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 out at 3811m. They recount stories of their first night on the road. By late afternoon, the leaders h...
Aug 17, 2025•22 min•Season 8Ep. 4
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 punctuated by laughter—as the reality of what’s ahead begins to sink in. In this episode, you’ll hear from a...
Aug 16, 2025•47 min•Season 8Ep. 3
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 witho...
Aug 13, 2025•32 min•Season 8Ep. 2
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 @silkr...
Aug 13, 2025•2 min•Season 8Ep. 1
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’ p...
Jun 01, 2025•39 min•Season 7Ep. 12
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 techn...
Jun 01, 2025•40 min•Season 7Ep. 11
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 themselve...
May 31, 2025•20 min•Season 7Ep. 10
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 fe...
May 30, 2025•44 min•Season 7Ep. 9
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. A...
May 29, 2025•28 min•Season 7Ep. 8
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 ...
May 28, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 7
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 opportun...
May 27, 2025•31 min•Season 7Ep. 6
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 land...
May 26, 2025•25 min•Season 7Ep. 5
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 snac...
May 25, 2025•31 min•Season 7Ep. 4
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 s...
May 24, 2025•40 min•Season 7Ep. 3
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 r...
May 22, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 2
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 scre...
May 16, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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 ...
Feb 14, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 9
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...
Feb 14, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 8
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 th...
Feb 13, 2025•18 min•Season 6Ep. 7
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 makin...
Feb 11, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 6
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 navigat...
Feb 10, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 5
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 rac...
Feb 09, 2025•22 min•Season 6Ep. 4
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 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 wher...
Feb 08, 2025•43 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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 follow the action here For visual updates throughout the race follow us on Instagram @atlasmountainrace Episod...
Feb 05, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 2
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 time and the clock does not stop until midnight on the 16th of February. Tune in every day for a front-...
Jan 31, 2025•3 min•Season 6Ep. 1
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 Tailfin Ride With GPS Julbo Hosted by Allan Shaw , edited by Ben Crannell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 14 min
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 riders progress on MAProgress . Thanks as always to our race partners: PedalEd Tailfin Ride With GPS ...
Aug 31, 2024•1 hr 9 min
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 riders progress on MAProgress . Thanks as always to our race partners: PedalEd Tailfin Ride With GPS Jul...
Aug 30, 2024•55 min
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 tangible thought for many. Follow the riders progress on MAProgress . Thanks as always to our race...
Aug 29, 2024•54 min
Welcome to Day 11 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race Day 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 Mountain Race Follow the riders progress on MAProgress . Thanks as always to our race partners: PedalEd Ta...
Aug 28, 2024•47 min
