
At midnight yesterday, the race officially came to an end.

For friends and family who might not know: the __Lantern Rouge__ – the red lantern – is a term that comes from the Tour de France. It refers to the last rider to cross the finish line. Over time, it has become a somewhat coveted title, as the final rider often receives a lot of attention.

In ultracycling, I think this contrast is even more striking. There’s usually no prize money, no podium, and even the winner – being the first to arrive – often rolls over the line to nothing more than a quiet round of applause from the media team. One some spectators. The finish is understated and quiet. But the last rider? They usually arrive when the finisher party is in full swing. Most people are already at the finish line, waiting. And when the final dot approaches, the crowd cheers. Dozens, sometimes hundreds of hands clap, whistle, shout. The same hands that just days or hours before gripped handlebars on that same brutal route. It’s a powerful moment, full of shared understanding.

Yesterday, it was __Cap 166 Torsten Frank__ who became the final finisher, crossing the line after 7 days, 12 hours and 18 minutes.

Now, no one is left on the course. All the dots on MapProgress have come to a stop.
For those still scattered across the map in Greece – who didn’t reach the finish – that might come with disappointment, unfulfilled expectations. I hope the moments lived along the way weigh more than whatever led to the decision to stop.
Maybe it even means: next year, another try?

For me, there's something to take away from every experience – and that, in itself, feels like a kind of success. Sometimes, especially when things don’t go as planned, the lessons are even deeper. That’s not to say it doesn’t hurt when things fall apart – it does. But those moments often push us further. As athletes, and as people. I believe that growth doesn’t just come from smooth rides.

At the finish line, it will be quiet today. After days of life, arrivals, stories, laughter, and exhaustion – it’s suddenly over. The magic has slipped away.
Until next year, when once again hundreds of riders will come to Greece to take on the Hellenic Mountain Race.

It’s been a joy to be on this side of the race for once.

I wish all riders a safe journey home and good recovery.

May the stories, the sweat, the tears, and the joy stay with you for a long, long time.

Current standings (unofficial)

Solo (overall):
1. #3 Alex McCormack 
2. #6 Anatole Naimi
3. #50 Floris Braat

Women’s Race:
1. #101 Meaghan Hackinen (9th overall)
2. #57 Hannah Simon
3. #23 Carlotta Schumacher

Pairs:
1. #207 Tsvetan Ivanov & Dimitar Mihaylov
2. #214 Max Reinhardt & Oskar Brosig
3. #211 Lisa Pacher & Timo Stein

Listen to the winners interviews here: [Interview Alex McCormack](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1URfX5haAnOwVpMtsmvU0H?si=cQmWTV9PQveb8E18oWBGvQ) and [Interview Meaghan Hackinen](https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hKESkb4MNUexYPYPWAM2M?si=F5aHd5_2TPmKwuSyKeHpZg)

The Lantern Rouge

A bit more than 24 hours before the official cutoff of the Hellenic Mountain Race – and with Checkpoint 3 having just closed – the riders still out on the course might feel like they’re being slowly but steadily chased by a snail.

![snail](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1hsSE9LcpKwht4GNQAtqHy/803a5a34a71917a8e126125e90d74a50/Bildschirmfoto_2025-05-30_um_21.25.44.png)

At this point, many of them are likely feeling every single day spent in the saddle. Tired legs are just one of many things that hurt. Gear starts to fail. The toll of not fueling quite enough, not sleeping quite enough, begins to show – not just in the body, but in the mind.

Most of the remaining pairs are still out there – and so is the tandem. Still riding, still strong. I find myself wondering how they’re doing. Riders have told me this is the most technical of the three big mountain races – and even though __Richard Naylar and Shona Oldfield__ (caps __# 217A and B__) have tackled both the Silk Road and the Atlas Mountain Race on a tandem, I imagine this one to be a serious challenge.

I’ve never raced as a pair, and I imagine it to be both extra hard and extra beautiful. Beautiful, because you get to share the joy, the stories, the views, the experience – and I imagine this can create bonds that are deeper than most. Even when I briefly ride with another solo racer, I often feel how quickly these shared moments can connect us. Friendships form faster in ultras. 
But of course, you also share the lows. The bad moods. The heavy legs – and when one of you struggles, both of you are slowed. Sometimes even just managing your own head is hard enough – adding someone else’s mind into the mix must be a whole new level. Yet, those can be the very challenges that bring people closer. And sometimes, all it takes is feeding the other person – and things get better.

![night](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1dh2M5GdMghBhQONdhCV8J/8709e546e9c1bfcfd8c8738980970d8d/Bild_2.jpeg)*Photo by Dennis Stegemann #36 who, having a broken bottom bracket, still arrived at the finish line this morning having walked much of the last bits.*

And while the snail continues its quiet chase, night falls once more over the Pindos Mountains – the second-to-last night, before the race officially comes to an end.


