The Mountain Races Podcast

AMR 2026 Day 8: The Finish Line

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

AMR 2026: Cynthia Carson, Women's Winner Atlas Mountain Race

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 cle...

AMR 2026 Day 7: To The Coast

14 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

AMR 2026 Day 6: Victor Bosoni, Men’s Winner of Atlas Mountain Race

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

AMR 2026 Day 5: The Old Colonial Road

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 mountains...

AMR Day 4: Between Two Worlds

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 stampe...

AMR Day 3: Etched In Stone

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ant...

AMR 2026 Day 2: Windy AF

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Conditions remain incredibly demanding as our riders press on towards Checkpoint 1 in Boutharar. The weather has improved in some ways, and worsened i...

AMR 26 Day 1: First Light

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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....

AMR 26 Day 0: Into the Atlas

07 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Atlas Mountain Race 2026 is finally here, beginning with the usual proceedings of registration. Riders trickled into the cultural centre at Ain Asserd...

AMR 2026: Race Preview

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Welcome to the Atlas Mountain Race 2026

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

SRMR 2025 Day 15: The Finish Line

31 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

SRMR 2025 Day 14: One Last Pass

30 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

SRMR 2025 Day 13: Meaghan Hackinen, Women's Winner of Silk Road Mountain Race

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ra...

SRMR 2025 Day 12: With Bated Breath

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 advent...

SRMR 2025 Day 11: Lost In Time

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 kilom...

SRMR 2025 Day 10: At The Crossroads

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

SRMR 2025 Day 9: To The Moon

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. Th...

SRMR 2025 Day 8: Robin Gemperle, Men's Winner of Silk Road Mountain Race

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

SRMR 2025 Day 7: Two Worlds Apart

23 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 alt...

SRMR 2025 Day 6: Riders on the Storm

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 endles...

SRMR 2025 Day 5: Borderline

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

SRMR 2025 Day 4: Rivers & Roads

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Four days into the Silk Road Mountain Race, the field is now stretched across hundreds of kilometers. Leaders have already passed through Checkpoint T...

SRMR 2025 Day 2-3: CP1 at Peak Lenin

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 again...

SRMR Day 1: The First 24 Hours

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

SRMR 25 Day 0: Into The Unknown

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

SRMR 2025: Race Preview

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our podcast coverage of the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex, STYRKR and Julbo.The Silk Road Mountai...

Welcome to the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Silk Road Mountain Race, created by Nelson Trees, is a self-supported bikepacking race through the remote mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The sevent...

HMR 25: The Finish Line

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ar...

HMR Day 8: Meaghan Hackinen, Women's Winner of Hellenic Mountain Race 2025

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. In this episode, we sit dow...

HMR Day 7: One Last Climb

31 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. The finish line is finally ...

HMR Day 6: Alex McCormack, Men's Winner of Hellenic Mountain Race 2025

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. We sit down with Alex McCor...

HMR Day 5: Spiralling Upward

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. By Day 5 of the Hellenic Mo...

HMR Day 4: Halfway Human

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. Tucked into the mountains a...

HMR Day 3: Checkpoint 1 at Munti Smolikas

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our podcast coverage of the third Hellenic Mountain Race, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. All of our riders have now ...

HMR Day 2: Stone Forests

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Hellenic Mountain Race Podcast, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. Day two of the Hellenic Mountain Race unfolded under c...

HMR Day 1: Into the Pindus

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Hellenic Mountain Race Podcast, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR. The third edition of the Hellenic Mountain Race kicks ...

HMR Registration Day: Welcome to Meteora

24 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Hellenic Mountain Race Podcast, supported by Albion, Tailfin, Pertex and STYRKR.Today, we’re in Meteora for registration day. Riders ...

Hellenic Mountain Race 2025 Race Preview

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

Welcome to the Hellenic Mountain Race 2025

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 rug...

Marei Moldenhauer, Women's Winner of Atlas Mountain Race 2025

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mo...

Alex McCormack. Men's Winner of Atlas Mountain Race 2025

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Rac...

AMR Day 4: A Long Walk in the Desert

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ve...

AMR Day 3: The Turning Point

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Checkpoint 2 at the Atlas Mountain Race marks a major turning point for riders. Some arrive exhausted but determined, others battle mechanicals, freez...

AMR Day 2: Chasing the Light

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Control Car 3 catches up with midpack riders in the long remote stretch between Imassine and Afra. Riders are settling into their rhythm—decisions a...

AMR Day 1: The First 24 Hours

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The first 24 hours of the Atlas Mountain Race have delivered everything riders signed up for—adventure, exhaustion, and the raw challenge of racing ...

