Day 6 - Closing time

Day 5  - The finisher train did not stop all night

Day 4 - Capileira is aflood with finshers!

Day 3 evening - More finishers arrive, including 1st Woman and 1st Pair!

Day 3 morning - Cap# 117 takes 1st place after 43h 40m

Day 2 Evening - The end is approaching for some, and it's wash day elsewhere

Day 2 morning - High points crossed, now on to sea level

Day 1 evening - Fast and friendly are the vibes of the opening 12 hours

Day 1 morning - Calm before the (sand)storm?

Badlands 2022 - Drool-worthy route info and a tantalising line up

Sebastian Breuer

Benjamin Koch

Nils Correvon

Justinas Leveika

Ulrich Bartholmoes

Gautier Bonnecarrere

Nicola Girardi

Federico Bassis

Juan Sancosmed

Adrien Liechti

Mike Mono

Andy Turner

David Coma

Jona Riechmann

Lael Wilcox

Danny Green

Davide Belfiore

Barry Tinnelly

Miguel Ángel García

Enrique Martínez

Cynthia Frazier

Alexander Nikolopoulos

Luisa Werner

Sophie Jail

Francisco Javier Montoya

Duncan Luke

Marion Dziwnik

Kris Davidson

Omar Martinello

Niels Tang Christensen

Cristiana Tamburini

Jean-baptiste Bazzarini

Martin Thow

Finley Newmark

Javier Cantos

Jesús Sánchez

Miguel Ángel Caldentey

David Sylla

David Aguirregomezcorta

Cornelis Akkermans

Saleta Castro

Ross Lovell

Zippy Doyle

Johan Erlandsson

Christoph Tapken

Christian Senn

Mario Conradt

Patrick Sylla

Jorge Hernández

Toni Gaitán

Jeff Webb

Ibai Fradejas

Virginia Cancellieri

Sandra Schuberth

Tom Hall

Tom Taylor

Cem Sönmez

Taylor Phinney

Fernando Montesinos

Carsten Linkamp

Filippo Nicoli

Javier Noguerol

George Mason

Graham Bryce

Álvaro Reca

David Molina

Robert Jan Wyszka

Sebastian Ritter

Riccardo De Rossi

Kevin Grieten

Jeroen Vroemen

Sam Maunder

Christopher Hall

Pablo Herrero

Luis Pablo García

Hans Are Ovanger

Bobby Mcnicol

Yoann Dycke

Markus Merkle

José Ignacio Martín

Finn Kilian

Roger Nodeland

Irmantas Melko

Benny Röhlig

Gary Williams

Bert Van Der Plas

Moritz Ulrich

Christian Bel

Ormonde Wilson

James Noble

Francisco Julio Marco

Tom Duncan

Johannes Schneider

Bahadir Güngör

Martijn Van Strien

Joost Gremmen

Bernardus Veltman

Davide Guidetti

Antonio Diéguez

Henning Roalkvam

David Rovira & Juan Antonio Flecha

Sebastian Dollinger & Andre Fischer

Gerard Trias & Mia Miret

Marco Heemskerk & Gert Schilder

Lawrence Carpenter & Liam Yates

Espen Slemdahl & Sturle Dahl

Matthias Roling & Rasmus Bozyk

Stefan Klausen & Hannes Noller

Ludwig Altmannshofer & Michael Moser

Holly Seear & Stephen Davidson

Alvin Escajeda & Sean Martin

Pawel Milkowski & Karol Koguciuk

Klaus Rieger & Dominik Simmen

Jon Olav Holmen & Hans Petter Hustad

Simon Duraffourg & Clement Duraffourg

Christian Duerre & Hans Schinlauer

Nick Brunner & Markus Angerer

Aday Palmero & Pitera Rey

Artur Vieira & Luís Filipe Oliveira Pinto

Sarah Burns & Richard Parry

Sam Haywood & Gabriel Cramer

Simon Noel & Steven Hatley

Nicolas Talleux & Christophe Félix

Christian Thill & Hartmut Ulrich

Felix Dellinger & Robin Scholz

Antonin Michaud-soret & Lucie Belkaious

Ville Teuronen & Petteri Taskinen

Óscar Javier González & Javier De Miguel

Valeriano Martínez & Jorge Baranda

Till Schneider & Matthis Fisahn

Cristina Sánchez & Laura Gallardo

Chris Berkers & Richard De Bas

Mark Van Ees & Jelmer Huisman

Anthony Jouannic & Marc Antoine Colonna

Lucas Flege & Thomas Flege

Roland Bartmuss & Christine Bartmuss

Bill Van Heijgen & Robert Van Halm

Kurt Edmonds & Lucie Hogger

Lasse Bruntse & Claus Hincke

Federico Damiani & Asja Paladin

Media 03

Media 02

Media 01

Aaron Kearney

GC is now officially closed and with it a staggering 125 solo finishers have claimed their place and a finisher’s medal.

![badlands finishers friday](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3tl22wu7E4Tg1CU8lk7zBR/b2e5e9f9166fa47e22ca8ccbabcd398a/Screenshot_2022-09-09_at_20.37.29.png)
![badlands finishers friday 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5JMTi33EXIZyYdavxlBTpX/13eda1495e583c93e25a511bbe1ab472/Screenshot_2022-09-09_at_20.37.39.png)

In addition, 35 Pairs can finally take some time away from each other (if needed), or sit down and grab a cold beverage without the pressure to get rolling again. 

![badlands finishers pairs friday](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/15VGzmzgGn76Wx0CQ31m7i/102508f835a9ed5300e36c7e69e99015/Screenshot_2022-09-09_at_20.36.58.png)

Badlands, or any ultracycling race, means many things to many people. For some it is the crucible to challenge yourself to overcome seemingly superhuman feats, for others it is a chance to explore parts unknown (outside and in), and for one rider this year, it was a chance to get closer to her roots.

__Laura Gallardo__ (riding as a part of a pair with __Cristina Sánchez__) had a different view as she reached the entrance to Cabo de Gata natural park. The gps track was taking her just south of a village called Los Gallardos (note the similarity with her name) which happened to be the birthplace of one of her Grandmothers (Lola) - a very important figure in her life. This journey allowed her to come physically closer to her roots than ever before, and undoubtedly emotionally too.

Laura and Christina finished today after 3pm CEST and can now take time to reflect on the journey, and the feeling of completion after having to scratch last year.

Lanterne rouge pair __Roland Bartmuss & Christine Bartmuss__ are the only riders still out there slogging their way through the desert with 130km left to go. We send them all the energy and tailwinds to make it through the final passages and keep enjoying the journey!

![badlands bad legs](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5XpjBh0IbzTXzmj0c3B2Nv/6b4114d72ea8a409ebcbbcc297bec4e6/305662500_5463284443792690_8394580371691585645_n.jpg)
Photo Víctor Pérez Pelayo

This year saw substantially fewer scratches thanks to more usual temperatures (but don't be fooled into thinking it was not hot), and also a more experienced field. 

There were no bidons being lost early on in the route due to the terrain vibrations, and many more hydration vest solutions. More sun savvy clothing was also seen as well as some very light sleep systems (maybe a little too light in some cases). All of this, as well as the route changes, made it a very fast race to dot watch. Each finisher that had completed a previous edition sliced a big chunk off their original finish times as proof.

This year was the 3rd edition of Badlands, but the first as an independent organisation. That change has brought some new things to the table, the most notable was the route change. We saw unbelievable speeds and determination by the leading pack right from the start.

Seb Breuer’s first place finish, and the way he secured it, is a clear statement of his arrival on the ultracycling scene. Seb managed to dig deeper than we thought possible to keep Benjamin Koch off his wheel. Fast is an inadequate adjective to describe his and Ben’s performance, or any of the the top 10. If the route doesn’t change next year, 43h 40m is going to be a tough record to beat.

The women's field kept us on our toes as we saw shuffle after shuffle, new strategies from seasoned racers, and new racers showing how you come through in the latter half of a race.

Pair's winners David Rovira & Juan Antonio Flecha made us question the belief that a pair can not perform as well as a solo rider finishing in 55h 59m. They were definitely not the only pair showing us how seamless a duo can be, and how well seamed a duo can be also (shout out to all you fabulous matchy-matchy pairs!)

What better event to unveil a new gravel race bike than Badlands? BMC and Nils Correvon knew these desert trails were made to bring the newest ofering to life. Nils and his bike demonstrated just what you can do when the right rider is paried with an incredible machine.

Most of all, there were countless riders who came to enjoy the race no matter where in the pack they were. Taylor Phinney rejected the temptation to go back to racing mode, instead coming out the other side feeling purged and energised physically, emotionally and spiritually. Tom Hall had a simple goal to see a desert, and got way more beauty that he could have asked for. Liam Yates and Lawrence Carpenter are already missing Andalusia having just returned home, and David Molina showed how you can enjoy the route when not even seeing all of it in daylight.

Mechanicals were had, with the worst (or best?) being Raoul Eyamba-ajebo on day 1 that needed a detour to Malaga to fix. He never gave up though and finished in 104th place. A lesson to us all.

Cats were snuggled, cemeteries were slept in, and tarantulas were found. Badlands 2022 kept up the tradition to deliver the unknown, wow you with beauty and somehow make you forget the suffering instanously.

One area that has grown exponentially this year, is Badlands’ investment back into the local community and the health of the globe. The route passes through very delicate ecosystems that need to be preserved, and shows the extent of what humanity has done to feed itself with the ocean of plastic outside Almeria (you can read about a whale that was found with  17kg of greenhouse plastic in its stomach [here](https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/1186474/whale-found-andalusia-17kg-plastic-stomach)). To try and help things for the better,  Badlands has committed to being a carbon neutral event. 

But what does that look like?

Coming up in October is a thoughtful rewilding project. Together with the farm La Junquera, Badlands is organising a Reforestation Weekend Camp: a 2-day camp with space for a social ride, and an introduction to regenerative agriculture techniques and 2 sessions of reforestation. 
<https://youtu.be/xvfI-h8NMYs>

They have also been working with the local association ALVEAL who are supporting a self-sufficient region through ecological agriculture reducing erosion and improving biodiversity - something that is central to this year's mission.
<https://youtu.be/npV6EkZWUmc>

Reversing the impact of desertification is not only limited to nature. Many parts of rural Spain have experienced a drought of younger generations as they move to large urban centres, and the local community gradually dies out. [Tierra de Arcillas](https://www.instagram.com/tierradearcillas/?hl=en) is a small ceramic company that is moving in the opposite direction and helping shine a light on the value of the local environment. When asked why it was important for them to reconnect with the local land this is what they had to say:

> One of the main purposes of our project is to reconnect people with nature and raise awareness of the materials and their origin, as well as the protection of the environment. That is why we are committed to an environmentally conscious production, avoiding overexploitation of the territory and trying to use the natural resources discarded by other industries.
> Besides this, we are committed to the rural environment and decentralization, creating new interests and activities that enhance the tourism that respects the environment.

