Yoan Dercourt

Simon Fels

Dieuwe van Bergen en Henegouwen

Niccolò Varanini

Jon Olav Holmen

Niall Shannon

Neil Henderson

Mathilde Germanier

Calum Fisher

Ricardo Parreirinha

Alli Holland

Gavin Steder

Odd Erik Farstad

Andrew Cullen

Giovanni Ganzerli

Martin Drøger Hansen

Ángel Nicolás Moncayo Jiménez

Martina Kunz

Till Brütt

Christian Lundby Simensen

Ernesto Di Betta

Matteo Recanati

Even Søberg

Rafael de Giacomo Araujo

Leif Simonsen

Rowan Matthews

Roger Nodeland

Bernardus Veltman

Massimo Ronchin

Roberto Bandiera

Fredrik  Ringen

Kirin Raphael Kohlhauser

Johannes  Spruit

Marvin Walz

Simon Reithmeier

Jean-Marc Jacquot

Emanuele Giuseppe Pirrone

Paolo Botti

Sean Greene

Rachel White

Alex Benussi

Sandro Beck

Daniele Facchin

Daniel Humphries

Vladislav Alukhanov

Hans Petter Hustad

Hannah Vet

Annika Baumann

Manlio Pasqualin

Timo Seidel

Dario Valsesia

Marco Fürste

Francisco Bonachela

Robbert Verbunt

Christian van Rens

Thomas Nicke

Florian Leber

Raffaela Hoffmann

Philipp Stanehl

Barbara Van Lathem

Włodzimierz Łucaś

Nels Hackl

Manuel Stein

Oscar Huckle

Adrian Ionescu

Joshua Tinius

Hang Io

Karin Eibenberger

Alwin Fafieanie

Omare Alvarado

Petrica Zontea

Marco Sega

Anaïs Iturrospe

Enrico La Grassa

Giorgio Roda

Marco Casadio

Eleonora Tandoi

Knut Rand

Magne Lygren

Edward Stratton

James Byrne

Barend Derriks

Johanna Esche

Antoine Vernez

Eilidh Prise

Nicolas Peden

Cornelia Kleemann

Leonie Stüken

Stefano Grandi

Thomas Andresen

Tinneke De Souter

Laura van Rens

Christian Kuhnle

Rokas Bernotas

Giacomo Osti

Julius Holland

Gijs Hovenkamp

Brian McAuslan

Edit Emese Vizer

Rene Mistlberger

Fabian Schramm

Tobias Schramm

Nick Hill

Rhys Evans

Jasien Haridy

Genevieve Hull

Steven Geelen

Thomas Geelen

Vlad Vuta

Silviu Stefanescu

Francesca Settimo

Marco Donda

Ben Watson

Alice Wignall

Tom Leunckens

Karen Gorissen

Emily Schaldach

Johanne Albrigtsen

Einar Magnus Bjelland

John Åge Haugen

Oliver Szotyori

Ida Sticksel

Ellie Mallinson

George Mallinson

Charlotte Turner

Matthew Turner

Martin Opheim-Smedsrud

Kirstin Marie Leiren

Federico Cenini

Umberto Luongo

Ville Teuronen

Petteri Taskinen

Louise Haggarty

Alexander Shewan

Sturle Dahl

Lene Røstad

BRUNO & CREW

Media 2

After about __seven days of racing__, we’ve just welcomed our *Lanterne Rouge* at the finish line in Lillehammer. __Cap #107, Eleonora Tandoi__, has completed the __1,000-kilometer course__ as the __77th solo rider__ — and the final finisher of this year’s race. What an effort!

Yesterday, Bruno, the race director, informed participants via the group chat that he would __postpone the cut-off time__ by three hours, giving riders who have battled the elements for days an extra chance to finish within the official time frame.

![Cap #78, Ricardo Parreirinha](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1mXnWglDuToIzcv48Zp4pD/2df08763777af38b5fd0f1232e630c66/37.jpg)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

Some were forced to sit out relentless rain, while others were blessed with better conditions just on the other side of the mountain ridge. As we’ve learned over the past days, __Norway can be both unforgiving and unpredictable__.

![Cap #39, Calum Fisher](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3o4qZBNawZ0LFP6i9wy7jy/f96c690b42ad7569de158ce0139b438f/30.jpg)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

Still, we’re thrilled to see so many finishers heading home with memories of a lifetime. It’s been a joy to watch their progress over the past week and to cheer them on as they arrived back, safe and sound. You are all such strong riders — __an inspiration to everyone who will come after__.

