This time next week Epic Cycles ambassador Will Robinson will be cycling through Kyrgyzstan on one of the toughest ultra races in the world, the Silk Road Mountain Race.
The Silk Road Mountain Race is a fixed route, unsupported, single-stage cycling race through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The clock does not stop and there are no prizes. It follows gravel, single and double track and old soviet roads that have long been forgotten and fallen into disrepair. There is very little tarmac. There is some hike-a-bike, and at times there are great distances between resupply points.
Distance: 1,939.4km
Climbing: 30,409m
We asked Will a few questions before he set off to Kyrgyzstan.
What inspired you to sign up for Silk Road?
I first heard about Silk Road during Trans Am in 2019, which I Googled that evening whilst sleeping in a doorway. I was instantly hooked and also intimidated at the prospect of covering that distance at that altitude whilst at the mercy of the mountains and extreme heat and cold.
Is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to experiencing in Kyrgyzstan?
The landscape, culture and fermented horse milk!
Is there anything you’re apprehensive about?
Travelling with my bike.…. But hey half the challenge is getting to these races prepared and in one piece. Other nerves include racing at altitude and the strong likelihood of getting sick!!!!
This is a race where the temperatures can swing from one extreme to the other between mountains and valleys. Do you prefer it hot, or would a bit of snow work in your favour?
The thought of having both extremes would be amazing! I actually really enjoy the cold and being caught in a good storm to remind you how small you actually are! This would work in my favour as I appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup of tea! I might regret saying this when I get caught in a blizzard whilst walking up the Old Solvent Road.
Do you have any specific goals for the race? Or is it more about enjoying the adventure?
As I’m arriving the day before I’m going to take it slow and settle into the race to minimise the risk of altitude sickness. I’m mainly going for the adventure. How on earth can you race in such a beautiful landscape? Imagine spending all that money and annual leave to go out hard and DNF due to a mechanical or come off due to a lapse in concentration.
What bike will you be riding for the SRMR?
I will be riding my BEAUTIFUL Orbea Oiz ❤️ I can’t wait to have the comfort of that suspension whilst travelling over that rugged terrain.
Where can you follow the race?
Once the 2024 edition of SRMR has kicked off on the 15th August you can follow the riders and commentary over on Dotwatcher: https://dotwatcher.cc/race/silk-road-mountain-race-2024