Now you can bring a piece of badlands home with you (literally) to enjoy your morning coffee.

The building and investing in the local community by Badlands goes beyond the list above. This race has a special place in the hearts of the locals, the proof being in their actions: bars and restaurants on route left out track pumps for the riders, free snacks at the bars and one even had the follow my challenge map on the television behind the bar! The Badlands racers are welcome here.

If you are interested in any of these initiatives, you can see more on [badlands.cc](https://badlands.cc/rewild/) or get in touch with David or Aza to get involved.

## Scratch Report

Today calls for a bit of hygiene on the dots that have not been marked as DNF but have definitely come off route. We will count the following as scratches for the sake of completeness.

- __Carlos Conesa__ - appears to have come down from Calar Alto from off route via the paved surface.
- __Stefan Burman Lundin__ - off track but looks like he has a good item exploring the area nonetheless.
- __Fabian Öhl__ - hasn’t moved since Gorafe a few days ago
- __Robert Krugel__ is now back in Granada but now via the route plus Pico Veleta. He went off route before the final checkpoint, and made a different way back.
- __Andreas Luginbuehl__
- __Juan Carlos Ojeda__

With the additional scratches today, Badlands 2022 closes with a total __#scratchcount of 35.__

5 days and 12 hours have passed since the adventure began for 200+ riders in Granada. A week that will feel much more than its arbitrary time record, packed to the brim with experiences, sights, friendships and magic that they could never have imagined.

__Ulrich Bartholmoes__’ recap post today says it very well:

*These are the moments that make our sport so special. The camaraderie. The friendships. The bonding. The shared suffering. The shared joy. THAT is the real reason I come back again and again.*

Congratulations to all those who made it to the startline and everyone behind the scenes who helped build this brilliant event. Badlands 2022 was another success that has definitely contributed to the future server overload when applications open for next year.

Until 2023 just remember - In Dust We Trust.

Header image [Víctor Pérez Pelayo](https://www.instagram.com/victorperezpl/?hl=en)

43 additional soloists have made it to the end of the Badlands 2022 and picked up their medal since publishing last night. 

![finishers badlands thursday 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4xUxYptuYEYRBDlxSDc2RO/8df6f241cbcfc2f2627904423e630bb6/Screenshot_2022-09-08_at_17.08.59.png)
![finishers badlands thursday 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3Ra2ZcpVuT7iP5e8i3eCKZ/0f8fcebf7b13b9fb9c86248089cfc27c/Screenshot_2022-09-08_at_17.09.09.png)
![finishers badlands thursday 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ZiqQCiH5zOGh4ZWvCc8Or/bcd06144711536c6c53f4f638ca737cb/Screenshot_2022-09-08_at_17.09.18.png)

Riders have been ravaging the only clothes store in Capiliera, sporting the now customery post-bandlands chic. Whilst figuring out attire, some have been sharing their initial reflections. __Ross Lovell__ enjoyed the race beyond words he can express at the moment - apart from a section where there were two wild boars that nearly took him out in the early hours. 

Ross appears to be quite attractive to species. Here he captured a photo of one that may have shared a bivvy with a few of the badlanders over the last few day:

![badlands spider](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5vo8pb8uEX7Gk2UcngY6DR/9a919cd3db014a0911f261896dc9bb8d/305973247_1211888139661522_3934954371461240559_n.webp)
Photo Ross Lovell

Virginia Canelieiri came in a little later than Ross in 53rd place. Having spent most of the ride in close proximity to her Orbea teammate Ibai Fradejas who captured just how much she put into this ride, stopping at nothing. 

![virginia cancellieri badlands 2022](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3TDdb0jsT5IfJaa5ilMJ4G/78b9e664cd415000da2ddb8649a47674/C64075EDA40654C62417144A32D5689A_video_dashinit.mp4)
Photo Ibai Fredejas

__Moritz Ulrich__ finished at 1.30pm CEST today, but has not stopped trying to up his cat count. Committed until the very very end.

The Pairs field saw a few more arrivals after nightfall also:

![pairs finishers thursday 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2Y6XSkm819eDjk5q89IL9M/8c3e7ae9fd0cb66da23319b8ce61eec8/Screenshot_2022-09-08_at_17.08.41.png)

__Congratulations to all the riders who have collected their finisher medal for an brilliant ride thorugh a truly unique landscape!__

It seems the riders were eager to finish as a steady flow of dusty bikers arrived into Capileira during the night, with very few riders in the closing kilometres choosing to stop and sleep. 

A possible reson for no sleep and high spirits was the glimpse of a bit of a party happening in Cadiar to fuel the last stretch. 

Four of the ring leaders were Dresscode duo __Sean Martin & Alvin Escajeda__, who recruited __Chris Hall__ and __Sam Maunder__ at dinner and created a mini caravan to make it to the end. During the festivities, there was a turn towards inception from Sean:

![dotwatcher dotwatching ](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5QdVhsmSklyGIywzzT5bE5/8892dcf6d04316d146fd559f2caf6919/C14B3F8C77D53975CA48262BA5F942BD_video_dashinit.mp4)
Video Sean Martin

For those that were doing Badlands for the 1st time, they may not have understood that there is a pretty sketchy ravine to cross in the last stretch, and night time makes it particularly iffy. __David Molina__ captured the view that many of these riders would have seen:

![ravine crossing badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/pgdAr2gty9s7I8deu5ZUa/04fa63ab1cf83f30abb4fe38a50755f7/305954095_156852513683291_2092780048768417261_n.jpg)
Photo David Molina

David had a great last day though despite the nighttime scrambling, ensuring a balanced nutrition strategy - 1 coffee per leg at each stop.

__Aday Palmero & Pitera Rey__ were enjoying the party in Cadiar so much that they decided to stay the night and took the longest rest of all the finished pairs. A welcome change of resting location as Aday had taken to the habit of having a siesta in cemeteries he passed when the day was at its hottest. 

__Jelmer Botje__ is now a proud finisher, but he should be even more proud of being able to eat this for breakfast without throwing up. Stomach of steel.

![jelmer breakfast](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4E9LZUZ7YhPUqQrDhTvAr1/a2b9a0e13e3c84131f69722c16f962d2/A441DFA60F872F31DE7CC7763356318D_video_dashinit.mp4)
photo Jelmer Botje

Some of the earlier finishers have now started their onward travel from the finish line and a few have decided they are recovered enough from the event that they will tackle the highest paved road in Europe and go over the Pico Veleta to reach Granada. Worth it for its moonlike scenery even if you go at party pace:

![pico veleta climb](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/69583xPFWDPKQBkk5cP6Xu/3a2acb7f55b12aa7bdafe5ceffa09321/5B492CC9FF81BA63543D5A024E4D5582_video_dashinit.mp4)
Video Nils Correvon

## Scratch Report

Three more trackers have been turned off on the last 24hours:

- __Anne Schulze__
- __Cornelius Wolf__
- __Jaime Agudo__

Congratulations to these riders for getting to where they did and a safe and speedy homeward journey.

On the last evening of Badlands 2022, we have a total __#scratchcount of 29__.

So much has been happening in such a short space of time to report on, we haven't been able to show the work the media teams have done to capture the spirit and landscapes of this unique race. Below are a few images from the team to help motivate you to sign up for this next year.

In 2021, primarily thanks to the scorching weather, only 79 solo riders and 18 pairs made it to the end of Badlands. Already surpassing the total finisher number with still 1 day to go, it tells you something about how hard last year was, and also (maybe) how the gravel scene is progressing. Tomorrow is the last day for the riders to reach Capileira and claim a finisher medal and General Classification. 

We will be back tomorrow to wrap up what has been another incredible race!

![badlands fashion](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2O7ahDxyx9J6ydIKR2nOTO/414fa2f752e19e2bca2055859dc5a077/BADLANDS-214.jpg)
Badlands Finisher Fashion by Juanan

![Texas hollywood badlands](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1KQ6fl25913jbkF8zAemQm/215578196d21f5a839fef371a508a105/Badlands_VictorPerezPl-104.jpg)
Badlands Tabernas Route by Víctor Pérez Pelayo

![desert landscapes badlands](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1lFxJwv2WirUI7SUxSiyV8/e6f8c0c83bdacffb86b0a221a0e9e7bc/YagoUrrutia-8.JPG)
Desert landscape by Yago Urrutia

![omar martinello badlands ](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/66iDNbybE1ySGAhtlU5TRJ/bd201cbbb0365ee90c28dcf9b696a35f/BADLANDS-286.jpg)
Omar Martinello by Juanan

Header image by Víctor Pérez Pelayo



From 7.44pm CEST last night until now, there has been a tsunami of Badlands finishers:

![finisher badldns 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6miYQ0jOiDt0IvGXFle8U/49af05012aad9b3cd198684845b444d4/Screenshot_2022-09-07_at_18.31.20.png)
![finisher badlands 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/57lYfaNSvxxjUa0iCKMiCZ/cccd5fb4cf09c03c90a80268cb10abc5/Screenshot_2022-09-07_at_18.31.43.png)
![finisher badlands 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1gFbfa217zAZ3Xy9A1vFpQ/deb5ca092a89dcf6f6a5d5dc5a91815e/Screenshot_2022-09-07_at_18.31.53.png)

Amongst these finishers are the podium finals for the Women’s race. 

__Cynthia Frazier__ has taken 2nd place coming in 5 hours after Lael. Cynthia allowed herself a very brief stop in Cadiar before setting off to reach the final destination at 8pm CEST, leaving __Sophie Jail__ and __Luisa Werner__ behind. The rapid stop allowed her to put a 1+ hour lead between her and the chasing duo on her way into Capileira arriving just in time for a late spanish dinner.

Around 8.30pm CEST Luisa and Sophie both left Cadiar heading toward the finish line. Luisa was slightly in front as of leaving, but managed to put a little extra distance between them on the last steep climb to Trevelez. Now more confidently in 3rd place, with only a couple of small gravel lumps left, she charged to the end arriving 43 minutes after Cynthia. Luisa has said she felt strong on the last stretch and some wise rest strategy surely helped her perform very well in an incredibly fast race.

Sophie was still fighting all the way to the end, and despite dropping slightly behind on the climb was never too far behind. Arriving 13 minutes after Luisa at the flapping finish line flags, she didn't let anyone else pass her either, claiming 24th GC finish as well as 4th placed woman. An impressive performance on no sleep for over 24hrs and a climb up GC of over 27 places since CP1!

__Marion Dziwnik__ decided to push on through the early morning hours to arrive at 3.41am CEST in 27th GC and 5th woman. Apparently Tabernas desert isn’t any nicer for her the second time around, and a few flaming peach issues were on the menu the last day. Despite this a great performance from Marion as always.

Many riders pushed through the night and have performed incredibly over the final sections to reach the end, often covering rough gravel in the dark on very tired legs. The list and times above are just a glimpse at the achievement they can now brag about.