![Cap #102, Gavin Steder](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4Hvk3uTNTNdjaHOCQuLrRj/371ec16897cc07bd5e3ccb6daf29c1ae/56.jpg)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

As for me, I’m looking back on a buzzing week in front of my laptop screen, with the privilege of connecting personally with some of the riders and following their journeys live and through their reports. I want to thank everyone who reached out and allowed me to tell their stories through their eyes.

![Maya, writer of the Dotwatcher Commentary](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6DhjJ2qSvVck8taZ1HUgmr/60380b069be52cd15276610f242fcbdc/ANV01203-Enhanced-NR.jpg)

*photo credit: [Arnau Lumeras](https://www.instagram.com/inglourious_arnav/)

I hope to be back soon for more Dotwatcher commentaries, but for now, I’m gearing up for my own upcoming adventure: The __Illyrian Loop in Albania__. This event is also organised by our dear race director — and my long-term friend — Bruno.

So, if you want to __watch me suffer__ for a change, make sure to follow my dot from September 4th, live here on Dotwatcher.cc or over on my [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/maya.maya.pants.on.fire/ "@maya.maya.pants.on.fire").

__See you next year for the epic edition of Mother North 2026!__


Mother North 2025 is in the Books!

Another day has passed, and we’re seeing more and more participants crossing the finish line by the hour.
They’ve all battled through some of the __worst weather conditions imaginable__, only to be rewarded with a rare day of sunshine during their final hours on the bike.

![Caps #156 ab/b Steven Geelen and Thomas Geelen](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/SQF8DwtyB4aJDK4khFlc5/f14e26233b36d0e0d29841c9b001b8ae/MotherNorth2025_NicolAÌ_Â_Blasi-19.jpg)

*photo credit: [Nicolò Blasi](https://www.instagram.com/___.nik._/)

However, we also have to note __45 DNFs__ along the way — that’s __27% of the riders__.
Most of them made the tough but wise decision to prioritise __health and safety over the drive to race and finish__, after being beaten down by the horrendous weather.

![Cap #95, Timo Seidel arriving in Lillehammer](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5ALgtF9G8GCgmgZzAUTXoX/327a942f7595b2c10385c9ba56df7510/MotherNorth2025_NicolAÌ_Â_Blasi-7.jpg)

*photo credit: [Nicolò Blasi](https://www.instagram.com/___.nik._/)

One rider who refused to call it quits was __Cap #58, Anaïs Iturrospe__.
After spending 200 km in the rain and getting completely soaked, she was convinced that another 200 km in the saddle would be manageable, despite the dreadful weather forecast for Monday.
But as her partner told us (who she actually met because of Mother North), __she literally rode herself into hypothermia__ and was forced to stop.

The hotel she had planned to stay in for the night was closed, so she sought refuge in a nearby pub to warm up. There, she __fainted twice__ and was eventually taken by ambulance to restore her body temperature.
She refused to go to the hospital and convinced the doctors to let her stay at the Radisson Hotel in __Beitostølen__, where staff members checked on her during the night.

After taking a full rest day, she was back on her bike the following morning — and she’s still riding strong today with only __75 kilometers to go__.

Day 6 at Mother North

Last night, we witnessed the __third FLINTA rider__ cross the finish line in Lillehammer:
__Cap #64, Martina Kunz__, completes the FLINTA trio on the podium with a fantastic total time of __90 hours and 49 minutes__.

![Third FLINTA Finisher, Martina Kunz](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/dLzv9jeexJn2iOfgk2ifa/f05c4f8551cc6c07c24dfe57c55d7ec6/AA9A0714.jpg)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

It seems Martina’s race strategy focused on __regular breaks with proper sleep__ and a __steady pace__ throughout the day. With a __daily average of 265 km__, she took her first extended pause in __Otta__, allowing Mathilde and Alli to move ahead and gain ground.
From what I’ve heard, she was unfortunately dealing with __knee pain__ for most of the ride.

Her second major rest stop was in __Hemsedal__, from where she continued directly to __Checkpoint 4 in Finse__.
After a proper rest there, Martina tackled the __entire final leg from Finse to the finish__ — arriving around __4 a.m.__ in one continuous push.

__Cheers to strong legs, a steady pace, and a determined mind!__

![Martina at 4 a.m. in Lillehammer](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5PBL0zyxHjwZI6fWuniSKn/c9906385c89c84f27a2bd1926bfa10e8/AA9A0710.jpg)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

# Party for the Pair!

Today also marks the day we welcomed our __first pair back in Lillehammer__!
__Caps #153a/b, Fabian and Tobias Schramm__, are the first duo to cross the finish line together.