The Snail’s Chase

With Cap __#57 Hannah Simon__ crossing the finish line this morning at 08:53, followed by __#23 Carlotta Schumacher__ at 14:38, the women’s podium of the Hellenic Mountain Race 2025 is now complete.

Hannah’s race began with a challenge: a routing error within the first few kilometers and having to go back and redo part of the trail that she’d missed, cost her significant time. But she didn’t let that hold her back. She pushed hard, slept a bit less than usual, and began clawing her way through the field. Her determination paid off — she overtook Carlotta to claim second place and held that position all the way to the finish.

Carlotta, by contrast, hadn’t expected to be competitive. But arriving at Checkpoint 1 as the second woman, she decided to give it a go. She ended up sleeping less than she is used to and push a bit more — and still felt surprisingly fine. She really enjoyed the racing, alongside the adventure itself. Lotti is known for her boundless energy, always smiling, laughing, or even singing out loud on the bike. And honestly? That’s exactly the spirit you need for races like this. I’m excited to see where she goes from here.

The first pair #207 A and B __Dimitar Mihaylov__ and __Tsvetan Ivanov__ also arrived yesterday, securing __11th__ and __12th__ place overall — a remarkable feat, especially since riding as a pair often means slowing down. Not for this duo: they stayed ahead of the pack throughout the entire race. Even more impressively, neither had ever ridden an ultra before, though they both bring experience from road and mountain biking. Huge congratulations!

![Meaghan](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1Iprt5eiifuC3cjGrS8Tmg/2807040c4a174da9b4786ba47322e58f/5bcf927a-657c-446c-babc-cc4290c33f4e.jpeg)*Photo by Meaghan Hackinen*

As I write this, the race has been underway for __5 days and 12 hours__. For the riders still out there, that’s a long time to be in the saddle — climbing endless mountains, making sure to stay fueled and hydrated, facing whatever the terrain and weather throw your way. 
But maybe, in a slower rhythm, there’s also a different kind of beauty. The riders still have the chance to soak in the silence of remote valleys, to pause for a moment at a summit and really see where they are — to inhale the landscape, rather than just passing through it. In the end, it’s not about the stats — it’s the moments that shape you, the ones no dot or number can hold and that can truly be lifechangeing. And the only place they truly remain is within you.

![Meaghan](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/63IHvGXMBFD6i0xmBYWl5l/a6ec89568e5d797098184ebe908ad40c/cf25f366-19aa-46c9-94e5-02feb51ead65.jpeg)*Photo by Meaghan Hackinen*

One rider still making her way through the mountains is the snail — the virtual sweep, moving forward at a steady, relentless pace. She marks the edge of the general classification: fall behind her, and you're out of the General Classification. A few riders have already dropped behind her dot. They can still finish the route — and they’ll carry the full experience with them, every hard-earned kilometer, every moment of solitude. But missing a checkpoint cut-off can still be disheartening. Sometimes, there’s even no fighting it: a broken crank, an injury, gut issues, simply exhaustion, or pain can bring even the strongest to a stop. And sometimes, the bravest choice is to pause — to rest, recover, and make sure you’ll be ready to ride another day.

But some riders refuse to let a broken bottom bracket end their race.
Cap #36 Dennis Stegemann faced exactly that today — and is now continuing on foot. He's walking the uphills, rolling the downhills, and determined to somehow keep moving forward. Maybe he’ll find a bike to borrow along the way. One thing’s for sure: he hasn’t given up. Let’s see where this takes him.
![Dennis](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7CRinLfRyrovXjLCxu0Jo4/12460757bc0981f83e001d7efa9ca60b/Bild.jpeg) *Photo by Dennis Stegemann*

All riders still on the course have until __Saturday at midnight__ to finish the route. So — fingers crossed for everyone still out there. May you enjoy the ride, however long it takes.

Solo (overall):

1. __#3 Alex McCormack__
2. __#6 Anatole Naimi__
3. __#50 Floris Braat__

Women’s Race:

1. __#101 Meaghan Hackinen (9th overall)__
2. __#57 Hannah Simon__
3. __#23 Carlotta Schumacher__

Pairs:

1. __#207 Tsvetan Ivanov & Dimitar Mihaylov__
2. #214 Max Reinhardt & Oskar Brosig 
3. #208 George Antonakopoulos &Iasonas Mourellos

(__finished__, still on the road)

If you want to see some really good media coverage and beautiful photos go to [Hellenic Mountain Race on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hellenicmountainrace/) and listen to their [Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/36v8Hy0VofuPnfapp8ZOD1?si=8ad7121d2c474903).

And if you have any stories you want me to tell here, you're free to write [me](https://www.instagram.com/marei.mol/).

The first Pair has arrived and the women's Podium is now complete.

Just now, around 14:58 cap __#101, Meaghan Hackinen__ rolled over the finish line – taking the win for the womens race in the 2025 Hellenic Mountain Race with a time of roughly __4 days, 7 hours__.