In the Pairs field, where you get to compare sweat stains and dust crust on a more regular basis, there has also been a flooding into the finish:

![pairs finsihers badlands](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2W9sprLKOukhkZjQLuwKFv/bac5fc15ec62163f220b2e94c3e1c773/Screenshot_2022-09-07_at_18.35.35.png)

4.26am CEST saw the 2nd place pair, __Sebastian Dollinger & Andre Fischer__, arrive to collect their medal. A fast run into the finish with no stops through the night taking on the last gruelling climb in darkness. 

3rd place had a cheeky finale. Up until 1.30am CEST __Marco Heemskerk & Gert Schilder__ had a good lead as 3rd place pair but decided to stop for a luxurious 4 hour rest somewhere around the 730km mark. While catching a bit of shut eye, the determined duo __Gerard Trias & Mia Miret__ were pedalling on without a stop for sleep and sped past them in the night, and didn’t look back. With 90 minutes lead on Marco and Gert, the duo kept speeding their way to Capileira and took the 3rd place completing the Pairs podium.

__Lawrence Carpenter & Liam Yates__ pushed through the night and still had 3 hours in front of them at sunrise before the finish line became visible. The fatigue was building fast and coupled with the high heat meant that on arrival a quick food shop was done before Lawrence just fell asleep sitting up on the pavement. A very acceptable behaviour after the great effort they both did.

![lawrence carpenter finish line](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1u2hzZMxBGBMkG4foU8zxD/ea0ca77697b54b4ebf6d929fdc1a1bf0/299051076_580405533872406_4984625301528895716_n.mp4)
Video Liam Yates

__Congratulations to the incredible riders who made it to the finish line in the last 24 hours! Many *tostada con tomate* have your names on them.__

Further down the pairs field, it is close between the 11th and 12th positions. __Holy Seear & Steve Davidson__ have been sweating it out - very visibly - on the route

![holly sweat](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4AkaK6FSu7f3PilgQx8L39/082548f2dc768b0277512bac07d21039/544A760B6F84C9FC9F624CCC3FC99EB9_video_dashinit.mp4)
Photo Holly Seear

Being a bit of a data lover, Holly did a very scientific sweat test prior to leaving for Badlands to inform her electrolyte strategy. Not sure this succulent pizza was part of the scientific results:

![holly pizza](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1MD4HktlaDjFqJgkRYPUUe/0d9e635eb8901041aea45866a5cc84d5/305193540_756395622331789_5275148278237110910_n.jpg)
Photo Holly Seear

They are playing leapfrog with __Sean Martin & Alvin Escajeda__ (the sartorial ultra cyclists of the race). Always breaking convention, they have just used the beach showers instead of a shower in a hotel to clean themselves - and while still on their bike for maximum double cleaning efficiency.

![alvin shower almeria](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4USVyXTWanruGaG2doyg5N/b46d6216a8b261017d9f172fa70379cb/C54654B9F55C66E40BB09F6F3086D387_video_dashinit.mp4)
Video Sean Marting

Elsewhere in the deserts of Andalusia, __Taylor Phinney__ has been having a blast and moon bathing in the incredible landscapes. His plan was to get an early night last night and catch up on some of the sleep he missed out on earlier - the active hunters in the area almost made him not decide to stop, though. Sleep won over the hunters and he had a ‘monster sleep’ followed by some delicious descents. Just a measly 40km between him and the finish line.

__Chris Hall__ has been enjoying a little off phone time while traversing the route. Yesterday he gave an update on social media about the highs and the lows this year around. Riding with a sleep system for higher temperatures based on last year’s weather has left him out in the cold - literally. Only able to get a couple of hours sleep before waking up shivering, it has been a difficult few days. Alermia was calling and a good night in a hotel has given him the chance to sleep longer, shower and wash kit, and he is back on the road. Resilience is something Chris has in bags, and part of that is knowing when to make the right decision to stop for a while. 

Highs have been meeting new faces, and he is enjoying the route - maybe the most important metric of all. Coming into the last 70km it won’t be long before he gets to stop and focus on recharging his resilience match account, ready to burn through for the next incredible challenge he takes on.

__Moritz Ulrich__ is still adopting felines en route - this is more catlands than badlands for him.

__Jelmer Broekstra__ managed to do a detour off route for an extra 20km, but found the burger king which made everything ok again.

__Martijn van Strien__ has recharged from his early dip thanks to the night in the hotel in Alba. To celebrate a triumphant day he has done a double stop at burger king today. He did lose his sunglasses though - right up there as the worst piece of kit to lose in a race like this.

__Ibai Fradejas__ has been resupplying on nature’s finest - the fig. Plentiful, energy filled, no sugar crash - what’s not to love? The fibre. Yes, probably the fibre…

__Benny Rohlig__ had a stop over night in Almeria due to an eye infection, and the previous day's difficulting ingesting food. The Pharmacy was very helpful and gave him what was needed and a bar did the rest for the nutrition. He is back moving again.

__Roland Bartmuss & Christine Bartmuss__ are very comfortable in their lanterne rouge status and have not given it up today again. They have passed south of Calar Alto and are headed towards Tabernas this evening. ETA is 1d 11h - the are starting to cut it a bit fine to qualify for GC - we will see how the next few days go.

## Scratch Report
Today saw 3 more solo riders and 1 pair calling it a day for their Badlands 2022 effort:

- __Michael Gruenert__
- __Nerijus Skridaila__
- __Claudio Lima__
- __Bill Van Heijgen & Robert Van Halm__

Having made it to 500km+ mark the riders can be proud of what they have achieved in a very tough gravel race. We wish them a smooth return home and speedy return to another event.

We now have a total __#scratchcount of 26__ as of publishing.

The sun has not set and more riders are working their way to clasping a cold medal in their dusty hands. Tomorrow is the penultimate day of the race which will be full of more triumphant smiles as we count the badlanders arriving in Capileira.

Back tomorrow to see who else made it to the end.

Header photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en)

Celebrations have been continuing in Capileira as more riders have successfully completed the Badlands 2022 route.

![nils correvon finish badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4odrmY7LztMTDJ03i9PPlt/28c638ae1be9ee61dcbc7dd8bcc117b0/PeterOfTheSpoon-image00003.jpeg)
Photo Peter of the Spoon

As we were publishing this morning __Nils Correvon__ had just arrived after 47h 55m. Nils gave an incredible race since the start, and the finish line photos look like he left it all out there - but was still smiling. After winning Seven Serpents earlier this year and finishing 4th at the GranGuanche road Audax, he is having a good year.

__Justinas Leveika__ held on to Nils' wheel for as long as possible and finished in an incredible 48h 38m and taking 4th place. He had a goal to do better than last year and he certainly did by finishing one place higher and knocking 8 hours off his finishing time despite the longer course.

5th place goes to __Ulrich Batholmoes__ coming in at 49h 48m - another rider who achieved his goal which was simply to enjoy the race as much as possible. Even more impressive considering he has at least a bruised rib if not a broken rib - maybe it was the Calippos that were the secret.

__Gautier Bonncarrere__ didn't let go of his 6th place, and stopped the clock after 50h 29m. Another rider who is having a good year after placing 2nd pair at the inaugural Basajaun, as well as taking the win at the ultra running race GRP80, building on last year’s 3rd place finish at Two Volcano Sprint. 

![gautier bonnecarrere badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7vSszBmeZt3qWgoUs1YFrd/9f9621307d744db1815b38c227254100/BADLANDS-121.jpg)
Photo of Gautier Bonnecarrere by Juanan

Moving up the top 10 list, next rider to call their spot was __Nicola Girardi__ in 7th with a time of 52h 21m. 

8th place was taken by another Italian and enough cycling team member, __Frederico Bassis__ . He came to a halt in Capileira after 52h 26 - only a stone’s throw behind Nicola.

9th position was secured by __Juan Sancosmed__ who was a late joiner to the very pointy end but proved he has what it takes, finishing in 53h 58m.

Final top 10 goes to the man with the best moustache in ultracycling, as well as many wins, __Adrien Liechti__. 54h 57m was what is needed for him to be able to stop and get out of the high heat of the day.

The afternoon kept the finishers flowing in the following positions:

- 11th - __Mike Mono__ 55h 11m - 4th german to finish. The german contingent really has dominated this race!
- 12th - __Andy Turner__ 57h 07m - highest placed Brit
- 13th - __David Coma__ 57h 17m - he logged an impressive (almost) 16km/h average speed!
- 14th - __Jona Reichman__ 57h 37m - also claiming the fastest time on the final segment beating Seb by 1 minute
- 15th - __Lael Wilcox__ 57h 42m - also 1st woman back and the first person to have a good word to say about the beach hike a bike. Attitude is everything!
- 16th - __Danny Green__ 57h 57m - second Brit to make it back despite the very un-British temperatures.

While all the solo riders were arriving and checking off GC rankings, our speedy pair __David Rovira & Juan Antonio Flecha__ arrived 1 minute before 4pm CEST after a blisteringly fast 55h 59m. This time puts them arriving betwen 11th and 12th position of the solo rider GC. They clearly dominated the pair's field, with the closest pair behind them predicted to arrive 9 hours after them at 1am tomorrow morning. Incredible ride!

__Big congratulations to all the current finishers for a fast, entertaining and engaging race! Wishing them food-filled hours and the comfiest of beds to recover in!__

There is a stream of riders who are flowing ever closer to the finish line. __David Belfiore__ and __Barry Tinnelly__ should arrive within the next hour just in time for a pre-dinner beer.

But what about the women’s race that caused a ruckus during the night? Despite not sleeping last night, __Sophie Jail__ has been moving on very steadily. Keeping her second place as the riders climbed out of Almerìa and down into the valley. As they all turned left to travel upstream Sophie still held her lead by a small margin. 

__Cynthia Frazier__ and __Luisa Werner__ were right on her heels all the while, and it wasn't until 1.30pm CEST today that they finally caught Sophie. Places have shuffled between the three as they stick close and they now start the final gruelling 50km to the finish.

Both Cynthia’s and Luisa’s sleep strategies seem to have paid off with relatively fresh legs to keep the game on and has let them pull away from last year’s winner __Marion Dziwnik__. Although the total rest time difference is not significant between Luisa and Marion (Luisa is 1 hour more rested), and Cynthia has half the stopping time. There must be some other factor that we don't currently see…

__Cristiana Tamburini__ has slowly been making her way up the field both in GC and the women's race. She is now only 6km behind Marion and is about to start the valley traverse westwards. Cristiana has already completed the Italy Divide this year in 6d and 4h, demonstrating her abilities. A dot to watch as it moves through the last 110km towards the finish.

Meanwhile elsewhere in the desert, __Sean Martin__ took a wrong turn - and that turn was downhill. As if that wasn’t enough, the return uphill also gave him a nosebleed. Sean has been having a bit of day expressing a few choice words about the ‘rolling’ trail they covered today. Sean and his pair-mate have just finished the beach hike and made it to Almerìa where they will be able to resource themselves and hopefully feel more motivated for the last 200km.