![First Pair: Caps #153a/b, Fabian and Tobias Schramm](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5LXN7bCLAES32BA7A13CGW/4050105248b9865f11fca6f09fd83130/8d3f3a64-2af8-4b48-ace9-52a34625de4c.JPG)

*photo credit: [Mother North](https://www.mother-north.com/)*

They’ve been locked in a steady battle with fellow pair __Caps #150a/b, Knut Rand and Even Søberg__, often switching leads.
We watched their dots move in sync — taking breaks at the same spots __from Hemsedal to Aurlandsvangen__, sometimes even sleeping __just meters apart__.

However, around __kilometer 830__, Knut Rand’s dot suddenly __disappeared from the track__, while Even continued on the fixed route. It looks like Knut may have __gone on a side-quest to Oslo__ — after officially scratching from the race. Even will therefore finish the race as 'Solo Rider' and will be excluded from the pair-category.

This gave the Schramm-pair, father and son, the edge over the following pair, __Caps #162a/b, Nick Hill and Rys Evans__, who are trailing behind with a gap of roughly __80 kilometers__.


The FLINTA Podium Is in the Books!

What a blast it was to watch the dot of __Cap #49, Alli Holland__, as she arrived back in __Lillehammer__ after a stunning total time of __79 hours and 29 minutes__ — just 6 hours after the winner, __Mathilde Germanier__.

![Cap #49, Alli Holland - Second FLINTA Finisher of Mother North 2025](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/wvRiWxLg5jNeIA3q8fy5b/82b8dc3a5aaf498099bc44184842bedf/4.jpg)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

Alli has been pushing hard and consistently, while others took shelter during the rough and rainy nights.
She caught up with Mathilde in __Vinstra__, around kilometer 300, and took over her position while Mathilde was resting.
From that point on, she was unstoppable, taking only a short break in __Aurlandsvangen__ before tackling the steep and long climb to __Finse__ — even though the weather forecast looked __grim as hell__ at that time.

Fearlessly, she continued __battling the elements__ on the 1,222-meter-high plateau, shaped by ancient glaciers, putting more distance between herself and Mathilde.
However, __Mathilde ultimately caught up__ with her around kilometer 860 at the __dam of Tisleifjorden__.

As Mathilde passed her, Alli maintained her pace until taking a final break in __Vaset__, before conquering the last stretch to the finish line!

__Chapeau, Alli__, for this massive effort!

Allez Alli – Second FLINTA is Through the Line!

We’re excited to announce that our __top finishers are in the books__!

Last night, __Cap #113, Dieuwe van Bergen en Henegouwen__, and __Cap #38, Simon Fels__, arrived together in Lillehammer at 2:32 a.m., __sharing second place__.

![Cap #113, Dieuwe van Bergen en Henegouwen and Cap #38, Simon Fels with Papa Serpent: Bruno](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3UW1NGMAOC7mddVucU0Fg6/62ad266f326364de79d8c7b900b2bc9b/AA9A0421.jpg)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

They had been battling over the final kilometers, but when Simon took a short rest just 45 km before the finish line, Dieuwe seized the chance to gain ground.
Simon, who had been dealing with __neck pain__ additionally to his issues with the __rear derailleur__, was forced to slow down and take a break in a —*not so fancy*— toilet.

![Simon's not so fancy toilet](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4fwMO6fThbbEphZx314J3a/d6a6b503393eb79d4ef3b3d19d410a87/d28ccdd1-2217-41c4-bd5d-bfe573f75f9e.JPG)

*photo credit*: Simon Fels

However, he managed to catch up with Dieuwe, and it appears the two decided to roll into the finish line __together__. What a show of __sportsmanship and camaraderie__.

Four hours later, __Cap #115, Niccolò Varanini__, crossed the finish line, securing __fourth place__. He had been __relentlessly pushing__ to hold his position. __Well done!__

![Mother North Finisher Badge](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3arVUmdlYlrvGLGxGgyjlp/fd1ec201831936fb00c8149248e1d67b/AA9A0425.jpg)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

# We Have a FLINTA Finisher!

__Cap #70, Mathilde Germanier__, has just reached __Søndre Park__, finishing as the __first FLINTA__ rider and __8th overall__! With a stunning finishing time of __73 hours and 35 minutes__, she gave it her all during a period of harsh weather. 