![Meaghan](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3tswcwJ767HckPopaYaz5p/1fe392e90f1916eb2efaaeeb14e8ae10/4b1bc50c-c2b8-4faf-9d6c-ce35feef069c.jpeg)
*Cap 101 Meaghan Hackinen takes the win. Photo by Meaghan Hackinen.*

She led the race from the very beginning, riding strong and steady all the way through. And despite this year’s blistering pace, she finishes 9th overall and __10 hours 40 minutes faster than last years winner Mascha Wahlig__. Considering she’s not an experienced mountain biker and the route has thrown plenty of tough trails at the riders, this makes her performance all the more impressive. The final stretch had its challenges. She was caught in a heavy thunderstorm on the last mountain pass, with hail, lightning and pouring rain all around. To make things worse, she had lost her rain jacket earlier, so she had to push through the storm completely exposed.

A bit further back, __#57 Hannah Simon__ seems to have secured her lead over __#23 Carlotta Schumacher__. Both are still riding incredibly strong. After having to reroute right at the start, Hannah has slowly but steadily worked her way through the field – like Pac-Man – and now has about 120 km to go. Carlotta is roughly 30 km behind her. Following them are Dilara Tuna and Isabelle Berti.

Also, the overall podium of this year’s Hellenic Mountain Race is now complete: After Anatole and Alex, it’s __Floris Braat__ who takes third place – finishing in 3 days, 14 hours and 33 minutes. A powerful and consistent ride that secured him a well-deserved spot on the podium. What a trio, and what a race – all three riders pushed hard through one of the fastest editions this event has seen. Quentin Lille, who had held third place for quite some time, ultimately had to scratch on the final climb and was reportedly brought to the finish by the race organization. 

With __#96 Martin Fickert__ soon to finish, we’ll have our 2025 top 10 — and although no two years are ever exactly alike, with different weather, temperatures, and trail conditions, it’s still an impressive stat: most likely every one of them would have landed in last year’s top 3.

This year’s finishing times are absolutely wild. I’ve put together a graph comparing the first finishers from this year and last – both in the women’s and the men’s field, times have dropped significantly. It makes me wonder: where does it stop? What can we expect in the years to come? And I'm already thrilled to watch Meaghan, Carlotta (?), Alex, Anatole, Josh and Miron take on this years __Silk Road Mountain Race__.

![CP times 2024 and 2025](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1mqvBtZfI2smHhtbRVNTnn/993d7483f979c7a3d04c8a66263dcf36/CP-times_new.png)
*Graph of the fastest riders times over the CP until the finish line from 2024 and 2025. Time is shown in hours since the start of the race. AM = Alex McCormack, AN = Anatole Naimi, FB = Floris Braat, JI= Josh Ibbet, RA = Rory Anderson, AB = Axel Brenner, MH = Meaghan Hackinen, CD = Christophe Dijkmanns, MSE = Marin de-Saint-Exupéry, SS = Sebastian Sarx, MW = Mascha Wahlig.*

Also I want to mention today that the first pair #207 Tsvetan Ivanov and Dimitar Mihaylov are still very far in the front - now being around 12 and 13th overall. What a huge achievement!

To the weather today: I’ve seen very dark clouds gathering over the mountains, and several riders reported heavy showers and even hail in the higher sections. Around Metsovo and Melissourgi, thunderstorms have been rolling in, with rain and colder temperatures throughout the day – and more to come in the evening. Karpenissi hasn’t been spared either, with on-and-off showers and a warning for more storms overnight. The temperatures are hovering between 7 °C and 20 °C depending on altitude – not freezing, but definitely enough to make things uncomfortable if you're wet and tired! So to all the riders out there – stay safe, ride smart, and may your next shelter be dry and your socks still warm.
![windy](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6Gd1gYEqMLNzBlCY1wOaDl/02701d3813798259652c9ecbf9c6a3ba/Bildschirmfoto_2025-05-28_um_14.24.53.png)
*Unfortunately rain, wind. thunderstorms and even hail are back*
![Rastergrafik](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5iExOWCD57be2g8JFY32zx/fd3eebb21b8ffe379fab357c396f5950/Rastergrafik.png)
*Photos from Instagram from [Alessandro Truffo](https://www.instagram.com/pete__dunhams?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) and [Dennis Stegemann](https://www.instagram.com/uwaga.cycling?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)*

Today’s update comes a bit earlier than usual – to honour the first woman across the line. But soon, the sun will set again, and the riders will once more face the decision: push through the night, or stop, sleep, maybe have a warm coffee in the morning, and continue with fresh legs – perhaps escaping the returning rain.