Speaking of the beach hike, __Virginia Cancelieri__ went in for a close inspection:

![virginia cnacellieri badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1b2BIvgqdlP62no8LnUkfZ/52bd52c6a376c0c232516702f7c57436/305431081_1107687943208062_8464559971337254598_n.jpg)
Photo __Ibai Fradejas__

__David Molina__ has been keeping updates quite regular on his instagram and is doing a great job at being the unofficial tourist board. His only complaint is that he wasn’t able to see the landscapes much at night. Looks like he will need to return next year to do it again.

__Moritz Ulrich__ is back trying to smuggle cats home whilst also doing a gravel race:

![moritz cat wrangler](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3DF8PtxmQEsWInVhjbXVWG/4ce7335d870951bcbc7fc35cff86b081/C74862B403D02964D429BDB1B0AE209C_video_dashinit.mp4)
(video Maritz Ulrich)

A couple of our finishers have shared some nutrition strategies that work for them. Leal has a good spread of caloric intake with her favourite Ben & Jerry’s:

![lael wilcox food badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/cnNYes9CIeBXMfx5nddaS/46b9845cf1fc3bd2c08a9b9d50990e6d/304965439_404477178372123_2063517597071487028_n.jpg)
Photo Rue Kaladyte

And __Adrien Liechti__ stumbled upon the treasure of spain today- we haven’t see any finisher photos of him yet to see if he bought one and did actually strap it to his saddle pack:

![adrien liechti jamon](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3atIRlZS71g5PCuzYRpWwN/097e2b5ee082823ad841ac8d9a36887d/305098997_5003117703127933_2074214111901569630_n.jpg)
Photo Adrien Liechti

Nutrition is important, but so is a nap. __Omar Martinello__ found a nice spot for his air mattress in a kids playground today that had also been nabbed by pair Marco Heemskerk & Gert Schilder who are in 3rd place.

![omar nap badlands 2022](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2uUt9fCY0oLD0FezveNgNI/efae3cd705d7f572742fda5e7221e4d2/504C8342B81366B4E9F503F7F283EF8D_video_dashinit.mp4)
Video Omar Martinello

__Tom Hall__ (a founding member of the cycling collective [Neighbourhood Gravel](https://www.instagram.com/neighbourhoodgravel/?hl=en)) is the [instagram account](https://www.instagram.com/tomhalltomhall/?hl=en) to follow if you want to experince the landscape through the eyes of someone who is in awe of their beauty. 

Tom has consistently been posting video while riding that show just how beautiful the view is from the saddle, and tell us he is in his happy place. Not just a great video taker, Tom had a storming success on Dales Divide this year, and finsihed 29th in the Pan Celtic (long) race this year. Tom has less than 200km to keep shooting from the saddle before he reaches the finish.

## Scratch Report

Tuesday has been a good day, and we have no new scratches! Total badlands 2022 #scratchcount remains 21 as of publishing.

There are a few riders who seem to be off track, or have made some detours but not marked as DNF. We will ignore it until we get more information from the organisers.

Laterne Rouge is still with the pair __Roland Bartmuss & Christine Bartmuss__ with 504km to go until the finish. Their ETA is now 1d 22h - they are still in with some margin to reach the finish before closing on Friday night. 

What a day of finishers and challengers in the field! As predicted, the changes to the course have created an arena for racers to really show their speed as well as nicer temperatures keeping more people in the game. There will be more tonight as riders edge closer and we will likely wake up to a tired but happy organiser crew after distributing all the finisher medals.

Tomorrow we will move to one report per day to capture all the fun going’s on. Until then!

Header Photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en)

__Seb Breuer__ (cap# 117) is the first place finisher of Badlands 2022! In darkness, at 3.40amm CEST this morning Seb was finally able to stop moving after only taking 1h 57m break off the bike since Sunday morning.

![seb breuer badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7ivg37xuaxnuLiGq1hNCik/e8378e80ea9cd0cd4b8420fe49c93d1e/04.jpg)
Photo of Seb Breuer by Nils Laengner

__Benjamin Koch__ was not too far behind and equally as relentless in his determination to aim for the fastest finish he could possibly give. A justified second place after 45h 19m means he can now sleep, shower and eat his way through Capileira. Would Seb have been as fast were Benjamin not as unforgiving as he is? It is hard to say and the conversations between the two on the bar terrace today will be interesting.

![benjamin Koch badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/Iu3W8xnbtjgxm918kq5kA/9d00bc602608d655b8c7f6ef6980a995/BADLANDS-097.jpg)
Photo of Benjamin Koch by [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en)

Congratulations Seb for such a relentless effort to reach the finish line, and for the just reward of first place! And to Benjamin Koch for his second place finish and amazing sportsmanship along the route!

The chasing group is still in chase mode and approaching the finish line as I type. __Nils Correvon__ and __Justinas Leveika__ have been in close proximity to each other throughout the night aiming for the finish line before they chose to stop. Nils is ahead by around 8km which may be enough to secure him 3rd place finish barring any bad luck in the last 20km.

__Ulrich Bartholmoes__ is hanging on to 5th place with vigueur keeping moving through the night to stay close to the riders in front. He is the target of another chase by __Gauteier Bonnecarrere__ who has held on to the 6th place he climbed to during the last 24 hours. Both Uba and Gautier are on the penultimate climb cranking out current speeds of 14 and 12km/h - there is stil a lot left in the legs of these two incredible athletes. 

__Juan Sancosmed__ joined the top 10 at the last checkpoint in Cabo de Gata. He is yet another rider who has played his effort management right and moved up from 21st entering the Gorafe desert to 9th position now.

All other top 10 riders have now reached the last checkpoint but still have the gruelly final 50km left to tackle which will lead them to the picturesque white andalusian village of Capileira.

While there has been celebratory activity at the finish line, the night has also delivered us a shake up in the women’s camp. 

__Lael Wilcox__ has held her lead, now in 14th GC, and continued her pedalling without any major stopping. Replay shows a quick stop in Felix in the early hours of the morning which may have been resupply before the climb into the next valley. 

Around 10pm CEST, it looks like __Cynthia Frazier__ stopped as she reached Cabo de Gata for a few hours rest (it is hard to resist the lure of such a  beautiful area). While she was recharging, __Marion Dziwnik__ caught up but also appears to have stopped in the same area to rest. 

Cabo de Gata beach was the place to be last night, as __Luisa Werner__ also checked in for some rest. 

While the 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed women were nestled up on the wild beach, __Sophie Jail__ (who was in 5th place at that moment) had been confidently plugging away on the route. 4.30am CEST today was the decisive hour and she passed all three riders and moved into 2nd place!

Not long after, Luisa was the first to get moving, and then Marion and Cynthia started pedaling again and all are in close pursuit of Sophie. All four riders took a quick stop in Almeria a few minutes ago (we assume to get a morning coffee and probably pour out the sand from their shoes). 

Lael is quite secure as first place woman it seems, but whomever will come in after her will be an interesting tussle.

The dynamic duo __David Rovira & Juan Antonio Flecha__ are still speeding their way through the bottom of the route. They did allow themselves some rest time in Felix as they climbed away from Almeria.

Elsewhere in the pair’s race __Marco Heemskerk & Gert Schilder__ are in 3rd place and have been really enjoying the ride so far with even some topical video montage of their ride (sound of for full reference )

![gert schilder desert badlands 2022](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4qUKtuRNorWqeezEGMPMoy/5f257598bf5cb12cadd665460eeb278a/B942E57A0A103C403B32CECD1799B081_video_dashinit.mp4)
Video Gert Schilder

Their pale yellow jerseys are looking remarkably clean and fresh 2 days into the race, as are they. They are closing in on Almeria for the morning coffee as we publish.

__Lawrence Carpenter__ and __Liam Yates__ are redefining what is packable when it comes to food. Apparently, Lawrence has uncovered a way to transport a curry 230km along the bumpy badlands terrain:

![lawrence carpenter curry](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2ldvtfCEnomG4SN8ZpAhOa/fb5d15e95babc034c145bb8bfd0441ee/305058790_826309488371684_8345951574422374468_n.jpg)
Photo Lawrence Carpenter

A few updates on the first day have come through from pair __Cristina Sánchez & Laura Gallardo__. They decided to veer off route to find a place to sleep in Villanueva de las Torres on the first night but their hopes for sleep were crushed. Bivvying in an awning of a building in the town they tried to get 4 hours rest, but only managed to actually sleep for 1 hour thanks to the heat, and the music coming from the local bars. As with most things in an ultra, the bad times passed and they were enjoying the route again under the sun of yesterday. Now over Calar Alto they have a sweet descent to start the day.

Sleeping options do tend to be on the creative side when racing, __Christian Thill__ found a good hotel with a very rustic charm to it:

![christian till badlands ](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/k3SS0VIONwas49NtfHloH/7ef531087316819108322d1a78a606a9/305047760_607132434085359_37789666023562730_n.jpg)
Photo Christian Thill

Current Lanterne rouge is pair __Roland Bartmuss & Christine Bartmuss__ who are have just started their travel southwards in the Gorafe desert at 212km. Follow My Challenge gives an estimated arrival of 2d 2h from now. If they can keep this speed then they should be able to finish in time for GC.

With more riders approaching the finish line we will likely have a full top 10 before end of day, and potentially even out 1st woman and pair. Heat is still on the menu for everyone, no matter where they are in the pack.

Back tonight to see how the finisher line is looking and what other changes have happened.

Header photo [Nils Laengner](https://www.instagram.com/nils_laengner/?hl=en)

Stopping is clearly not an option that any of the front pack are entertaining. __Seb Breuer__ has held his lead throughout the day, be it through gritted teeth. Word on the trail is that the long hike-a-beach section coming into Almerìa was nearly a deal breaker. If you are wondering how bad it can be, just ask a veteran from last year and they can probably still show you some of the sand in their shoes.

Even though he huffed his bike over the sand, he is still in the lead by about 20km and maintaining a decent average speed of 19km/h and only stopped 38 minutes since publishing. This is an incredible effort for his first ultra, 36 hours with no sleep and having travelled 665km. But he is not home free yet - to get to the finish line he has to clear 120km, 3350m of climbing, and 2600m of descending, with an almost 50:50 split of on or off road, but all climbs off road (of course). 

In addition to the gruelling terrain, climate and accumulated fatigue, he has __Benjamin Koch__ firing on all cylinders to try and close the gap and pounce at any moment of weakness. According to Follow My Challenge, Benjamin has not stopped since we published this morning, keeping his stopping time at 1h 4m. Although in second place on the route, he was the fastest through the last section  and 32minutes faster than Seb. It could be that he is slowly gaining ground.

*(A rider in a previous event reported back to me that the stop time was not correct as he had actually stopped for a power nap but it hadn't shown up on FMC, so we should interpret the stopping time with a margin of error)*

One of the other outcomes of Benjamin’s relentless chasing is that he has put a large gap between him and the next group. 30km back in Benjamin’s tracks is __Justinas Leveika__ who is in 3rd place by a narrow margin ahead of __Nils Correvon__. Both have been pushing hard with very limited but strategic stops today, and are travelling incredibly fast compared to last year. 

