The Mountain Races Podcast

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 sett...

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, a...

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 t...

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 di...

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 Pa...

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 everythin...

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...

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. ...

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 fro...

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 Ep...

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...

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 tim...

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 Ri...

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 r...

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 ride...

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...

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 Mounta...

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 Mountain Race. Hear their reflections on the race, the challenges they faced, and what it took to cross the finish line first. These intimate conversations reveal the grit, determination, and strategy behind their victories. Follow the riders progress on...

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 of the Silk Road Mountain Race. The vast, empty grasslands stretch endlessly, with only the occasional yurt and roaming cattle to break the solitude. At Checkpoint 3, Allan interviews riders who have pushed through the wilderness and are feeling the...

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. Starting the day at the peaceful CP2 yurt camp, riders faced a brutal 20% grade ascent that many were eager to put behind them. As the day progressed, we shifted focus to those still en route to CP2, fighting to make the cutoff in an inspiring display of re...

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 an early start at the caravan, Allan takes us through a day of reflection and reset as riders reach CP2. The conversations are relaxed, tinged with fatigue, and grounded in the reality of the race as they prepare for the journey ahead. Follow the ride...

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 in Naryn and the next morning’s hectic road out of town. A sit-down with Race Director Nelson provides insight into the front of the race, before Allan heads toward the Chinese border. There, he stumbles upon a gathering of mid-pack riders at a Caravan,...

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, riders are tested by the changing environments. Join us as we follow Allan's interviews with those pushing through this demanding section of the race. Follow the riders progress on MAProgress .  Thanks as always to our race partners:  PedalEd&n...

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, Allan meets the last riders before the checkpoint cutoff—some determined to push on, others contemplating if their race ends here or continues in touring mode. Follow the riders progress on MAProgress .  Thanks as always to our race partners:&...

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 scenic but tough trail ahead has riders appreciating clear skies and mid-race camaraderie. With guesthouses offering a touch of luxury, including saunas and the allure of a swim in the lake, the mid-pack spirit is thriving. Follow the riders progress on...