Silk Road Mountain Race looms, Allan takes riders up their last pass. The sense of accomplishment is palpable as they inch closer to the summit, battling fatigue but driven by the finish line. Allan shares the journey up the final ascent, highlighting the resolve and spirit of those pushing through to the end.Follow the rider
SRMR 2024 Day 12: The Final Push Begins
Welcome to day 12 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race.Day 12 of the Silk Road Mountain Race sees riders confronting the tough ascent of Shamsi Pass, a challenge that pushes both body and mind. Allan spends the morning gathering stories from those climbing up, while the afternoon reveals a hidden oasis where riders pause to recharge. As the race nears its end, the possibility of finishing becomes a
SRMR 2024 Day 11: The Fight to Reach CP3
Welcome to Day 11 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain RaceDay 11 brings Allan back to Checkpoint 3, where he encounters riders fighting to make it in time before the 9pm closure. The stories shared by these riders are a testament to the resilience and mental fortitude needed to endure such a grueling race. Their journey is as inspiring as the leaders, showcasing the true spirit of the Silk Road Mountai
SRMR 2024 Day 10: Conversations with the Silk Road Mountain Race Winners
Welcome to Day 10 of 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race.Today, Allan sits down with the men's and women's first place finishers of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race. Hear their reflections on the race, the challenges they faced, and what it took to cross the finish line first. These intimate conversations reveal the grit, determination, and strategy behind their victories.Follow the riders progress on MA
SRMR 2024 Day 9: The Arabel Valley to CP3
Welcome to day 9 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race.Today, Allan and Control Car 3 venture into the remote and awe-inspiring Arabel Valley on Day 9 of the Silk Road Mountain Race. The vast, empty grasslands stretch endlessly, with only the occasional yurt and roaming cattle to break the solitude. At Checkpoint 3, Allan interviews riders who have pushed through the wilderness and are feeling the w
SRMR 2024 Day 8: The Road out of Checkpoint 2
Welcome to day 8 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race.Today brings a full men’s podium and an unforgettable climb up the infamous Soviet Road. Starting the day at the peaceful CP2 yurt camp, riders faced a brutal 20% grade ascent that many were eager to put behind them. As the day progressed, we shifted focus to those still en route to CP2, fighting to make the cutoff in an inspiring display of res