![Cap #70 Mathilde Germanier: First FLINTA Finisher](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/fJ7dDwX9xBkFHwswzpc8w/44536849713a07348073569905b66278/AA9A0552.jpg)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

We’ve been watching __Cap #49, Alli Holland__, going strong for days, but around kilometer 860, __Mathilde overtook her__, steadily closing the gap with unwavering determination.
The two of them have put on a __thrilling show__ right up to the final stretch.
__Bravo, Mathilde!__

![Mathilde celebrating her victory](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/511YmOvlVVhUf1GOgqfI7D/efc493a2cc17e0758aa64f764f32c502/AA9A0565.jpg)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

# Pairs on the Pavement

As of now, we have a __tight race in the pairs category__.
__Caps #153a/b, Fabian and Tobias Schramm__, and __Caps #150a/b, Knut Rand and Even Søberg__, were all resting in __Aurlandsvangen__ overnight — __only a few meters apart__.
It looks like the latter team (Rand and Søberg) woke up early and took the lead, setting today’s pace.

__Lets see which pair will finish first!__

We Have a Podium!

__Cap #27, Yoan Dercourt__, has just taken his final turn into __Søndre Park in Lillehammer__, crossing the finish line at around 4:50 p.m.
He completed the 1,000-kilometer course in a stunning __total time of 55 hrs 50 mins__.

![Cap #27, Yoan Dercourt - Winner of Mother North 2025](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2ovjWkKDOn2mHoyxh3snwE/e83677d1bd16dfff8165cb9c39fc0cf3/e8191cbd-584e-40d2-b32c-2abac1fef4cd.JPG)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

This also marks a new overall route record for Mother North, improving upon the time of the inaugural 2024 race by 2 hours 49 minutes.

Apparently, Yoan had a rough start on Day 1 — in his own words, he __“had no legs for it”__ during the first few hours of the race. But like a true diesel engine, he warmed up slowly and came back stronger for the rest of the ride.
Because he didn’t sleep the first night, he __managed to catch up__ with the front group.

After chasing his closest competitor — and race leader at the time — Simon Fels for nearly __400 km from Vinstra to Finse__ (at times just a few kilometers apart), __Yoan finally overtook Simon__ when had to stop and repair a mechanical issue with his rear derailleur.

Meanwhile, Yoan took a quick break just a few kilometers ahead — in what he described as __a top-class heated toilet__, where he spent two hours changing into dry clothes and warming up.
From that point on, this strong and determined rider was unstoppable.

![Yoan Dercourt shortly before crossing the  Finish Line](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1dn4rQcEeSJ6rM2cj0iFfB/cda497f28256e6013f6f6e4ae95571e5/Screenshot_2025-08-05_at_16.50.51.png)

With a daily average of nearly __430 kilometers__, Yoan was — quite literally — glued to his saddle.

![Lets Celebrate](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/49WG2uE7Yze70vVTg23M8s/fd5a740dec48db6bb75395f569f6c3e2/d9e39d93-5498-4a8a-b6de-9afe2a38f501.JPG)

*photo credit: [@julia__halasz](https://www.instagram.com/julia__halasz/)*

We wish you a speedy recovery and all the Kanelsnurrer you can find in Lillehammer.

We have a Winner!

Good morning, and welcome to __Day 3 of Mother North__.

Yesterday, the weather took a turn for the worse. Riders were already facing strong winds and cold rain by midday. Many sought shelter in hotels or cabins, while a few pushed on into the night.

![@iampetricazontea](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/U1NzHaY9rdK9O8k0nQw3g/21b4636431bc13d5a386001198694460/IMG_5162.jpg)

*photo credit: [Cap #126, Petrica Zontea](https://www.instagram.com/iampetricazontea/)*

There was a major shift at the front of the race:
Due to the brutal weather and sleep deprivation, __Cap #38, Simon Fels__, was forced to stop just before Checkpoint 4 at __Finse__ to warm up. There, he discovered his rear derailleur cage was damaged and had to get creative to find a fix. After managing a repair using zip ties and securing shelter at a hotel in Finse, __Cap #27, Yoan Dercourt__, overtook him and gained ground.

![Zip Tie Solution by Simon Fels](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3NJR1vmZxkHuMfktomi1p2/cd75fb3100120b74b194dd1cd2d4216b/3396b9a0-5ad2-4c25-b55b-fd3fb9f4c984.JPG)

![Quick Fix by Simon Fels](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3kxZpdgM3tD13mF8p8n3PK/5bb4732fbd5694b44226f60f67f9596f/714f5356-c36e-4ef9-b408-52cd6a7eb5f8.JPG)
photo credit: Simon Fels

Yoan is currently on his way to __Fagernes__, where the last major climb awaits before the final stretch back to Lillehammer.
If nothing goes wrong, we might see a winner __by tonight__.