AMR Day 0: Nerves, Excitement, and the Road Ahead

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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.' ...

Atlas Mountain Race 2025: Race Preview with Nelson Trees

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Welcome to the Atlas Mountain Race 2025

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 M...

SRMR 2024 Day 15: The End of the Road

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 fin...

SRMR 2024 Day 14: Stories from the Finish Line Part 1

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

SRMR 2024 Day 13: It Ain’t Over till it’s Over

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 sen...

SRMR 2024 Day 12: The Final Push Begins

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

SRMR 2024 Day 11: The Fight to Reach CP3

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

SRMR 2024 Day 10: Conversations with the Silk Road Mountain Race Winners

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mounta...

SRMR 2024 Day 9: The Arabel Valley to CP3

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

SRMR 2024 Day 8: The Road out of Checkpoint 2

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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. Starti...

SRMR 2024 Day 7: Halfway Home - Reflections from CP2

24 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 7 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race. Day 7 marks the halfway point in the Silk Road Mountain Race, both in distance and time. After a...

SRMR 2024 Day 6: From the Chase to the Caravan

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 6 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race. Allan jumps ahead to the chase group on Day 6, capturing the female leader’s evening arrival i...

SRMR 2024 Day 5: Heat and Highlands

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Day 5 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race. From the oppressive heat and washboard roads to Baetov to the cooler, lush highlands after, ride...

SRMR 2024 Day 4: Switchbacks and Decisions at CP1

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 4 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race.Allan catches up with riders as they prepare for the breathtaking descent after CP1. Back at CP1...

SRMR 2024 Day 3: Tales from the Trail to CP1

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 3 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race.Join Allan as he interviews riders at CP1 before retracing their steps to Song-Köl Lake. The sce...

SRMR 2024 Day 2: Beyond Kegeti and Into the Heart of Kyrgyzstan

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 2 of the Silk Road Mountain Race. Riders descend from Kegeti Pass into a cool, rainy valley, a stark contrast to the scorching heat of ...

SRMR 2024 Day 1: From Start to Summit

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Day 1 of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race. In this episode, we take you straight to the start line, where riders from around the world shar...

SRMR 2024: Registration

17 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Registration day of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race. Allan Shaw is reporting live from the registration area, where he’s chatting with r...

SRMR 2024 Preview

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race. In this podcast, we want to bring you the stories behind competition. From the very front and all the way...

HMR Day 8: The Finish Line

02 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We've now reached the finish line of the Hellenic Mountain Race. This episode is a little longer than previous and for good reason. Allan sits with so...

HMR Day 7: The Home Stretch

01 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 7 of the Hellenic Mountain Race. While the vast majority of our riders have reached Nafpaktos, we still have a handful of riders out on...

HMR Day 6: The Winners

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 6 of the Hellenic Mountain Race. We now have a full podium for both the men and women, as well as our first place pair. Christophe Djik...

HMR Day 5: Impressions from CP3

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 5 of Hellenic Mountain Race. Today Allan catches up with riders at CP3 in the ski resort town of Karpenisi. Karpenisi is the final majo...

HMR Day 4: Shoegate

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Day 4 of the Hellenic Mountain Race. While the head of the race is nearing the finish line, there's still a long road to go for many. Allan...

HMR Day 3: Brake Pad Mafia

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 3 of the Hellenic Mountain Race. Many of our riders have now gotten their stamp at checkpoint one and are on their way into the wildern...

HMR 2024 Day 2: After The Storm

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day 2 of the Hellenic Mountain Race. After a rainy first night, many riders took shelter while others opted to push through. Allan caught u...

HMR 2024 Day 1: Same same but different

26 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to day one of the Hellenic Mountain Race. Early Saturday morning riders set off from the picturesque town of Meteora. After a scenic singletra...

HMR 2024 Day 0: Registration Day

25 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Hellenic Mountain Race, an 880km fixed route, unsupported, single-stage cycling race through the mountains of Greece. With nearly 28,00...

AMR 2024 EP 10: The Final Chapter

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allan Shaw sits down with some of the recurring racers we've followed over the past week. Hear the highs, lows, and whats on their minds as they pack-...

AMR 2024 EP 9: A Sit Down With The Winners

18 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allan Shaw sits down with the winner of the overall race, Justinas Leveika, and the winner of the women's category, Cynthia Carson. Hear all about the...

AMR 2024 EP 8: It Ain't Over Till' It's Over

17 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allan heads to CP3 to check-in with riders who have squeaked in before the time cut, as well as those who have had to scratch from the race. With a mi...