__Ulrich Bartholmoes__ is in 5th place and keeping up with the gang despite the ribs issue and a pedal issue that happened during the tumble yesterday. Many Calippos have been consumed and he is trekking on regardless.

With Seb creating such a relentless pace it is sometimes hard to understand just how much all the top group are putting into the race. This image captured by the Badlands media crew truly paints a thousand words:

![badlands uba ans justinas](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3GHqgnc8ltpHbX6o5Y69H9/e9753a608cff6123c22c89aa072a6df6/304884913_1052990432072914_7710401103932116733_n.webp)
Photo Badlands media

Only 36 hours into the race, we are seeing the controlled pacing strategies of some of the other racers pay off. As mentioned this morning __Adrien Liechti__ has worked his way from 14th at CP1 to hovering around 8th and 9th position since then. 

__Gautier Bonnecarrere__ is another rider now popping up in the top 10. After arriving in 12th at CP1 he has moved his way up to 8th by Cabo de Gata and is now in 6th place on route. 

__David Coma__ has been experiencing the opposite, having placed high at 6th  for CP1, he has slipped down to 10th at Cabo de Gata and hanging onto that position as we publish.

__Lael Wilcox__ is the rider who has been coming through the most since yesterday though. Now sitting in 13th place she has climbed 18 places since starting the Gorafe loop in the afternoon on Sunday. Uncharacteristically she hasn't stopped to sleep, and very characteristically has been extremely efficient in her resupply missions. 

I am never one to shy away from a spot of speculation so here is a theory: maybe because this is a shorter race than she would normally do, she is pushing her time on bike over sleeping? Additionally, the terrain is similar to her Arizona home in the US, which may make this feel more accessible. Whatever the reason - she is powering her way up the GC rankings and is 30km ahead of __Cynthia Frazier__ who is second placed woman.

Cynthia is putting on quite the show also, and is riding vey consistently holding her 16th place in GC. Socials have been vacant since the start, so we can interpret that as she means business (if her performance wasn't already enough of a hint). 

How will these two decide to ride going into the second night? Will they stick to their planned sleep strategies, or will it become a reactive game of cat and mouse as they look to see what the other does? 30km is a lot, but also not a lot if one chooses to stop and the other doesn’t. An exciting one to watch before we turn off our screens tonight.

__Marion Dziwnik__ is still holding on to her 3rd place in the women’s field. She is 50km away from Cabo de Gata where Cynthia has just checked in, but the riding to get here is not as tortuous as what she has covered. Marion has stopped for 3h42m since start, suggesting she is getting some sleep in when possible. __Luisa Wener__ is only 10km behind, and has stopped for 6hours which may give her an advantage coming into night 2. Another pair of dots to keep tabs on as the women's podium is far from certain on the eve of the 3rd day.

Elsewhere in the women’s field __Virginia Cancellieri__ (an Orbea factory rider) has been taking a bit of a beating from the rough terrain on her hands:

![virginia cancelierri hands](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3Jv4gOYQl6zQJQEwLnb2DW/7b493bf9c64d4144f40922b1bd55c142/B14ECEBD34DD086C6A530D14B4CFF487_video_dashinit.mp4)
Photo Virginia Cancellieri

Virgina is sitting in 36th place in GC, traversing the Tabernas desert as we write. Averaging 25km/h she is pushing hard through the race. Keeping her company is __Sophie Jail__. They have been keeping a similar pace and stopping time, and have only one more climb before they will be able to see the sea.

__Jelmer Broekstra__ is a rider from the Netherlands. He has picked a race that has definitely put him out of his comfort zone compared to a ride around the low country. Yesterday he bonked. Hard. But he made it to Gor, and was still 1% stoked. It can only get better, I suppose? He hasn’t given up and is in 99th place about to reach Calar Alto.

![jelmer badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5KjFuh7sJvcoe27z3tL1YN/884b48b9ef2704d883a9dc82a6fd7f42/304851385_819181379076823_485734198876828671_n.jpg)
Photo Jelmer Broekstra 

__Benny Rohlig__ has been having a rough day also. The only thing left for him was to communicate via an emoji sticker on his bike. But he is still rolling too and a little in front of Jelmer. Maybe if they meet they will cancel each other out and things will be good again…

![benny rohlig badands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4iDixwObjmJTay7kjVfARF/91f1d58ebd9274fb34609d1467bad242/304920818_601371641545181_2069611660504741387_n.webp)
Photo Benny Röhlig

The last person having a tough time is Badlands veteran __Martijn van Strien__. Yesterday's social updates were not his usual chirpy self, and had been replaced by a lot of exasperated exhales. This afternoon he got a lift to Abla to find a room in a hotel for the night to hopefully sort things out. Fingers crossed a good night's sleep and a shower will help him find some renewed motivation and rejoin the route tomorrow.

In the pairs field, the fast duo we reported on this morning, __David Rovira & Juan Antonio Flecha__, are flying along and are still in first place by a big gap of over 100km! Their speed has put them up the front with the top 10 group. The fastest pairs' finish last year took 78hours. If these two can keep up with the leading group then they should come in significantly faster than last year's duos.

Messieurs Most Stylish __Sean Martin__ and __Alvin Escajeda__ have been putting in big days, riding for 18 hours yesterday. They seem to be working well as a pair helping pull each other along the hard bits, and be there for each other in the good bits. Good news is that Alvin doesn't have any numbness in his hands from the terrain and can still carry 2 beers in one fist - essential to being a good teammate.

![Alvin beers badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2GsOcTumY8T1L6kRmwkFKe/57145984ed2a7be964050927d387bc4d/304879252_1051714875511660_8787955215956547229_n.jpg)
Photo Alvin Escajeda

Alvin’s talents do not stop at being an awesome team mate, and holding multiple beers. Last night he invented a new kind of self cleaning system for bikepackers:

- Step 1 - get as dusty and sweaty as possible (very easy done at badlands)
- Step 2 - stop for a sleep in the desert
- Step 3- sleep in emergency bivvy. Very important to choose a bivvy that does not breath
- Step 4 - sweat during sleep, and move around
- Step 5 - wake up with all the moisture around you in the bivvy, but having wiped the dust off
- Step 6 - stay away from civilization still, because you are not actually clean…

Other riders have been using more classic washing systems to get rid of the salt and dust  and keep cool. The fountain at Gor is a highlight on the route and not just for its well preserved history as an old public wash area. 

![bath gor badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5hkzlRukQe2yADLlm0Cdjb/67c81aca956c0adb0334e43b23c870ae/304827396_1198980010834677_3430282226663560791_n.jpg)
Photo Holly Seear

Riders this year have again been doing their own laundry in it, while still clothed. During their  bathing in the fountain we hope they took a moment to read some of the poems on the ceramic tiles around the fountain in tribute to the wonderful women of the Gor community who used this fountain to do their daily washing regularly. 

## Scratch Report

__Jaime Rodriguez__, although not officially marked as DNF on the tracking map, has been off course since late last night and is making his way towards Roquetas de Mar (it seems). We will go out on a limb and call him a scratch.

Today saw a quite a few turn off their trackers on the badlands challenge:

- Jason Brown
- Stuart Hughes
- Manuel Fonseca
- Jose Carlos Pardo
- Alejandro Rodriguez
- Gori Vara
- Pepe Navarro
- Antonio Llorente
- Antonio Dias
- Marco Martins
- Elias Reissner
- Josep Budalles
- Karl Weinhold
- Lars B Jeppesen
- Wannes Nyckes
- Julen Rozas

Info is light on the reasons why, but we hope to see all the riders again on our maps in the future. 

The 17 new scratches today give us a __#scratchcount of 21__ after 36 hours of racing. 

What is your sleep strategy tonight? Will you stay awake and follow the dots on their final kilometres to the finish? Or keep the suspense alive and wait until tomorrow morning to see who came in first? Whatever you choose, there is a very strong probability that we will have at least one finisher before the morning brew is made.

Back tomorrow to see what happened.

Header photo [Víctor Pérez Pelayo](https://www.instagram.com/victorperezpl/?hl=en)


__Seb Breuer__ is making us all feel like underachievers. At publishing last night he was about 50km away from the highest point of the race, Calar Alto. This morning he is nearly at the coast having gone over the high point and made it through the Tabernas desert, including doing the sketchy hike-a-bike bit in the dark. Another year the pointy end decided not to listen to the organisers caution.

It looks like he has not stopped all night for any length of time, with an average speed still over 20 km/h. Remarkably only stopping for 1h14m in total. Undoubtedly the combination of his bike handling skills and recovered legs from TCR have not only put him in the lead, but also put a gap of 30km-ish in front of the nearest follower, __Benjamin Koch__. 

Benjamin is moving just a little slower, and has only stopped for 1h04m since start. This is clearly his happy place. In an interview on his team rider profile this is what he had to say: 

> Mountains or time trials?
> 
> The mountains! I enjoy torturing myself and I also enjoy the atmosphere, as long as you are in the high mountains. *(translated from german)*

Maybe he will now add desert mountains to that list?

Just behind Benjamin are three well known riders. First up, __Nils Correvon__. Nils kept contact with Seb until reaching Gor last night. Nils was very dehydrated and the arrival into Gor would have been a joyous event. Nonetheless, he was the first to get going out of Gor to chase Seb but never really caught him. 

__Ulrich Bartholomoes__ is also in the chasing group. He took a tumble yesterday on route and is having trouble taking deep breaths (broken rib, perhaps?). Despite this he found time for a customary Calippo and was able to leapfrog ahead through Tabernas desert during the night into second place. He kept the second place until around 5.30m CEST when he was caught by the others. This part of the route is familiar to Ulrich, and they are about to reach some ‘easier’ riding which may suit him well if he can expand his lungs enough to get oxygen to his muscles. 

__Justinas Leveika__ is the 3rd member of the chasing trio. Images captured at Gor last night show just how much sweat the riders are giving to stay at the point end:

![justinas leveika](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2cz5eUZtTKs5tOo8bWEtU1/5aa4cd92125d82af07e29274e40ee8be/305029821_756802128917824_7401823284413233230_n.jpg)
photo [Peter of the Spoon](https://www.instagram.com/peterofthespoon/?hl=en)

The flow chart shows the top 10 starting to spread out following the big power outputs yesterday. Seb is clearly pulling away, and a few others are starting to see the benefits of their measured pacing - such as __Adrien Liechti__ who is slowly chipping away at the tracks of the others

![flow chart badlnds 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/GBbl1rSm1Yz1LdAxkVBJk/3ce2cdc50b1d47fddeb9bf0e174b285c/Screenshot_2022-09-05_at_09.30.03.png)

The women’s field has seen a little shuffle up front during the night. As the moon rose yesterday, __Cynthia Frazier__ was in the lead coming out of the Gorafe loop, with quite a distance on __Lael Wilcox__ who was in 2nd place. As the night progressed, Cynthia continued onto Gor to resupply where she stopped for a while before setting off again a little after midnight, still in 1st place. 