__Cap #49, Alli Holland__, rode hard into the night and opened up a well-earned 20 km gap between herself and her closest competitor, __Mathilde Germanier__. Both are now on the tricky ascent to Finse — __weather-wise, the worst place to be today__.

![Cap #70, Mathilde Germanier](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3MOuuzTyHecn55kQeeBTxU/83c794c855053dc61105bdaebeabfb19/1f4b245f-a2ed-45dc-8b07-6f5633232f1c.JPG)

*photo credit: [Mother North](https://www.mother-north.com/)*

For now, we’re wishing everyone on the road a safe and (hopefully) dry passage. Our riders are facing tough conditions: high winds, cold rain, and dropping temperatures.

This is where __legends are made__ — and __rain jackets are tested__.

Ride fast — the rain can’t hit what it can’t catch

__“If you don’t like the weather in Norway, wait five minutes... it’ll get worse.”__

Several __weather warnings__ have been issued for the area stretching __from Flåm to Finse__ and we are currently receiving plenty of pictures from the road of soaked riders in the rain. It seems like many participants are finding shelter for the night in one of the hotels in __Beitostølen__.

![Cap #123 Rachel White](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6AFwooXVxkB2z0yfiCFcgC/f0b1bb17c67498e27cd4e0d5bcad0abd/Cap-123_RachelWhite.JPG)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)*

![Cap#4_Omare Alvarado + Cap#90_EilidhPrise](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4zDY9pbQNLE9gG6RDeP91z/3202ae65535bcc091980208d04ef80c0/New.jpg)

photo credit: Cap #4 Omare Alvarado + Cap #90 Eilidh Prise

As some have already left __Lærdalsøyri__, they’ll face a grueling 17 km-long ascent on a relatively busy tarmac road. A rewarding, otherworldly view from the possibly still-snowy ridge awaits them at the exposed mountaintop.
The ever-changing landscape shifts from icy lakes to rugged plateaus before dropping into the next fjord at __Flåm__.

![Rider in the Rain](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4Y5Q7XPAMvsC6VwW8GLnpZ/a992ac8d6ac5480ffaf25fe2d4a304ae/052b9532-8644-47bb-870d-832d7323c734.JPG)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)*

One of the route’s highlights is the steep climb up __Rallarvegen__, passing roaring streams framed by countless waterfalls plunging from sheer cliffs.
Leaving the lush greenery behind, riders then enter the remote, moon-like landscape of __Finse__, shaped by ancient glaciers from the Ice Age.

At this point, weather conditions are expected to turn rough at this high-altitude stage, and __landslides are at yellow severity warning__.

![Weather Warning](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2EWSmTSp8fgiCSmyYEoHVJ/2f27e2fcd9071907fc2490cb7533e0bd/Screenshot_2025-08-04_at_14.45.14.png)

*photo credit: [YR.NO](https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/1-111123/Norway/Vestland/Ulvik/Finse%20stasjon)*

__No comfort, no shelter — just willpower and wet socks__

Aside from a few isolated huts along the route, the nearest shelter is located at the top of the plateau — at __Checkpoint 4 in Finse__ — which can also be reached via the __Flåmsbana Railway__ from Flåm as a shortcut.
From here begins a nearly 100 km gradually descent — bringing riders *back to earth* and into lower altitudes.

![Cap #52 Gijs Hovenkamp](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4jtQuKtBYUoGhImZLN6VFR/542668727303b2210fcb83aa1e78f7a1/Cap-52_Gijs_Hovenkamp.JPG)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)*

For now, __Cap #27, Yoan Dercourt__, is still biting the back wheel of leader __Cap #38, Simon Fels__. Will they both stop at Finse for a break?
As for the two leading women — __Cap #49, Alli Holland__, and __Cap #70, Mathilde Germanier__ — seem to both have skipped the hike-a-bike section and take the bad-weather alternative route, as Bruno has urged participants to choose that option if they’re caught up in the clouds.

*May your wheels spin faster than the rain rolls in...*

In the Land of Falling Skies, Ride like Thunder

Good morning, riders — good morning, dotwatchers!