![night](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2uQbFEUD2EYjFvUtJGJNtf/19c37cf1c04ff290132c2c8dc4b4e46a/NIGHT.png)
*little clusters of people during a good nights rest, or pushing up the hills at night*

There’s something special about watching the dots at night. Seeing clusters form in shelters or little villages, imagining people getting a few hours of real rest maybe even on a soft mattress – which I know, after so much riding, all the meters of climbing and carrying the bike, feels like floating on a cloud. And then, the others: slow, determined dots inching their way up a climb, probably with their headlamps lighting the way, the only sound the soft rustle of tires on gravel (if they’re not pushing their bikes :) ). The sensory deprivation of the night makes the ride feel even more intense. 

Solo (overall):

1. __#3 Alex McCormack__
2. __#6 Anatole Naimi__
3. __#50 Floris Braat__

Women’s Race:

1. __#101 Meaghan Hackinen (9th overall)__
2. #57 Hannah Simon
3. #23 Carlotta Schumacher

Pairs:

1. #207 Tsvetan Ivanov & Dimitar Mihaylov
2. #214 Max Reinhardt & Oskar Brosig 
3. #208 George Antonakopoulos &Iasonas Mourellos

(__finished__, still on the road)

If you want to see some really good media coverage and beautiful photos go to [Hellenic Mountain Race on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hellenicmountainrace/) and listen to their [Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/36v8Hy0VofuPnfapp8ZOD1?si=8ad7121d2c474903).

And if you have any stories you want me to tell here, you're free to write [me](https://www.instagram.com/marei.mol/).

Meaghan Hackinen wins the Hellenic Mountain Race 2025

Did I say we’d have a winner by tonight?
I take it back — we already do. And what a finish.

Huge congratulations to __Alex McCormack__, Cap #3, who just crossed the line first after days of racing shoulder to shoulder with __Anatole Naimi__, Cap #6. His finishing time: 3 days, 4 hours, and 31 minutes — almost __17(!)__ hours faster than last year’s winner, Christophe Dijkmans. Alex celebrated his win with a swim in the ocean — well deserved!

![A + A](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5vVTeOULFzhfCb6KVWGoum/6446cec7cbd16625ef647de908e00df2/IMG_2695.jpeg)

In the end, Alex managed to pull away just enough to secure the win, with Anatole arriving just 1 hour and 20 minutes later. From the looks of it, the final kilometers became an uphill time trial. And yes, in the world of ultra-distance racing, that’s a tiny gap after so many days on the bike. Anatole told me about two hours before his finish that he was already done. He’d been running on gels since CP3, the heat was brutal, and all he could think about was finishing, drinking an Aperol Spritz, and eating ice cream. I hope he’s had more than one of both by now. :)

I’m beyond excited to hear what they’ll share on the [race podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/36v8Hy0VofuPnfapp8ZOD1?si=fcf889f8ff0e4f58). My guess? They spent a good chunk of the race almost within each other’s sight. I also recommend watching the beautiful coverage of the [hellenic mountain race media team ](https://www.instagram.com/hellenicmountainrace/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet)- they're doing an incredible job!

Further back, the battle for third place is still unfolding. #128 Quentin Lille and #50 Floris Braat are currently close together, with #74 Josh Ibbett not far behind. #110 Miron Golfman appears to be off route — possibly a scratch? And Sebastian Trimborn unfortunately had to receive outside assistance after running out of food and water. He shared on Instagram that he rode for six hours without either before finally getting a lift into a town to refuel. He might still ride to the finish, but he’s out of the general classification.

In the women’s race, #101 Meaghan Hackinen has now reached CP3, holding her steady and strong lead. She’s currently in 12th place overall, and with the recent scratches, a top 10 finish is looking more and more possible. She says today has been hard but she still enjoys the views and the ride.Her gap to second-placed #57 Hannah Simon remains substantial. Hannah is still pushing hard, but #23 Carlotta Schumacher is not far behind, about 20km back and still chasing. 

![Meaghan](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5I9zHh5oBJKEkETqCoY2ux/2627ce8349c6e8c569dac7067f03cad3/500bd3c9-9487-484f-aa2d-bee0713c3934.jpeg)
*Photo by Meaghan Hackinen*

Most midpack riders have now made it to CP2 at Melissourgoi. I actually rode that section during TCR No.9. It was brutally hard — but incredibly beautiful. I remember crying at the beauty of the landscape. That was where I fell in love with off-road racing - I hope this is what happens to the riders out there as well if it hasn't already.

![Melissourgoi](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2xEasIqZsaH0gMtk6AzFPE/d79a0aab4472f77a26f60118274947d2/IMG_0928.jpeg)
*The gravel mountain pass right after CP2*

People sometimes only see the "suffering" in these races, the hardship. But in my eyes that's seeing only 10% or less of what it really is. Yes, it's physically exhausting. Yes, you sometimes push your bike up a trail that barely deserves to be called a path. And yes, that part might not feel like cycling anymore. And thats totally true - because it is so much more.

To me this is connection. With the trail. With the mountains. With your mind and your body.

