- Aug 2, 2023

In the Land of Fire and Ice

Looking into my race calender there already has been a noteable amount of races at special locations this year (like Girona, Scotland, Finland,...) but The Rift on Iceland was different. It felt like racing on another planet.

8,5 hours of riding through lava fields, over a volcano, river-crossings and over a fairly long distance of washboard roads was something which can't be compared to any other race. That day I mentally and physically went through heaven and hell (not only once). It definitely was one of the hardest things I've ever done so far (apart from making a call at the Pizza delivery service back then as a 11 year old :D)

The mixed feelings after the race took some time to process.

At one hand I was a bit annoyed about myself using a wrong fuelling strategy (didn't drink and eat enough in the first half of the race) and then ran out of energy in the last hour.

On the other side I'm also proud and thankful. Proud of myself for finishing the longest and surface-wise the most challenging race I've done so far. Proud about finishing Top 10 in the Elite-category among a strong field of women including some of the best gravel-riders in the world. Proud and happy for Caro for winning and bringing the level of gravel-racing on a remarkable high level! And of course also proud of Svenja (all-time fav gravel-buddy) for finishing on a very strong 4th place. You had definitely deserved a spot on that podium!

I am just super thankful for all the experiences and learnings I got during the time on this island.

Putting everything into perspective this trip to Iceland definitely was a life-time experience and I can only be grateful for all the amazing places and opportunities that gravel-racing is providing. Of course the best and most important part are the people that make it special!

Huge thanks to everyone who's giving their support and commitment into this sport to make it more than just a discipline of cycling!