AMR 2024 EP 7: Light At The End Of The Tunnel

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allan stations himself in the Paradise Valley to get impressions from riders heading into the home stretch of the race. With tired legs, cloudy minds,...

AMR 2024 EP6: Stay Salty

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allan catches up with racers as they work their way from CP3 to the finish on the coast in Essaouira. He then jumps ahead to hear from the leader of t...

AMR 2024 EP5: Late Nights and Long Days

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allan rolls into CP2 shortly after midnight and finds countless riders fuelling up, resting, and preparing to take on the next section of the race. We...

AMR 2024 EP4: Tea With Omar

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the riders make their way between CP1 and CP2, our faithful podcast host, Allan Shaw, gets stranded in the desert due to multiple flat tires on Con...

AMR 2024 EP3: The First 24 Hours

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The riders head out of the bustling streets of Marrakesh and into the Atlas Mountains. The route from the start to CP1 is significantly changed, with ...

AMR 2024 EP2: Expect The Unexpected

11 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the racers anxiously await the announcement of a start time, Nelson and the race organization work hard to try to get approval to start the race wi...

AMR 2024 EP1: Calm Before The Storm

10 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the first episode of the 2024 Atlas Mountain Race Podcast, Allan interviews racers during rider registration before the pre-race briefing. Hear sto...

AMR 2024 Podcast Preview

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Atlas Mountain Race, Detours: An Ultra Cycling and Adventure Podcast, and HolyFat are proud to be presenting the 2024 Atlas Mountain Race Podcast,...

SRMR 2019 EP8: The loop around Check Point 3 #SRMR2019

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Silk Road Mountain Race 2019 is LIVE.This podcast will follow the race from the start until the last day at the finish line in Kyrgyzstan. Episode 8:...

SRMR 2019 EP7: From Check Point 1 to Check Point 2 #SRMR2019

26 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Silk Road Mountain Race 2019 is LIVE.This podcast will follow the race from the start until the last day at the finish line in Kyrgyzstan. Episode 7:...

SRMR 2019 EP6: Stories around Check Point 1 #SRMR2019

21 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Silk Road Mountain Race 2019 is LIVE.This podcast will follow the race from the start until the last day at the finish line in Kyrgyzstan. Episode 6:...

SRMR 2019 EP5: Starting days in Bishkek #SRMR2019

18 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Silk Road Mountain Race 2019 is LIVE.This podcast will follow the race from the start until the last day at the finish line in Kyrgyzstan. Episode 5:...

SRMR 2019 EP4: Behind the scene of the support crew of the Silk Road Mountain Race #SRMR2019

12 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Silk Road Mountain Race 2019 is almost here. This podcast will follow the race from the start until the last day at the finish line in Kyrgyzstan. Ep...

SRMR 2019 EP3: Two newbies and one veteran: Tim & Brett Van Coller and Brandon Camarda #SRMR2019

30 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Silk Road Mountain Race 2019 is almost here. This podcast will follow the race from the start until the last day at the finish line in Kyrgyzstan. Ep...

SRMR 2019 EP2: Getting to know Kyrgyzstan with Muhamet Giden #SRMR2019

23 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Silk Road Mountain Race 2019 is almost here. This podcast will follow the race from the start until the last day at the finish line in Kyrgyzstan. In...

SRMR 2019 EP 1: Introducing Silk Road Mountain Race 2019 with Nelson Trees #SRMR2019

16 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Silk Road Mountain Race 2019 is almost here. This podcast will follow the race from the start until the last day and the finish line in Kyrgyzstan...

SRMR 2018 : EP12 - All things good

08 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A collection of riders' thoughts about the race plus Mike Sheldrake's poetic tribute.This Podcast is made possible by Shand Cycles Ltd..  Shand is a ...

SRMR 2018 : EP11 - Looking back, looking forward

05 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Nelson reflects on the successes and challenges of the first Silk Road Mountain Race, and looks ahead to future editions.This Podcast is made possible...

SRMR 2018 : EP10 - Reflections

04 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We Hear from Lee & Alina about their first SRMR experience and what impressions it has left on them.This Podcast is made possible by Shand Cycles Ltd....

SRMR 2018 : EP9 - Hallucinations, hypothermia and hunger - just another day in the SRMR.

30 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Riders have the finish line in sight, but not before battling marshland, washboard and sub-zero temperatures. Meanwhile, we talk with a Bishkek entre...

SRMR 2018 : EP8 - The end in sight

28 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

While the lanterne rouge riders are in a race to get to the last checkpoint before it closes, Jay Petervary pedals in to victory - and beer.This Podca...