To everyone still out there riding: I wish you stunning views, a deep appreciation for what your body is capable of — and some really, really good food at the end of the day.

![Dennis](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5TQEEHoPfAu0dIe6RPH1Vv/a6b67b6567e74e0e50ebc1be4ebfedcc/6B88CFC0-B700-4572-B393-5B1E5829F193.jpeg)
*Photo by #36 Dennis Stegemann*

The Hellenic Mountain Race 2025 has a winner!

The weather has finally shifted – today looked much more like the Greece we know from postcards. Blue skies, dry(er) trails, and endless views. After days of rain and mud, the riders could finally enjoy all the views.

![78 Lajos Koves](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2BXdLszguIn3uJHewsVEsM/863b575bbe9d6ed49fb7cd9953572cb5/Bildschirmfoto_2025-05-26_um_09.52.14.png)
*Photo from [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hukovesl?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) by #78 Lajos Koves,*

At the very front, the fight for the lead has been going on all day. Cap #3 Alex McCormack and #6 Anatole Naimi have both reached CP3 and are already on their way toward the finish line. They met each other at CP3. Anatole reportedly got around three hours of sleep last night, while Alex apparently had two. As of now, it’s almost impossible to say who’s ahead – the two seem to be in the same area, but Alex’s tracker last pinged 10 minutes ago, while Anatole’s just updated 2 minutes ago. With only around 180 km to go, this is going to stay tight – and tense.

![Anatole and Alex](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7GOOVpvNoDmxdwfppuPD0N/30b90eb520c06a285c858631046de266/Bildschirmfoto_2025-05-26_um_21.33.09.png)

Both riders have opened up a solid gap to those behind. Former third-place #146 Sebastian Trimborn posted on Instagram that it’s getting warmer, he’s dealing with saddle sores, and he had to spend some time fixing a tire. In the meantime, #50 Floris Braat has moved up – his dot is ahead, while Sebastian is about 20 kilometers behind (although his tracker hasn’t updated in over an hour, so it has to be taken with precaution).
#74 Josh Ibbett is also nearby – he had to reroute earlier today for a resupply after finding a shop closed. Not far behind, #110 Miron Golfman and #128 Quentin Lille are keeping the chase alive.

In the women’s race, #101 Meaghan Hackinen is still leading strong – consistent as ever, and currently in 14th overall. Can she push for a top ten? She seems in a great mood, loving the scenery – and this morning, she saw a bear, which she described as a real highlight of her day. (Hard to argue with that.) I’ve seen a few other riders post photos of bear tracks along the route — so one has to wonder: was Meaghan the only one lucky enough to spot the real thing? Or are there more stories out there, still waiting to be told behind the dots?

![Meaghan Hackinen](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/c9BtYYcTvto5tA3MyzGFV/fda136371a7320f023367eb8efb7024d/3f5c40d5-bfb3-4735-9a34-563061e87cf1.jpeg)
*Photo by #101 Meaghan Hackinen*

Behind her, #57 Hannah Simon is continuing her comeback – catching riders one after another and holding onto second place in the womens race. But #23 Carlotta Schumacher is not letting her go easily. She posted earlier that she felt “great and strong”, and it looks like she’s backing that up on the bike.

In the pairs category, #207 Tsvetan Ivanov & Dimitar Mihaylov continue to ride incredibly well, still somewhere around the top 20 overall – although with lagging trackers, let’s call that a cautious estimate. It looks like one rider from Team #216 (Renaud Haag & partner) has scratched, so he’s continuing solo, which would take them out of the pairs classification. Next up – again, with a grain of dotwatcher salt – seems to be #214 Max Reinhardt & Oskar Brosig from Germany.

__Current Standings__

Solo Overall (all provisional – due to tracker lag)
1. #3 Alex McCormack 
2. #6 Anatole Naimi
3. #50 Floris Braat 

Women’s Race
1. #101 Meaghan Hackinen
2. #57 Hannah Simon
3. #23 Carlotta Schumacher

Pairs 
1. #207 Tsvetan Ivanov & Dimitar Mihaylov
2. #214 Max Reinhardt & Oskar Brosig (unconfirmed – trackers delayed)
3. #208 George Antonakopoulos & Iasonas Mourellos (unconfirmed – trackers delayed)

The rest of the pack has now mostly made it to CP1, and everyone still in the race – everyone who hasn’t scratched – is ahead of the snail, which continues its relentless chase through the mountains.

So while we’re only halfway through the race, the front riders are already eyeing the finish. If the pace stays anywhere near what we’ve seen today, we might witness the first arrivals as early as Tuesday evening. That’s hard to wrap your head around.


Greek Postcard Mountains – and at least one Bear

The first woman, #101 Meaghan Hackinen, has just reached CP2.
After a few hours of sleep in Metsovo overnight, she got back on the bike and continued her incredible pace through the mountains. 

