Transibérica: Unsupported ultra-distance cycling across the Iberian Peninsula
Interview by Conan Marshall
Photos provided by Transibérica Ultracycling
We talk with David Rodriguez and Carlos Mazon, the pair behind Transibérica Ultracycling - an events company who organize ultra-distance cycling races set within the stunning landscapes of Portugal and Spain.
Ultra-distance cycling (or Ultracycling) is a feat of endurance that no doubt requires physical training and mental preparation and remains one of the most extraordinary challenges a cyclist can face. With races measuring anywhere from 200km up to 9,000km, ultra-distance cycling epitomises what it means to embark on a journey of self-sufficiency and adventure.
The pair behind TransIbérica Ultracycing describe their ethos in their manifesto: “Transibérica Ultracycling is designed from our deep love of Cycling, Ultracycling, Bikepacking, Self-sufficiency and all values conveyed through Mike Hall and his legacy.”
Transibérica Ultra-cycling is a project that is based around your personal experience in the sport. Could you elaborate on how you both got interested in long distance cycling and bike packing?
David: Well I just began like many others, I guess. I didn't like to ride huge and massive events and I just hear about the Brevets, then I tried a BRM 200, then 300km, then 400km... you know, just wanted to know where my limit was. And that trip was funny for me.
Carlos: I started traveling during summer, in my holidays. I always wanted to go further and during then, I always did more distances than I expected. 160km, 185km and more than 200km during more than two weeks. It was when a friend talked to me about TransAm and everything changed.
I started to travel light, without panniers, and training to the first edition of the TransAm. J finally went to the second edition. Then I felt I had more to do. I learned I could do better... And everything then came after it.
You have both participated in some notable ultra-distance cycling events. What are your most memorable moments?
David: For me there are two things that I love in long-distance cycling. Firstly, how your state of mind changes in just a few hours and makes you just concerned about the essentials. You forget all the secondary things that in normal life you worry about, and you just focus on cycling. Secondly, the special moments you spend with other riders.
Carlos: The last days of TransAm were amazing. I was fighting for the second position coming from fifth. I felt good, still with energy. I was exhausted but at the same time with the feeling I could do better.
Self-sufficiency seems to be one of the main ideals linked with an ultra-cycling event. Do you find that this type of competition attracts a specific type of person?
David: Well this point is interesting. In early years we saw that the profile of the cyclists were more adventurers, riders who use to travel with panniers and bivvy bags who just wanted to try and experiment the same but going faster.
But now we are finding also traditional road cyclists taking part and who just want to feel the same they use to do, but aim to go even further.
And that's great, as this is where both kinds of cycling find each other.
Riders face the prospect of bad weather, having to navigate between checkpoints and facing internal battles of mental endurance. What are the main issues a rider have to overcome to succeed during a race?
Carlos: Exhaustion and all over kinds of problems. The worst thing is to fight with yourself to stay on for as long as possible. Riding near your limits…
Why do you think long-distance cycling is so popular in the Iberian Peninsula?
David: We have a deep traditional cycling culture here, even with audax style. But in ultra-distance cycling we are still far from other countries as Germany, France, Italy and of course UK.
For us it's crazy, because we have a land with plenty of amazing and contrasting places to ride and of course the weather helps you to enjoy it, so we just think that ultracycling will continue to grow in this region.
In the Transibérica Ultracycling Race, there is no designated route, only checkpoints. These checkpoints are set in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Can you tell us about how you decided on setting the checkpoints in these particular places?
Carlos: They are chosen because they’re special, beautiful or they are in a good place in relation to the race (avoiding busy areas or forcing to ride in better places).
Obviously, I have some special places too. So I choose some to show them to the riders. At the end we design the race carefully to give riders the best experience during it.
Why did you decide to start and finish the race in Bilbao?
Carlos: Well I live in Bilbao, and this area is spectacular for cycling, with fascinating landscapes and plenty of green mountains close to the coast. Cycling is very special and respected in Basque Country and here we are close to the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Mountains... so we just said, why not.
Could you talk about your upcoming event that will be happening next year, the Badlands 2020?
David: We wanted to launch our first gravel event, but we also wanted to do something very special. We tried to put on the same event we all love which includes: self-sufficiency, bikepacking, mountains, deserts, forests, snow and even mix in some beautiful beaches. It sounds crazy... but after many attempts and kilometres of exploration it has been possible. This is, in few words, Badlands.
