Silk Road Mountain Race (SRMR)

Yeah, “no-sleep” was probably an unfair term. He certainly seems to be able to handle a lot less sleep than others over quite a long period. Unlucky skinny. Great ride regardless. It’ll go right for you soon, I’m sure.

Top two women so close over the last day.

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Looks like they’ll be neck and neck to the finish line - exciting!

Absolutely neck and neck.

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wow even closer than Sofiane and Jakub over the pass.

They finished equal first (=14th overall). Impressive sportswomanship!

Peggy was able to make up for the extra time sleeping and catch Nathalie shortly before the final climb. When she did, she saw that Nathalie had stopped because of a badly damaged derailleur.

After such a long race and close race, she offered to finish the race together, feeling that it just wasn't right to win because of a mechanical so close to the finish.

So good huh.

Great stuff! The right spirit.

Allan Shaw reached the finish line tonight, he is the first person to complete SRMR on a cargo bike.
An unusual bike choice to say the least. Many will have told him that he would never manage to complete the course on this bike, that it wasn't appropriate. He disagreed.
Things were going well until a fall coming down the bonus climbs after Kegeti left him battered and bruised. He had to catch a lift to Bishkek to get himself cleaned up and get 5 stitches before returning to the race. Tears were shed as he crossed the final pass. A mixture of pain and satisfaction.

Legend, congrats to him.

I don’t like smoking and I’m not one to promote it but there is an insouciant charm to that cigarette picture.

What a boss.

Sofiane talking to Josh about how the race went for him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B21zErUcuyw

“The Silk Road Cargo Race” is a new documentary that recounts Allan Shaw’s audacious attempt to compete in the 2023 Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan aboard a cargo bike. Find the 13-minute film plus Allan’s heartfelt written reflection on the experience and a gallery of analog and digital photos here…

https://bikepacking.com/plog/the-silk-road-cargo-race-film/

I normally don't have much time for people who want to ride ultras on sub optimal bikes, eg the TCR on a Brompton, but this was interesting to read.

The main difference is that he'd ridden the event before so he knew exactly what he was taking on. And, having set it as the challenge to himself, he got round, so well done to him.

Also, while it would clearly be hell on the hike a bike sections, a long wheel-based bike should ride some of the rough terrain pretty well and be stable on the descents, so not entirely a crazy choice if you're going for a finish not a time. And as cargo bike go, an omnium must be about as light as it gets.

Starts tomorrow doesn't it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJqRtHMCQqw

Will watch later!