Meanwhile, #57 Hannah Simon has just overtaken #23 Carlotta Schumacher around 08:00 AM CEST in Metsovo, moving into second place in the women’s race. Considering she had to reroute and lost a lot of ground early on, her comeback is nothing short of impressive. But the race is far from settled – Carlotta is chasing hard and, at the time of writing, is just a few meters behind.

This morning, when I first opened the tracker, there were about 15 km between #3 Alex McCormack and #6 Anatole Naimi. Now it’s under 10. In an ultra, that’s not a gap – that’s a ghost rider breathing down your neck. You can’t see them, but you know they’re there. And they’re not going away. 

#146 Sebastian Trimborn has been overtaken by #50 Floris Braat – after taking a much-needed sleep break. On Instagram, he shared that he had started dissociating: “Mind and body didn’t feel like one anymore.” A stark reminder of how fine the line is out there – between pushing your limits and pushing too far. Sometimes, the bravest move is pulling the brakes before your body does.

But now that he’s rested, he might be back in the game quickly. According to the tracker, the two seem to be riding in roughly the same area again – this race is far from settled.

![Graph](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/103hft30zUpB4KSzdQERFa/bf4f43740df8f4b351f3d4c7fdfea5ec/CP_times_2024_2025.png)
*Graph of the fastesr riders times over CP1 and CP2 from 2024 and this year. Time is shown in Minutes since the start of the race. AM = Alex McCormack, AN = Anatole Naimi, ST = Sebastian Trimborn, MH = Meaghan Hackinen, JL = Joachim Lindhard, MSE = Marin de-Saint-Exupéry, SS = Sebastian Sarx, MW = Mascha Wahlig.*

To get a better sense of how fast this year’s race is, I put together a little graph comparing the CP1 and CP2 arrival times of the fastest riders from this year and last. Meaghan, this year’s leading woman, is riding at a pace comparable to last year’s overall leaders. Of course, no two years are the same – different weather, route conditions, dynamics – but still: it’s wild to see how fast this race (and ultra races in general) are becoming.

I’ll let you sit with that for a minute.
And I promise: there’s more to watch.


The first woman hits CP2 – and the race stays fast and fierce.

Today’s update comes a little later than usual – and in the meantime, so much has happened. The pace of this year’s race feels so fast, it might be over before we’ve even found our rhythm as dotwatchers. The lead riders have already passed Metsovo for the second time, and even reached CP2.

Cap #3 Alex McCormack has built a solid lead. I haven’t got any recent updates from him, but according to the tracker, he’s doing great. Both he and Cap #6 Anatole Naimi have passed CP1 and CP2 already. The race crew reportedly didn’t expect anyone this early at CP3 and are now preparing to open it sooner than planned.

Cap #6 Anatole Naimi shared that he had stomach problems on the first day – even had to vomit – but seems to be recovering well as he’s been chasing Alex all day, never quite overtaking him, but always close. As far as the tracker data shows (with a generous dose of delay), the two have been riding close together all day – and neither seems to have slept yet.
The fight for third place is also heating up: Cap #146 Sebastian Trimbon – a former 24-hour MTB champion – now holds the position. He reportedly got stuck in a Greek mountain traffic jam for a bit (:

![Sebastian Trimborn](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3glCm0wHfLb2S9OGJjQNca/fcaaffd51a244f5653a625b22151504c/IMG_2574.png)
*Photo from Instagram by Sebastian Trimborn*

but it doesn’t seem to have slowed him down too much. Still, he’s being closely followed by Floris Braat and Quentin Lille. Josh Ibbett may be in the mix as well, but his tracker has been lagging a bit the past hours. And finally I heard from #110 Miron Golfman - he has apparently passed CP2 together with Josh, so they are both further in the front than the trackers show.

### Women’s Race

Cap #101 Meaghan Hackinen is still leading – and extending her lead. Yesterday, she said she was loving the race and the scenery, but the night brought more slippery trails, and mud. Still, she was the first woman to reach CP1 around 12:20 PM and is now resting in Metsovo, getting some well-earned sleep before probably heading back out soon.
![Meaghan Hackinen](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3pqJsFQ7WXNOoFBvrzfzzl/dec124da54291b7daaa5d599d39b6a43/ecb8a319-7da7-461c-a48f-dde09c5fdb93.jpeg)
*Photo by Meaghan Hackinen*

Behind her, Carlotta Schumacher is riding impressively – she’s been in the top 30 overall for much of the race and continues to ride consistently and strong. She told me she’s feeling great. You can also hear more from her in a lovely conversation with Mel Webb on the [race podcast](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KkFAVKDUgu9zyppyLFQTC?si=-erq2l80TsakQgF6JNq5Bg) – highly recommended.