However, her lead was now shrinking. Lael had been picking up pace coming out of Gorafe and closed the gap substantially, reaching Gor not long after Cynthia had left. A very quick resupply and Lael was in chase mode again. The hunt kept going through the early hours of the morning as they climbed their way through the Sierra Naturel de Baza, until 4.30am CEST when Cynthia stopped at 1900m to rest for 1 hour. 

During this hour Lael passed by. It looks like Lael hasn’t stopped during the night for any good amount of time, although her tracker was pinging strangely around Calar Alto, so hard to say. She kept the lead despite Cynthia’s return to waking and speedy following, and we now find Lael marginally in front as they both take a resupply stop in Gergal and are on their way into Tabernas with the rising sun.

__Marion Dwiznik__ has been plugging away on the route and travelled up to the third place just in front of __Luisa Werner__ who is in 4th place women. Luisa has stopped double the time than Marion, who has been moving (apart from 2 hours) since the start. How this rest will impact day 2 rankings we will see.

In the pairs field, __David Rovira__ and __Juan Antonio Flecha__ (Caps 211) have a substantial lead on the rest of the pairs field, even tracking with the top 20 overall. They appear to have kept moving through the night only stopping at major towns briefly to resupply. The last stop was in Gergal at 7.30am CEST. There have been few updates on the socials except footage we have found on David using up his 226ers welcome pack. That must be the key to their performance. 

A pair to watch today as they continue through the Tabernas desert on no sleep on the path to Calar Alto.

First night bivvy choices are rarely choices. It is much more a resignation of 'that'll do' - a phrase which will be applied to any vaguely flat surface big enough to lie down on that appears at the right time.

For some, a good hard surface to sort out their backs after the jostling of the terrain is just the ticket, which is what pair Holly Seear and Steve Davidson chose last night:

![pavement sleep holly seear badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1QJFTvvpfmVjD0kHAaixjI/c87b1fac8d0f544a4d3ba2ca5391c44b/304815622_261448289559088_5074159419659002232_n.jpg)
Photo Holly Seear

Even the media crews are embracing the feral nature and sleeping where they are at:

![media sleep out badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7e3MQca1i6TqsCGSuMlmGs/99e103d14d112fc089d52ddb2a603885/304256343_179050281279664_3191079321819625618_n.jpg)
Photo Jack Hague - documenting Chris Hall’s ride

Jack did note that it was a bit chilly in the desert last night - it's not always sweat, but maybe always tears for the riders...

Before sleep, riders will want to freshen up a bit and get rid of the iconic Badlands tan, captured by __Sandra Schuberth__

![in dust we trust](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/32mb3q1tKUro8BJeRZoUan/82f41388bb5da2ec22bfdda4a51322da/305359329_831400284690259_4344048058857202205_n.webp)
Photo Sandra Schubert

All riders have moved into the gorafe desert loop, and are making good time. Those not at the pointy end will have savoured an incredible sunrise this morning in the badlands of Gorafe. One could argue that its actually the rest of the pack that is winning in this scenario…

There were many ice cream photos yesterday that will continue to be a staple as the riders head towards Tabernas and Cabo de Gata. At 9.30am CEST the temps are already 25c on the coast. The mediterranean sea will be looking like a very real alternative to the long sandy beach hike of Almeria for the pointy end, and the endless desert will seem cruel to those further down the pack.

Today looks to be an exciting one as the women's race keeps things lively, and the pointy end pushes through the final third (yes - they have already done 500km of the race!). Mattia finished in 45 hours last year and Lachlan in 42 the first year. It is not wildly unimaginable that by tonight we will have a leading group nearing the Sierra Nevada.

Until then, it is a fine Monday to watch some dots!

Header Photo V[íctor Pérez Pelayo](https://www.instagram.com/victorperezpl/?hl=en)

The opening day of badlands 2022 has been enough to rename the event to fastlands. A group out front had been ripping along the first segment and reached Gorafe desert before Spanish lunch time! The first to the (imaginary) gate was __Justinas Leveika__ after only 5h 49m, followed very closely by __Nils Correvon__ and __Ulrich Barthlomoes__ 1 and 3 minutes later, respectively.

__Miguel Ángel García__ and __Seb Brueur__ were close on their heels and the last two to reach the end of the first section under 6 hours! The top 10 have been traveling as a pack until approximiately 8.5hours in where the flow chart shows Seb and Nils start to pull away from the rest of the gorup - ever so slightly. This kept going through the rest of hte day, and we see Seb and Nils in the first 2 spots as we publish.

Average speeds for the top 10 are all above 19km/h after 13 hours of racing. They are gunning it! To give a little perspective (but not a direct comparison due to slight route changes) Mattia di Marchi completed the first section last year in 7h 5m, which was staggeringly fast then. All current top 10 riders have come in faster than 7hours, and even up to the 25th position sneaking under 7h 5m to reach the end of this first section! 

The top few have been in very close proximity, so close they could be the victim of a sealant spray if it was to happen (although not drafting). Footage from the organiser at Fin del Mundo (the end of the world - of course a place with that name would be on the badlands route) gives you an idea of the gradients and also the speed and power of the leaders as they entered Gorafe:

![start badlands 2022](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7st3TnX51Mo3QLlbhBPmyA/3731a3498839222642bf58ab137513f9/48889751-5b10-4705-b1ed-aa69eafea03d.mp4)
(video David Rodriguez)

Stopping has been sparse, but not completely rejected. The remote nature of the Gorafe section, and the 170km after Gor, mean strategic stops need to be made. Stopped time as tracked on Follow My Challenge range between 20 - 40 minutes for the top bunch, which is something not normally seen this early in the race. Two riders are bucking this trend: __Benjamin Koch__ and __Frederico Bassis__ have only stopped for 4 minutes. It is keeping them firmly in place with the top group as we head into the night.

__Chris Hall__ (cap #107 which is a special number to Chris and a nice gift from the organisers) is back again this year. Having survived the brutal first few days last year he is in a good place to compare. The new start section is much more enjoyable compared to last year (kudos to the organisers) and with the slightly nicer temps Chris made it to Gorafe village mid-afternoon, faster than last year when he reached there as night was coming in. When we say it is not as hot as last year, he did clarify that it is still hot if you are English. 

The women’s field is not giving us any guarantees as we reach the end of day one. Currently 1st place is __Cynthia Frazier__ who is 250km into the route and has only stopped for 20 minutes today. Cynthia is over from the US where she has been setting a name for herself on the big gravel scene. This is her first multi day event (we think) and the furthest she has raced away from home. Clear she is here to do her best and it is keeping the women's ranking very open.

__Lael Wilcox__ is in second place and about to finish the Gorafe loop. Having only stopped for 17minutes she is trending slightly slower than Cynthia. Lael does normally sleep, with her minimum amount being 4hours in the past, which allows her to perform very strongly until the end. How this will match up against Cynthia’s sleep strategy we will see.

__Luisa Werner__ is currently in third place, not too far behind Lael and __Marion Dziwnik__ in 4th. Marion has the advantage of knowing the route from last year as darkness falls and the terrain keeps getting rough. It will be interesting to see how the women react on the first night, with the top women aiming for a finish sub-3 days, sleeping could be decisive.

These numbers don't tell the full story. Although not as hot as last year, it has still been another scorcher of a start. Highest recorded temp so far is 47.3c by __David Molina__. To put that in practical terms it is 'bun toasting temps’ as experienced by Lael Wilcox who got back on her saddle after a quick resupply and said it was rather toasty down below.

Gorafe village has been invaded by sweaty lycra clad hoards, and the bar tables are strewn with empty coke cans and water bottles. One of the main aims of this event is to also help breath more life back into the villages, and the organisers have built up strong relationships with the locals. So much so that the bars have put on a free snack buffet for the riders:

![snack buffet badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/J0GZW58gSeCuls6whUyCP/1b7a41a1b13b6d9d74a4daeaf8961ea7/304887616_753170002455830_3019939067152023141_n.webp)
(photo __Aday Palmero__)

The local bars also got the memo that carbs are a cyclist’s best friends. And if you can make it beige, even better. I offer you Exhibit A taken today at Gorafe, featuring many hungary cyclists:

![lunch gorafe badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4szEZCBENsS4iuE4rJiTS7/4b3696f8e0d2577ce0197cd5e94d5a2e/304434967_480317594002047_5334705555398465955_n.webp)
(photo Saleta Castro Nogueira)

__Lawrence Carpenter__ (another ex-pro) has teamed up with __Liam Yates__ (again another +1 for the ex-pro contingent) for a crack at Badlands. Being the change makers they are, they have gone for contrasting kits instead of matching, and Lawrence has the all black version. Who will be cooler over the course of the race, and which will look cleaner come the end? 

![lawrence and liam badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5hJnuX00bs8LkB8g3Yp6w4/7de9f4b55ee2277b9939814c4b774d51/305001137_576951967512434_3035643532543356683_n.jpg)
Photo Lawrence Carpenter

While the rockets up front charge through the day, __Moritz Ulrich__ has been collecting cat snuggles since before the race, and continuing seeking out local felines as he pedals along. Stopping for a little fluff time hasn't slowed him down too much as we find him about to start the journey south on the Gorafe loop.

There are 2 groups that are currently off track in the northern action of the Gorafe desert. One group has found the Hotel Restaurante Valle del Turrilla and are probably tucking into some grub, while another group is in Pozo Alcòn, but more spread out. __Alvaro Reca__ seems to have found a bar to help him resupply for the journey heading south.

Would it be an ultra without some crazy mechanical story to kick things off? Enter stage left __Raoul Eyamba-Ajebo__ who’s rear derailleur cable decided to stop working. Not good on a Sunday when everything is closed. Undeterred he hot footed it to Decathlon in Malaga and the mechanical gods were on his side - all fixed and ready to roll again he is making his way back to the route to keep going. Maybe his strategy is to get it all out the way at the beginning? Whatever it is, happy to see him continuing on.

## Scratch Report
It looks like we do have a few people at have turned off their trackers: __Matthew Sowter__ and __Lorenz Gohike__ have retired from the solo race, and pair __Kurt Edmonds__ and __Lucie Hogger__  are also out of the race. We don't have any details on what happened but will report back if we get some intel.

By end of day one we have a __#scratchcount of 4.__

Before the riders set off this morning, a minute's silence was held in memory of Sule Kangangi. His presence is missed.

Opening first day has been fast, right across the field. With most people still in the game we are going to have a flurry of dots to catch-up on in the morning. 

As we curl up to get ready for our Monday morning and this is published, Seb Breuer has pulled ahead slightly and is about 50km from Calar Alto and a very nice descent into the Tabernas Desert. Sleep or no sleep will now be the question on the riders’ minds as it gets a little cooler, and the day's effort starts to be felt. They have until 7.44am CEST to decide if they want some rest before the big ball in the sky starts warming things up again.

