This year I raced less, trained more and it seemed to work, my fitness was higher than ever and the race results were pretty sensational! In previous years I’ve had double the amount of race days, all the travelling, packing, race stress is tiring and eventually it’s a struggle to maintain the same motivation. This […]
LaTramun, bike racing heaven?
LaTramun based in Girona Spain has grown a reputation as the singletrack marathon, the course starts up a stinking great big road climb before continuing onto a steep gravel and rock ascent. From there the fun begins with a 60+ kilometre ribbon of singletrack, some trails you’d whoop for joy, others you’d weep for how […]
Party Time at Ruta Patena BTT
I came to Ruta Paterna to win my first UCI World Marathon Series round but this is mountain biking, anything can happen. Within the first 15km I suffered 2 mechanical issues, I could have given up and not finished the race or left Spain disappointed. Instead I leave Spain with satisfaction having recovered to still […]
Skaidi Xtreme, a different experience
When I think back over the last week I remember so many great moments, many happy memories, Skaidi Xtreme is not like many events where you turn up, race, and then go home, this is a lifetime experience you’ll remember forever. From my centre aisle seat on the plane I’d catch glimpses of snowy peaked […]
Beyond Expectations: British Marathon Championships
It’s been an amazing year with two 2nd places at the UCI World Marathon Series (Roc d’Ardenne and Alps Bike Festival), third place at Raid Evolenard, a 5th and 6th at BeMC and now the National Marathon Championship title. Hard work pays off! Since winning the title back in 2015 and 2016 the event moved […]
Swiss alpine meadows and snowy peaked mountains – Raid Evolenard
A small town called Evolène situated within the Valais area of Switzerland and Pennine Alps hosts a marathon event called Raid Evolenard. This past weekend was my opportunity to discover why this event comes with such enthusiastic recommendations, attracts such a star studied line-up, has hosted numerous Swiss National Championships and has been awarded European […]
Alps Bike Festival brings family friendly cycling event to Annecy Mountains
Ask me my highlight from 2018 and I’ll tell you Alps Bike Festival, driving back into La Clusaz this year I was already smiling. This typical French mountain village nestled below the snowy peaks of the Annecy Mountains is becoming a summer playground for mountain bikers and families. The summer season might be another month away but the […]
Racing bikes in the beautiful Ardennes – Belgian Mountainbike Challenge 2019
Belgian Mountainbike Challenge has become a yearly highlight for me and many other enthusiastic racers. The Ardennes are undeniably beautiful, a rolling range of green wooded hills hold a plethora of rooty and rocky descents. Whilst spectacular it can be a cruel place for a bike race with super steep climbs, the worst being the […]
Our European editor finishes 2nd at Roc d’Ardenne!
Switzerland’s Konny Looser won Sunday’s Big Roc Marathon which was a round of the UCI World Marathon Series. Our editor Ben Thomas finished second. Frans Claes was the first Belgian in fourth position. The Roc Marathon is the official UCI race for women and a 83km marathon against the clock for experienced mountainbikers looking for […]
Surviving a Training Camp or Cycling Trip
A sunny training camp is a great way to kick start the new race season and a mid season cycling trip is a great motivator but how can you maximise the benefits and survive a huge week on the bike? For most of us taking a week off work and jetting off to another country […]