The third woman currently is Cap #37 Dilara Tuna, not far behind. Cap #57 Hannah Simon was one of the riders who made a routing mistake yesterday. True to the spirit of the race, she decided to backtrack and ride the correct route – even though it cost her time. She says she’s still enjoying the chase, riding strong, and she is catching up - fast – while having had no sleep so far, which is unusual for her.

### Pairs

The pair of Cap #207 Tsvetan Ivanov and Dimitar Mihaylov continues to impress – they were riding in 7th and 8th overall earlier today. Their trackers are currently delayed by over five hours, so it’s hard to know their exact position, but they’re definitely in the front mix.

### And what else?

As the riders are moving on, the snail is as well. It has now arrived at km 150. But as far as I can see most riders are ahead of it, apart from the few that have scratched.

Further back, I heard from Cap #36 Dennis Stegemann, who said the route was far more technical than expected, and climbing was expected to be hard, but feeling still harder – but also incredibly beautiful.

![Dennis Stegemann](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ih0qSfQ1IpyGM8Xgo4FXe/56330027326ef1cead5b4c31aa0f5d5e/BE2EB80D-D992-4B94-A5CA-19BCB1D2DDAB.jpeg)
*Photo by Dennis Stegemann*

Cap #14 Axel Brenner shared a photo that really captures those stunning mountain views. (:
![Axel Brenner](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4DjPY5BVsUHQx0FXOytF0d/981db41d104ee95e4ab0b5c160f3314b/IMG_2584.png)
*Photo by Axel Brenner on Instagram*

But according to Meaghan Hackinen you get those stunning views as well - just not all the time.
![Meaghan Hackinen](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4jSvwTw1sI0qejKM3dhaRW/01e82eb6a03e099b23b65fc5333833f2/e11a680f-c282-47c6-93ba-4cdce6439d5a.jpeg)
*Photo by Meaghan Hackinen*

The food, however seems to be on point all the time. I’ve spotted bolognese, feta, Greek salad, and grilled chicken all over Instagram. For some, it’s starting to look more like a gourmet tour than a bikepacking race.

Current Standings

Solo (overall):
1.	#3 Alex McCormack
2.	#6 Anatole Naimi
3.	#Sebastian Trimbon

Women’s Race:
1.	#101 Meaghan Hackinen – currently in 17th overall
2.	#23 Carlotta Schumacher
3.	#37 Dilara Tuna

Pairs (take with caution – tracker lag is significant):
1.	#207 Tsvetan Ivanov & Dimitar Mihaylov
2.	#209 Sylvain Dinam & Guiho  François 
3.	#208 George Antonakopoulos &Iasonas Mourellos

Some riders will push into the night now, while others look for shelter, warmth, or a shower – which they’ll hopefully find. The forecast for tomorrow looks a little brighter – so here’s hope for drier bib shorts, sunshine on the climbs, and maybe even a hot meal at the end of the day.


The Race is on

For me, the first 12 – maybe even 24 – hours of an ultra don’t quite feel like the real race yet. It’s more like a pre-ultra phase: fast, chaotic, and somehow more competitive than it needs to be. Riders often go out hard, chasing positions instead of settling into their own rhythm. But as the time passes, the race settles more and more and a few positions become clear.

By now, most riders have passed Metsovo. The front pack barely stopped and is already well on the way to CP1. The pace they’re setting is intense – if I’m not mistaken, the leaders are nearly 2.5 hours ahead of last year’s schedule at the 200 km mark. That’s wild.

Conditions are hot and humid, and there’s already a fair bit of mud out there – clearly visible on Alex McCormack’s bike, who’s currently leading. He’s convinced the rain will come soon.
![Alex McCormack](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6dQGsRIMbnsVsimPmc1m2a/6e3228caaa91b51e2c465b479a1d3b35/9244c429-98c3-48da-8d22-bbf928ab4ada.jpeg)
*Photo by Alex McCormack, #3, the current leader of the race*

The current womens leader, Meaghan Hackinen says it’s muddier than expected – but also more fun. She’s in good spirits, enjoying the scenery and feeling strong.
![Meaghan Hackinen](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/71zFE0ldxv43R3mEPSa9uw/09b4921ad539f6c8d085d7b7502773b6/89dd24c5-1e43-4bdf-8fa6-1bb224cbe47d.jpeg)
*Meaghan Hackinen, the current female leader*

![Meaghan Hackinen](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7MLPMYzfRf5lGZZeCseoPU/a0abdeec585243a790072ece3bab0af5/23699115-b30f-4f88-bc3e-4ec09f891ddf.jpeg)
*Photo by Meaghan Hackinen*

Apparently, there was some route confusion right after the start that led to a few riders accidentally taking a shortcut. It’s hard to judge based on the tracker data alone, so we’ll see if there’s any official update on that.