See you tomorrow with a Monday morning brew to check out where our dots are pinging in the beautiful Andalusian countryside.

Header photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en)

It's 8am and the sun is just sharing its first warming rays. Crowded in front of the Palacio de Congreso steps, a few flashing red lights set the scene of low level nerves, while friendly words of encouragement are exchanged as riders crowd behind the flapping flags of the startline to a new challenge.

194 riders (154 solo, 20 pairs) and bikes rolled out this morning without issue, being guided through the streets of Granada until they were released into the hills of the Sierra de Huetor and the first few dust clouds were made. 

Preparations appear to have been smooth for the riders, with little noise of last minute panics, and instead yesterday was filled with many relaxed coffee rides and a good amount of vegetables being cooked as a last meal.

Only one rider (__Benny Röhlig__) has decided to make a last minute change to his set-up, going minimal for a new sleep system. It is not clear if he elected to forgo his last night in a comfy bed and to test it out in his hotel room last night though…

![benny rohlig slepe system](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7Dq8dafJJ1ZlXXThVUz81r/2ce0f9535635c0b6e987cc2f1accf020/303834257_135309022555792_5930642315864713774_n.webp)
Photo Benny Röhlig

With little to report, let’s take a closer look at some of the riders behind the dots now working their way towards Gorafe.

__Justinas Leveika__ (cap# 181) is back and he is hungry. Finishing in 5th place in 2021, at only his 3rd ever ultra race and first year racing, he excelled and captivated us all from the start. This year he has been throwing down again, coming in 3rd at the GranGuanche road, and a triumphant 1st at Three Peaks Bike race. The preparation rides have definitely helped him hone his kit - he may have the most minimalist set-up of all riders this year. 

![justinas leveika bike badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4EpDz59jfSGUIkOoG25W7N/32cc7de3b45ab8815dc0726b9ad14645/302155517_607460737436797_8582132935786034142_n.webp)
Photo Justinas Leveika 

__Seb Breuer__ is back to finish the unfinished business of a scratch last year. Another ex-pro whose resistance to badlands is futile, Seb is both European and German MTB Champion 2021 and he certainly has the bike handling skills to rival many on this terrain. Back home for a few weeks after a scratch from TCR, his legs should be rested, and no question he is here to race having fitted a good number of teeth up front. He also chose an all black outfit for the desert. Does he know something we don’t?

![seb breuer bike badlands 202](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ZlU7cOzkYgl1JSqFIeHpr/9032b6818db32de2559c16ad1f18e134/302459272_136518759085888_8669862747960797370_n.jpg)
Photo Seb Breuer

Cinelli have brought all the big guns to the show. __Taylor Phinney__ as we know is there with a very fun looking bike. The instigator behind all of this at Cinelli is __Davide Belfiore__. Davide had a rough Badlands 2021 scratching after 270km due to a broken sternum and torn rotator cuff. Ouch. Davide’s experience started with some early years as a pro and later winning 70.3 triathlons. It's not all about competition though - when asked what draws him to endurance this was his reply: *‘...this way of being produces visions for me, and ideas for life. It’s a kind of spiritual pursuit.’* 

__Sophie Jail__ had a great race and outcome at Race Around Rwanda this year taking first placed female, and was down in Andalusia earlier this year to recce the route. As a Cinelli sponsored rider she also competed a Mont Ventoux climb and descent on a fixed gear earlier this year. This is a rider who knows how to spin her legs. 

__Luisa Werner__ is another Cinelli rider who is bringing experience and determination to the race. First placed woman and 7th in GC at the Three Peaks Bike Race this year, she also was a national level rower and semi-professional cyclist. A well powered dot to watch work its way around the course.

Moving on from Cinelli, all round adventurer __Omar Martinello__ is bringing his blond locks to this race. Relatively new to ultra racing, he finished the inaugural Seven Serpents earlier this year. Since then he has been enjoying life to the fullest making his way through the summer white water rafting, paragliding, mountaineering and just generally being outdoors and having fun. His mountain experience has informed a kit choice that includes a sleeping bag for chillier nights, knowing the desert is not a warm location once the stars come out. 

Bruno Ferraro is the organiser of Seven Serpents and a veteran of many ultras including Badlands 2021, but not on the startline this year. Nevertheless, it seems he has been on a big recruitment drive as many Seven Serpents finishers are here too:

The winner of Seven Serpents, __Nils Coroven__ is now making his way around the route, and with over 10 years of downhill mountain biking experience he is well positioned.

__Filippo Nicoli__ finished in 22nd place at Seven Serpents and is a bit of a social media recluse - often a sign of a good dot to watch.

__Sandra Schuburth__ claimed 1st women and 9th finish in GC at seven serpents. A big presence in the German gravel scene, she is coming in after taking part in the Komoot Taunus rally, and representing the group ‘[The Women All Ride](https://thewomenallride.cc/en/)’. Pragmatic in her approach and someone who takes things in her stride, expect to see her dot moving steadily and quickly along the route.

Being part of a pair is a different way to experience a race. One of the bonuses is you get the chance to show off your matching kit. Coming in with a very strong play is pair __Sean Martin__ and __Alvin Escajeda__ who not only have a matching on-bike kit, but a matching travel ‘suit’. Next level commitment many of us can only aspire to:

![travel suit badlands sean martin](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/fbuvDMLNpdWbVDsMro6AG/214c4304a15c9784d6f8c2d11b21cff6/302643875_484974463092187_2187329055832470851_n.jpg)
photo Sean Martin

The last rider profile for this morning *(because there are so many more incredible riders to cover this week)* is __Adrien Liechti__. Until this year, Adrien used to spend his hours riding his bike as a courier in Geneva, when not racing ultras. Having now taken the plunge to race full time we are seeing his skill and performance in even more places. This year he finished Tour Divide in 15d 13h 15m, on a borrowed bike that was hastily built thanks to an airline losing his own bike in transit. 

He then went on to win and set a new course record for the French Divide in August, on yet another borrowed bike. It seems he has actually brought his own bike for the one though. Adrien has a ultra racing cv (both as a solo rider and as a pair) that many would be jealous of, now as a full time racer we are in for a treat - keep an eye on dot #129.

The weather is playing nice this year with highs this afternoon of 32c to ease the riders into their race. Who will stick to their pacing? Who wants to set the tone for the race to come? And where did all the racers manage to stuff the huge amount of goodies from event sponsors 226 Nutrition?

![226 nutrition](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3YLz6uGaKUry3bpZNz5al4/696b934967f4cd50cf7ef1466b7e096c/305124802_199476632501737_9179643270328262543_n.jpg)
Photo David Molina Grande

Back tonight with a look over day 1 as the dust just starts to swirl. 

*Header photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en)*

In its third year but first as a standalone event, Badlands has established itself as the premier gravel bikepacking race. Combining a magic of otherworldly landscapes, technical and demanding terrain, and weather that will make you rethink the quantity of liquid you can consume in one day. It is beyond unique and most definitely unforgettable.

Each year has seen the route change slightly, and this year the riders are in for a treat with a few new editions - and some *not so treats* that are back from previous years.

Let’s take a look at what the badlanders are taking on in a few days time:

![Badlands 2022 route profile](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1t9y2mrXqQEzIsaxUxPKFL/788e75931a01a59ed5a23341dfc7d5c9/Screenshot_2022-09-01_at_18.06.04.png)

This year’s route is a little longer at 781km, but with fewer technical paths. Sitting very firmly in the gravel category, Badlands 2022 has a split of 55% unpaved to 45% paved. On first look, a near straight split may make you question the need for big gravel tyres, but those 55% unpaved are not easy-won kilometres and the time spent on unpaved will not be only 55% of the riders final time. Riders in previous years have even done this on a mountain bike, and said they would choose the same bike if they were to do it again. The MTB vs. Gravel debate is still alive and well :)

## Start: Granada and Sierra de Huétor
![badlands start 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/lA7hYRu5FJZVNDXvNQ0L7/a5ac62701b36cb22f454c77c5a50f4d8/Badlands2021-182.jpg)
(photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en))

Granada is the official start for the third time, and riders will be checking in on Saturday afternoon at the Palacio de Congresos de Granada. After the briefing riders will have until 8am CEST Sunday to keep their nerves under control and be back there to start at sunrise. 

Straight out of the gate the route means business: 27km covered since the start and the riders will have climbed 1133m, crunching tyres up a maximum gradient of 16.5% to reach the natural balcony of Sierra de Huétor.

This section is new for 2022, and with good reason to be included. Only a few kilometres Northeast it offers a beautiful view back over the city. This mountain range is covered in pine, cedar and fir forests, with amazing views of the Sierra Nevada and the omnipresent Pico Veleta, and contains dozens of kilometres of very tasty gravel. 

## Hoya de Guadix and Gorafe Desert
![gorafe badlands 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2ukHkyY11GOfPKpiF1l02F/544a05fa84a02f554acda40feb89105a/Badlands2021-553.jpg)
(photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en))

With the first big climb out of the way, a few more smaller climbs are then on the cards, then the riders drop down towards the Hoya de Guadix, a natural bassin that has been shaped over the last 500,000 years by water erosion creating gullies and the iconic badlands that give this race its name. The few small towns before entering the badlands are good supply stops as the riders have now covered 90km.

The visual treats are now coming in hot for the riders as they are whisked into a loop of the Gorafe desert (unchanged from last year). Timed right, many riders will reach this area close to sunset and be treated to views that will be permanently etched into their memory, and will be very hard to surpass. The desert is as beautiful as it is tough and remote. 

![gorafe plateau badlands 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6FKpInXi8QtX5UYkG74ZoQ/90e5821a71717809f7c5968f55532e23/Badlands2021-609.jpg)
(photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en))

The town of Gorafe is 130km into the route and the last chance to guarantee access to water and food until arriving at Gor 135 km later. The terrain is dusty and dry, and changes from sand to large river bed rocks underwheel as the route flips between ‘ramblas’ (dry riverbeds) and sandstone climbs. There is next to no shade or cover. Daytime will be hot, and nighttime will be cool - but with star viewing that is second to none.

## Gor and Sierra de los Filabres
![sierra de los filabres badlands 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/59xA0NxWaDc6rO2ihZJCZW/a9c321c300e92d04c73ce686eae412e5/Badlands2021-519.jpg)
(photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en))

Arriving at Gor and its famous fountain will be a relief for all. The pointy end may be there by the end of day one, others will trickle in on Monday and hope the bar is open and serving food because they are now about to go into the most remote part of the route. The Sierra de los Filabres signals a change of terrain and lets the riders climb amongst the largest mountain range in Andalusia, and up to the highest point in Almeria province, the Calar Alto Observatory (2.168m). Celebrations can be had as they hit the highest point in the race.

