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2024 has seen a year of exciting races, interesting events and an abundance of individual challenges. We've compiled a selection of films for 2024, these will also be in our YouTube Playlist, Winter Watching 2024.
Featured image from L'Esperit del Bikepacking's El Piri Film featured below.
El Piri - The Spirit of the Catalan Pyrenees
https://youtu.be/_SDAIcyFNvY?si=NEzz5CL7K4rBJ9XW
El Piri is an epic gravel bikepacking adventure through the Catalan Pyrenees, spanning 800 kilometers and climbing a staggering 20,000 meters. Starting and ending in Girona at The Service Course, this film captures the inaugural 2024 edition, following riders as they navigate the challenging terrain.
With a focus on physical and emotional endurance, the story embodies the founding values of L’esperit del Bikepacking: fun, integrity, athleticism, community, and respect.
Featured Photo
LEARNING ULTRA
https://youtu.be/4jmLILm5LaM?si=7y0ecIlsnvEtXfk7
Kenneth Karaya, a lifelong cyclist from Nairobi, has been a cornerstone of Team AMANI since its inception. With a passion for pushing boundaries, Kenneth shifted his focus in 2024 to mastering the art of ultra-distance racing. This film chronicles his journey through Race Around Rwanda and Badlands, showcasing his relentless drive and steady progression toward a long-sought victory. Directed by Finley Newmark, the story captures the spirit of determination and the challenges of racing at the highest level.
Conquering one of the toughest routes in the Alps: Nathalie Schneitter and the Glacier Bike Express
https://youtu.be/lB58nRrQcEk?si=2gbavl7lRa57JkXS
The Glacier Bike Tour spans 10 stages, 370 kilometers, and an awe-inspiring 9500 meters of altitude, weaving through three cantons along the iconic Glacier Express railway. Starting in St. Moritz, the route ascends over the Albula Pass before tackling the formidable Oberalp and Furka Passes. While designed for touring e-bikes, E-bike world champion Nathalie Schneitter set out to prove it could be conquered on a gravel bike.
Bright Midnight 2024 | OFFICIAL MOVIE
https://youtu.be/caT5Ff8WP2A?si=rJGEIzbW56CI3L5K
Justinas Leveika returned mid-Triple Crown Challenge attempt to spearhead the second edition of the Bright Midnight.
The Bright Midnight is a self-supported bikepacking challenge that spans 1100 kilometers across Norway’s diverse landscapes. Riders journey through quaint villages, traverse gravel roads, and climb over 20,000 meters, encountering barren tundra, dramatic fjords, and mystical forests along the way. This film captures the spirit of exploration and the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most stunning ultra-cycling routes. The sun never sets, so the midnight is still alight.
Mother North 2024
https://youtu.be/rDUqa5vILXM?si=klrv4dFi1BXS6_Wu
Mother North covers 1000 kilometers and 16,000 meters of elevation gain across varied terrain, this event is a celebration of Norway’s breathtaking natural beauty. Riders embark on a transformative voyage that bridges past, present, and future, connecting them with the enchanting landscapes they traverse. The sun never sets at this time of year in Norway, so the ride can go on.
On Winning | Robin Gemperle's preparation for the Transcontinental Race
https://youtu.be/WmqLX0dVik8?si=RB5-p5-syCN4rq68
Leading up to the monumental 4000 km Transcontinental Race No. 10 (TCRNo10), Robin Gemperle adopted a rigorous training regimen reminiscent of his pro-athlete days. Starting in Roubaix, and ending at the final control point in Istanbul, the 2024 edition of the TCR did not hold back, terrain changes, difficult border crossings and plenty of unexpected challenges.
Robin’s meticulous preparation, route planning, and mental fortitude played into his result, you know what the ending was, but how did he get there?
FRONTING UP - TTW#3
https://youtu.be/9BMgnG3rn-0?si=cXRHE4tyxzR7mEsq
The Tour Te Waipounamu, New Zealand’s most recognised bikepacking ultra-race, returns in its most competitive edition yet.
This film explores the journey that traverses the South Island’s rugged landscapes, from its vast interior to the southernmost tip. Capturing the raw beauty and relentless challenges of the Tour Te Waipounamu, “Fronting Up” offers a fresh perspective on endurance, highlighting what it takes to remain in contention in one of the world’s most demanding bikepacking events.
IMPROVISE - ADAPT - OVERCOME - you never plan enough.
https://youtu.be/dkwCm_TxwdQ?si=ylG52_UUzOVm6L7S
Spanning 1050 kilometers with 25,000 meters of elevation gain, the Transpyrenees route challenges riders with iconic climbs and unpredictable conditions. This film chronicles Enough Cycling Collective athlete Lydia Iglesias’ first ultra-cycling adventure, showcasing her ability to embrace the unexpected on her five-day journey from the Bay of Biscay to the Balearic Sea. With improvisation and adaptability as key themes, this story highlights how challenges transform into triumphs for those bold enough to persevere.
GRAVEL DEL FUEGO 2024 - AFTER-MOVIE
https://youtu.be/qU3_tSKQqMk?si=vgrDMdRg8VxNaIWK
The Gravel del Fuego after-movie celebrates the joy and authenticity of gravel riding. Filmed and directed by Andrew Figueroa, it captures every moment of the action. With the 2025 Sprint edition set to cover 250 kilometers and plans for both Sprint and Ultra (1000K) versions in 2026, Gravel del Fuego promises to be an unmissable event for gravelleurs and ultra-riders alike.
Badlands Solo: Bikepacking Race Film I The Wildest Gravel in Europe
https://youtu.be/iWXTggQPgOc?si=brF3Mnh2DGV_huhL
After starting ultra-cycling in 2022 with Race Around the Netherlands, we've enjoyed Sherry's videos and films as she explores what life is like as a rider. She recently took on the megolith that is Badlands, placing 22nd in the race. Take a look at how she found this unforgiving journey.
Pilgrimage : The Story of the Hellenic Mountain Race
https://youtu.be/1voQFMUvb-o?si=W_ruwtWYfiS8cpiw
Far from the bustling cities and tourist hotspots lies a Greece few have seen—soaring peaks, forgotten valleys, and trails that weave through remote alpine passes and historic villages. The Hellenic Mountain Race covers 883 kilometers with nearly 30,000 meters of climbing, challenging riders to conquer the equivalent of scaling Everest three times. This film follows the riders as they embark on this life-changing journey.