Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 strongest field the race has ever seen.
From the new Suyek Pass hike-a-bike to a 400-kilometre stretch without resupply, Nelson explains the challenges that await and why this year feels like a return to the uncertainty of the first edition. We talk through the favourites for the win, and the plethora of unpredictable factors—weather, altitude, and decision-making—that can shape the race.
Dotwatch the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race
Follow us on Instagram @silkroadmountainrace for daily visual updates.
Credits:
Hosted and produced by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Music by Batyrkan
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 throughout the duration of the race.
Dotwatch the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race
Follow us on Instagram @silkroadmountainrace for daily visual updates.
Credits:
Hosted and produced by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Music by Batyrkan
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 ice creams, reflect on high points, hard moments, everything in between, and head to the finishers’ party, where our Lantern Rouge is welcomed across the line with a hero's welcome.
We tried to put a bow on this past week, but there’s no simple way to capture everything riders felt out there—knowing full well that the real weight of the experience will take time to settle. Still, we hope this series has offered a window into the ride, and maybe even sparked something for your own adventure—whatever shape that may take.
We'll be back in the field for the Silk Road Mountain Race this August. Subscribe wherever you listen so you don’t miss any of the action.
Follow Hellenic Mountain Race on Instagram
Follow Silk Road Mountain Race on Instagram
Visit our website to learn more about the Mountain Races
Production and hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 classification.
Meaghan reflects on her experience racing through Greece, overcoming a her fear of technical mountain biking, and how preparation—both mental and mechanical—set her up for success. She talks through her race strategy, the highs and lows and much more.
Follow Meaghan Hackinen on Instagram
To learn more about the Mountain Races: Hellenic Mountain Race, Silk Road Mountain Race and Atlas Mountain Race, visit our website
Production and hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 ratio of the entire route. Resupply is sparse and riders will need to load up adequately to fuel themselves to the finish.
Riders featured in this episode:
Production and hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 sleep strategy, trench foot, bike setup, and how it felt to race with pressure as the favorite. Plus, a few stories about pasta, perfect bivy spots, and the road ahead to Silk Road Mountain Race.
Click here to Dotwatch the race
Follow us on Instagram for daily visual updates
Production and hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 there, we leap forward in the field with the goal of reaching Checkpoint 3 in Karpenisi by nightfall. Along the way, riders share stories of the effort it’s taken to make it this far, their plans for the road ahead, and the resolve needed to keep going.
We also hear from those who’ve made the difficult decision not to continue. Scratching might seem like a defeat from the outside, but for some, it’s its own kind of win—a choice to prioritize safety, learning, or experience a new perspective of the race.
As the kilometers wear on, so do shoes, zippers, and minds, and we hear from some riders who've gotten inventive with their gear...
Riders featured:
Click here to Dotwatch the race
Follow us on Instagram for daily visual updates
Production and hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Visit the Mountain Races website
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 mechanical sends us off our original plan and straight to the calm pull of the Melissourgi refuge, where we catch up with riders as they collect their second stamp. It’s a place where riders pause, reset, and sometimes forget, just for a while, that there’s still a race to finish. Some riders arrive with a clear plan, determined not to get caught in the magnetism of the place. Brake pads are changed, meals stretch out, and the conversations go long into the evening.
Riders in this episode
Click here to Dotwatch the race
Follow us on Instagram for daily visual updates
Production and hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 at Munti Smolikas, the refuge offers heaping bowls of delicious food, a bumpin playlist, and an opportunity to catch up with one another and share stories from the road so far. For many riders, it’s hard to leave.
In this episode, Control Car 3 shares stories collected over 24 hours at CP1. Riders talk about the effort it took to get there, what surprised them, and how they’re adjusting to life on the Hellenic Mountain Race.
Click here to Dotwatch the race
Follow us on Instagram for daily visual updates
Production and hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Steps and the Stone Forests of Zagori.
From bushwhacking at 4 a.m. to soaking in the incredible landscape, riders share how they are settling into the journey so far.
Riders Featured:
Click here to Dotwatch the race
Follow us on Instagram for daily visual updates
Production and hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 riders greet us with grins plastered across their faces.
From switchbacks and singletrack to snack breaks and salamander rescues, the route winds through dense forest and steep climbs toward the first major resupply in Metsovo. Mid-pack riders find rhythm, leaders push toward checkpoint one, and for many, just reaching the start line is a victory in itself.
Featured Riders:
Click here to Dotwatch the race
Follow us on Instagram for daily visual updates
Production and hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 in.