![badlands sleeping rider 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6Wjxb8Q3QT1q0NKzgjR8C6/bbc695369f6228b8330734cbb1ae923a/Badlands2021-590__1_.jpg)

Hard climbs do merit rewards though: the next 60 km are largely downhill, off and on road to the valley floor, and back to civilization for some food, water and a moment to reflect on what they have seen. An extra cold beverage may be had to also commemorate having made it halfway.

## Tabernas desert and Sierra de Alhamilla
![railroad paul voss badlands 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3Vl6k2KIy2yiq61qTr8BnK/3d6aeeeae71c650723b2ff1941f67197/Badlands2021-670.jpg)
(photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en))

The Tabernas Desert is officially considered to be the only real desert on the European continent. Rainfall is less than 250 mm/y and an average temperature in September is 35°C - although last year proved that last stat to be incredibly inaccurate. It is, however, a location that will definitely wow our adventure cyclists. 

With desert comes sand, covering beautiful gullies and badlands that is not only a destination for ultra-cyclists but also has been a film set for A Fistful of Dollars, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and Game of Thrones (to name a few). The  technical 8km hike-a-bike section from last year is still there after the Fuente Santa train station, and is not recommended for passage at night. This recommendation was not heeded by the pointy end last year. 

![tabernas badlands 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4J5Bfw0KUp3bLKgoYf2Pri/b534d1c018e94b5ddf4aa3920a135e59/Badlands2021-771__1_.jpg)
(photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en))

To make their way out of the desert, the mountains of the Sierra de Alhamilla await with a climb up to the top of Collado Colativí (1.306m) before the riders descend to Níjar and down to 200m elevation for a while. Travelling east they will reach venta del Pobre which has an incredible trucker restaurant with cyclist portions and bikepacker prices.

## Cabo de Gata Natural Park and Almeria
![badlands section 5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2VmXjrn7x1aadgoaMQCxPI/e132f50d1ba19b8506a0df9d5ca065bf/Badlands-705_section5.jpg)

With tired legs, the riders are now treated to a small section of predominantly downhill and relatively flat riding towards Cabo de Gata’s volcanic hills and incredible beaches. This area offers up the perfect bivvy spots that will tempt many to stop and experience yet another breathtaking landscape.

![mattia de marchi badlands 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4ECadDCK64VaPdHqwVEXD1/8c57e7b4de77229fcc69c0a9a55f1c4e/BADLANDS_MONDAY-23.jpg)
(photo [Jakub Kopecký](https://www.instagram.com/jacob_kopecky/?hl=en))

Almeria city is up next with all the resupply, accommodation and bike shop options - but not without a long trek over a very, very sandy beach. The city will be a big contrast to the many remote areas already covered. After Almeria things change up again and it's time for the penultimate section. 

## Sierra de Gádor and the Sea of Plastic
![badlands 2021 sea of plastic](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4WtwtFWSmUkjqoF5hnaiOQ/ccef4fd4033e572afbbd5349f2fe807f/Badlands2021-865.jpg) 
(photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en))

Leaving Almeria behind, climbing awaits into the Sierra de Gador, but not without a goodbye view to the infamous sea of plastic: the largest concentration of greenhouses in the world covering almost 30.000 hectares. 

At Felix, things are new for this edition, turning northwards on a road climb to 1441m and descending into the valley of the río Andarax and to the town of Instinción. A swift left turn follows the valley up river along high quality gravel paths gaining elevation slowly, until the 705km mark into the route where riders will climb for 16km and 800m elevation, principally off road. All of this in the visual company of the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada over their right shoulders.

## La Alpujarra
![badlands 2021 finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3O8Ip3zgFYL97ZBatLI9kr/72b35ade110b3c446b37c1c15cd3a6b1/Badlands2021-127.jpg)
(photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en))

The final 50km have no mercy for tired legs that have covered over 730km and climbed more than 14000m. From the Pantano de Benínar until Trevélez, over a mixture of paved roads and rideable but steep paths, each rider will need to climb an elevation gain of 2.000m in just 50km if they want to collect their finisher bragging rights.

This area on the south slopes of the Sierra Nevada has an average elevation of 1.200m above sea level, meaning cold nights and alpine-esque terrain, adding a little extra spice to a very tough final section. Daylight passage will give the riders views of the picturesque white villages of Andalucia, if they are able to keep their eyes open.

Friday 9th September, 8pm CEST is the deadline to have travelled through these many worlds and make it onto the general classification. 

Easy, right?...

## A startline hotter than last year's temperatures!
Ex-pro riders, ultra cycling veterans, multidiscipline ultra athletes, and rookies, are all on the startlist. Badlands has more popularity than the high school jock - this year it was over prescribed by 250 applicants, and what a treat we are being delivered with those that made it in!

281 caps have been prepared in total with 43 pairs and 195 soloists. Time for some pie:

![country split badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2shIvIfkS39cKBKhr8xILj/31f7b9715d4fbf498955732f52fcb3a2/country_pie_badlands.png)

That pie has been sliced and diced! 23 different nations' official IDs will be used to get the starter pack this weekend. Germany and Spain are the joint headers with 71 riders each, and the UK coming in third with 30 pairs of wheels. An impressive four continents are represented:

- Africa - 1%
- Europe - 95% 
- North America -3%
- South America - 1%

![gender badlands 2022](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4NmNlULIQCbKlGgOTPE9kM/823860083e4d50d43e144e7d7f8ef167/gender_pir_badlands_2022.png)

The hot heat of the desert has attracted a lot more men than women with a 9:1 ratio. Quantity isn’t alway everything (although that would be good too), quality is here in spades from both genders.

Cap #1 is on the head of last year's winner and ex-pro, __Mattia de Marchi__. This race suited him well as a fast rider that can sustain a high output with very little sleep. His lead over 2nd place last year was 4 hours. This year he is travelling to Granada after scratching from the Silk Road Mountain Race as part of a pair, due to some very bad food poisoning. Let’s see how much he has recovered for these Andalusian mountains.

__Ulrich Bartholmoes__ is back having been bitten by the gravel bug following his first go last year where he placed 2nd. Coming off an incredible TCR performance 1 month ago, he has been relaxing by e-gravel bike touring his new homeland Catalonia, before switching to race mode and recceing the route over the last few days. 

He is not the only one that has been down to see what it's about before the starting gun. __Lael Wilcox__ is lining up for badlands for the first time. A very seasoned and accomplished ultra cyclist, she has been demonstrating her abilities off road completing an ITT of the Arizona trail, finishing first woman in the Migration Gravel race, along with 1st woman at Transbalkans - and that is just this year! Check out her [rider profile](https://dotwatcher.cc/profile/Lael%20Wilcox) in case you are curious on the rest.

Standing strong and a very viable contender for the women's race, is __Marion Dziwnik__. Last year's women’s winner despite having a last minute bike switch and it being her first solo and first gravel ultra race. Since then she has secured her name as a gravel leader completing the Traka 360 in 18h 30m and taking the women’s first place. This time around, she has a lighter bike, more experience, and a more vocal determination.

__Taylor Phinney__ needs little introduction. Son of two olympians, it is no wonder he went on to hold the world title for individual pursuit on track in 2009 and 2010, and riding for the Trek–Livestrong, BMC Racing Team and EF Education First teams between 2009 and 2019. Now living the good life in Girona and currently following a music and visual arts path, he is saddling up again for badlands. A far cry from the track, but an interesting character to mix up the pointy end this weekend.

__Steven Lehyriac__ has taken on endurance cycling efforts in hot climates before, having cycled Paris-Dakar in 20 days, ran the marathon de sables this year, and the Gobi desert by bike is the next on his list. Steven was also on the podium at Italy Divide this year in second place. He is not coming in with fresh legs having just completed UTMB (he never seems to stop though, so this may be a mute point). Badlands is a relatively short race for him, which may or may not suit him. To be seen. 

__Chris Hall__ is back again this year. In 2022 he has already climbed almost 7 everests in 7 days, but in a wet Wales. Maybe due to the prospect of being able to cycle outside without torrential rain, he got a bit excited and threaded his crank on Saturday, leading to some high energy search to find a replacement. Thankfully, on Monday he had a new crank in hand and is set for a few days in the magic of the badlands of Andalusia.

Team Amani are back for the 2nd time with __Geoffrey Langat__ and __Kenneth Karaya__ who are ready to shake things up after some strong performances at Cape Epic and the Traka event in Girona whilst being hosted by 2020 winner of badlands (and cyclist that you can’t help but love) Lachlan Morton. Their start is tinged with sadness following the news of Sule Kangangi’s death (the team captain and rising star of cycling) earlier this week. His cap number 113 from the 2021 edition of badlands has been retired in his honour. 

In the pair's field there are a few of last year’s crew back for more dusty fun. __Laura Gallardo__ and __Cristina Sanchez__ are rolling out again. They scratched last year due to struggles with the crazy hot temperatures. This year has already been successful for Laura who has completed the Capitals race in her home province of Catalunya, and the Andean Raid in Peru. Two-thirds of over and out cycling in Girona, they are well accustomed to getting out on dusty trails and having a blast on 2 wheels.

__Gert Schilder__ finished last year as a solo rookie in 32nd place. He has been on the recruitment drive since then and brought his friend __Marco Heemskerk__ with him this time to have a shot as a pair. 

__Holly Seear__ and __Steve Davidson__ have been doing a host of off road ultras this year in anticipation, completing the Dales Divide over Easter weekend and the Bohemian Border Bash race in May (which according to Holly included unnecessary and ridiculously steep hills). Holly is a level 3 British Cycling coach with over 10 years experience and (for some people, more importantly maybe) has different coloured dry bags as a very organised packing system. Steve is equally as organised and although not a fan of camping, has a healthy competitive streak. A pair to watch as they are now heat trained thanks to the UK summer. *(Never in my life did I think I would ever write that about a british summer...)*

This is just a scratch on the surface of a rider start list that is a real treat for our dotwatching screens. Some other scratchees from last year are back, and many new faces too. It is postively delightful.

Last year was marked by the incredible temperatures that surpassed 50c on the first few days. This led to an astronomical rate of attrition where the scratch report was longer than the report on the day’s action. Next week’s weather forecast is looking more typical of the region, with highs around 32c - 35c, and Instagram kit grids have shown more substantial hydration solutions with a wiser startline. Finger’s crossed we have a greater number of finishers this year.

A few, but interesting, route changes point to a potentially faster race this year despite the extra few kilometres. With the number of speedy riders making their way to Granada, their dust trails may be all we see.

Sunday morning we will be back to see what panicked bike fixes have happened, emergency clothing bought, and who hasn't downloaded the maps on their cycling computer correctly. 

__Badlands is back.__

*Header image from (photo [Juanan](https://www.instagram.com/juananfotografia/?hl=en))*

Badlands 2022 Race Tracking

BADLANDS TRACKING: A race renowned for its diverse landscapes and attracting some names well known from within and outside of the sport. From deserts to forests, coasts to summits, Badlands has it all. And all the drama.

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