Alex McCormack has pulled ahead for now, but the chasing group is close. Trackers can be patchy in the more remote sections, but it looks like Anatole Naimi, Josh Ibbett, Miron Golfman, Floris Braat, and Quentin Lille are all not far behind.
Surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly), the pair Cap #207B Tsvetan Ivanov and Cap #207A Dimitar Mihaylov were riding near the front early on and now sit at 12th and 13th overall. They’d somehow slipped under my radar during pre-race research – I couldn’t find any ultra results – but turns out at least one of them is a Bulgarian pro with several national podiums. Not much ultra experience maybe, but definitely a team to watch.

Current Standings
Solo (overall):
1.	#3 Alex McCormack
2.	#6 Anatole Naimi
3.	#74 Josh Ibbett

Women’s Race:
1.	#101 Meaghan Hackinen – currently in 18th overall
2.	#37 Dilara Tuna – approx. 30 km behind
3.	#23 Carlotta Schumacher

Pairs:

1.	#207 Tsvetan Ivanov & Dimitar Mihaylov
2.	#216 Renaud Haag & Romain Montamat
3.	#209 Sylvain Dinam & Guiho  François 

Unfortunately I haven't heard too much from the riders in the back of the field, but I am sure there are already some stories to be told - maybe I'll be able to share some of them in the following days.

![Dennis Stegemann](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/kp8dEE0Q057lY4oUoS9JQ/92f68eb75dd5557d842389229ca91f39/50521495-CCF9-4A4B-9547-A3A44272F035.jpeg)
*Photo by Dennis Stegemann #36*

And now, as the sun sets and the trails grow quiet, the race shifts into a new phase. Legs are starting to tire, minds beginning to drift. Some riders will stop to sleep, others will ride straight into the dark. And while I curl up with a cup of tea under a blanket, they continue on — through the silence, through the uncertainty, through the night.

Because this is where it really begins.


14 hours in

The sun has just stretched her golden arms over the towering monasteries of Meteora — and with that gentle cue, a bit more than 170 riders roll out into 883 kilometers of untamed, mountainous Greece.

![Start of the HMR on Instagram live](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/73qts51Tg4Rf4K4r0kZjWS/0707de36218b69baa16a04d073aa72b9/IMG_2376.png)
*Photo from the live Start this morning at 08:00 CEST*

Last night I scrolled through bike checks, kit lists, and all those nervous-excited registration day posts. It’s impossible not to get swept up in it — the buzz, the tension, the feeling that something truly special is about to begin. Riders have trained for months, fine-tuned every detail of their gear, packed and repacked their bags — and still, the night before the start, it’s always the smallest things that feel the biggest: *Did I tighten that bolt? Did I pack enough food? Why does everyone seem to have less stuff than me?* Classic pre-race spiral.

Here’s a little collection of impressions from the start line and the brave humans out there — or on Instagram

![Meaghan Card](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2UO2SPZ0nVjPcZJ5JqHiiw/35788a0040088291300c088f7ac94478/3befe736-ff76-40d2-9230-a0749597d1f4.jpeg) 
*Photo by Meaghan Hackinen*

![Hannah](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1iSLzjTSBJjhB8eDIKNv8z/ac0036492af813f1a0b99bdf16d73dae/IMG_2371.png) 
*Photo by Hannah Simon on Instagram*

![Miron Golfman ](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4nWRt5GNTfTxB0NG7bxEEq/72229ca80dd5b5d531b286746f2a1959/IMG_2368.png)
*Photo by Miron Golfman on Instagram*

![Carlotta Schuhmacher](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6dY1Kx4sJb2o54XPuAezTU/9dd2c7fcdaef92d68159b82f1eb48040/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-23_at_20.38.10.jpeg)
*Carlotta Schuhmacher, Photo by Carlotta Schuhmacher*

Meanwhile, I’m on the couch, sipping an espresso, imagining the excitement running through the field. Legs fresh, minds buzzing, hearts wide open. The riders don’t have to wait long fort he first climb and it is a brute — from 200 to 1700 meters, straight into remote and rugged terrain. But for now, adrenaline will carry them. Later today, many riders will likely reach the first proper resupply in Metsovo.

From there, it’s straight into a 260 km loop through the Pindus Mountains — arguably the hardest part of the race. The skies are still clear for now, but rain is forecast for the afternoon, which might turn already tough trails into muddy rivers. The first checkpoint sits on Mount Smolikas, and the descent from there is reportedly the longest singletrack in Europe. Right before Metsovo, if the weather turns, things can get real sticky real fast.
But You'll probably hear back from me before riders tackle these sections.

So I am Wishing all riders out there strength, joy, laughter, and just the right amount of trail magic. Go well – we’re cheering for you.

I'll post my updates also on [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/marei.mol?igsh=MWJ2dTEzZ2J4eDN0cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) and if you have any useful input, just write me there.


And they're off

Marei Moldenhauer

Jana Mascha Lu Wahlig

Christophe Dijkmans

The second event in the Mountain Races Series, the Hellenic Mountain Race is back for its third edition and returns to the unknown mountains of Greece.

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