In this episode, you’ll meet a handful of riders from the nearly 200-strong field. Some are seasoned ultra racers, others are tackling their first major event. You’ll hear about long journeys to the start line, unexpected detours, and the many reasons people show up to a start line like this one.
The race starts Saturday May 24th at 9AM.
Click here to Dotwatch the race
Follow us on Instagram for daily visual updates
Production and hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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, and some standout features along the route. They also share stories and predictions about returning riders and newcomers, spotlighting podium and fan favourites alike.
Make sure to subscribe to The Mountain Races Podcast wherever you listen for daily updates from the trail. The race kicks off at 9AM local time on Saturday May 24th.
Dotwatch the 2025 Hellenic Mountain Race
Thank you to our race partners:
Production & hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 to the action. We’ll bring you stories and updates from the trail, illuminating the dots on your screen and bringing their adventure straight to your ears.
Follow the dots on MAProgress and follow @hellenicmountainrace on Instagram for visual updates from the trail.
Production & hosting by Mel Webb
Sound design by Ben Crannell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 dive deeper into her winning ride.
Follow Marei on Instagram to keep up with her adventures
Listen to Marei's Atlas Mountain Race playlist
Thanks to Redshift Sports for supporting our AMR 2025 Podcast Coverage
Dotwatch and follow the action here
For visual updates throughout the race follow us on Instagram @atlasmountainrace
Episodes will air daily throughout the race. Make sure to subscribe to The Mountain Races Podcast wherever you listen to never miss an update.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Pass was on the route. We sat down with Alex to dive deeper into his ride.
Follow Alex on Instagram to keep up with his adventures
Thanks to Redshift Sports for supporting our AMR 2025 Podcast Coverage
Dotwatch and follow the action here
For visual updates throughout the race follow us on Instagram @atlasmountainrace
Episodes will air daily throughout the race. Make sure to subscribe to The Mountain Races Podcast wherever you listen to never miss an update.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 you need to know about this year's conditions.
We caught up with several riders as they entered this section, having collected their third stamp and determined to make the cut off on Saturday at midnight.
Thanks to Redshift Sports for supporting our AMR 2025 Podcast Coverage
Dotwatch and follow the action here
For visual updates throughout the race follow us on Instagram @atlasmountainrace
Episodes will air daily throughout the race. Make sure to subscribe to The Mountain Races Podcast wherever you listen to never miss an update.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 from riders as they reflect on the journey so far: from unexpected challenges to the thrill of making it to CP2. Stories include a racer navigating the course with just one working light, a tandem team determined to finish after a crash last year, and a rider celebrating his 68th birthday mid-race. With CP2 now behind them, the race enter the second half with renewed determination and the ever-present battle against the cutoff times.
Make sure to subscribe to The Mountain Races Podcast for continued coverage as the riders take on the road to the finish.
Thanks to Redshift Sports for supporting our AMR 2025 Podcast Coverage
Dotwatch and follow the action here
For visual updates throughout the race follow us on Instagram @atlasmountainrace
Episodes will air daily throughout the race. Make sure to subscribe to The Mountain Races Podcast wherever you listen to never miss an update.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
We hear from riders adapting to the rhythm of the race—those thriving in the quiet of night, those navigating unexpected detours, and those embracing the moments that make the effort worth it. From sunrise over the desert to homemade Christmas cake on the trail, today’s stories capture both the struggle and the reward of racing deep into the Atlas Mountains.
Thanks to Redshift Sports for supporting our AMR 2025 Podcast Coverage
Dotwatch and follow the action here
For visual updates throughout the race follow us on Instagram @atlasmountainrace
Episodes will air daily throughout the race. Make sure to subscribe to The Mountain Races Podcast wherever you listen to never miss an update.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 deep in the pack—where fatigue, freezing temperatures, and mechanicals are already shaping the race.
From the iconic descent off Telouet to the infamous resupply at Imassine’s round-the-clock gas station, riders reflect on the highs and lows of their first night out. First-timers wrestle with doubt, sleep monsters loom, and the kindness of strangers keeps the race moving forward for some
Tune in for an inside look at the first 24 hours of the race, the resilience of the riders, and what’s still to come as they push deeper into the mountains.
Dotwatch and follow the action here
For visual updates throughout the race follow us on Instagram @atlasmountainrace
Episodes will air daily throughout the race. Make sure to subscribe to The Mountain Races Podcast wherever you listen to never miss an update.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