I’ve just received some voice messages from our leader, __Cap #38, Simon Fels__, who powered through the night, constantly chased by his closest rival, __Cap #27, Yoan Dercourt__.
Both riders chose to skip a well-deserved rest stop and continued pedaling through the magnificent landscapes of __Checkpoint 2, Mjølkevegen (Slettefjell)__, under the cover of darkness.

![Simons Cockpit View](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/65mTj52UI7XBpK7X6mkq2o/386164265d69b17a2ec668cf2bf2ba05/SimonFels.JPG) photo credit: Simon Fels

Simon was lucky enough to report __two moose sightings__, along with other wildlife.
Both riders have now crossed the halfway mark of the race and have logged more than 530 km in the saddle. Also to mention: __Cap #49, Alli Holland__ made it as only female into the top ten! Well done! 

Elsewhere, riders are emerging from the warmth of their cozy sleeping bags and gathering for a proper ultra-breakfast at the petrol station.

![Petrica Zonteas Morning View](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7abACVV5mLjDW2iBSvrw4N/9c6ef0fb88d4fdf5bdb0ab3cbcf3ec0f/_iampetricazontea.jpg)*photo credit: [@iampetricazontea](https://www.instagram.com/iampetricazontea/)

*![Petrol Party](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4WR1OfoEIET3LqprTZnTvh/c2b7fb69bc48421d9da00839304d9806/_bruno.gpx.JPG)*photo credit: [Mother North](https://www.mother-north.com)*

From here, they’ll leave the comfort of civilization and begin climbing into the breathtaking __Mjølkevegen__ plateau. In this region, some participants may be lucky enough to spot herds of wild reindeer along the trail.

![Reindeer](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2PF4EWPSInOclSHDLrYDHE/0d38919c25ce7c62bee93644edf06409/709A7213.jpg)*photo credit: [Nicolò Blasi](https://www.instagram.com/___.nik._/)*

After passing the renowned ski resort of __Beitostølen__, another mountain ridge awaits—followed by the route’s only short __hike-a-bike section, winding through a fairytale forest and past countless scenic lakeshores.__

A rewarding descent leads to the ancient __Borgund Stavkyrkje (Stave Church)__, marking Checkpoint 3. From there, riders enjoy a few easier kilometers before facing a steep final climb to __Vindhellavegen__—a historic road that snakes through a dramatic gorge.

![CP3, Borgund Stavkyrkje (Stave Church)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2MDB4Iq5zRiCycs9a5TJAa/333892b5a35e26892cb8cf75835f3f12/709A7754.jpg)*photo credit: [Nicolò Blasi](https://www.instagram.com/___.nik._/)*

The route then plunges toward the valley floor, surrounded by towering mountains, and unveils the first fjord in __Lærdal__.

![First Fjord in Lærdal](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7LCSKUiXJaQMBN9lHPzZuw/59b324b19b10535b6ded07238bdd6576/709A7542.jpg)*photo credit: [Nicolò Blasi](https://www.instagram.com/___.nik._/)*

Wakey Wakey, Eggs and Bakey!

Day one flew by—just like the riders on the champagne gravel, enjoying strong tailwinds throughout the day. Riders at the front have already __passed the 300 km__ mark and are still going strong.
While some participants have taken shelter in cabins for a well-deserved rest, others opted for a refuel stop at McDonald's before pushing on through the night.

![Resupply](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6tBDtrlyqAuVCD9kLar1he/c2e4df476f0199e060fa7737bdc4f1f5/c43dd3f0-74f8-41f8-8319-d1ca1c90cc72.JPG)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)

![Riders Pit Stops](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6eP9YHr7J7KVhinSioI1PK/ef76664043e2fc5e0348bf44879d00f6/Cap-58_AnaiÌ_s_Iturrospe__niallwshannon.jpg)

*photo credit: [Cap#58_Anaïs Iturrospe + @niallwshannon](https://www.instagram.com/niallwshannon/)*

At the moment, we’re witnessing a head-to-head race between the two frontrunners: __Cap #38, Simon Fels__, who shared a quick cockpit update, and __Cap #28, Barend Derriks__. The two have been trading leads regularly —let’s see who takes the first break, and who uses that moment to gain ground.

![Cap #28, Barend Derriks](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1ZjiUTUPvV3jZw3tHrW3T6/4323db798117788ff568eab7a70c51df/Grimsdalen7.jpg)

*photo credit: [Arnau Lumeras](https://www.instagram.com/inglourious_arnav/)*

So far, Simon sounded fresh, motivated, and resupplied with *Kanelsnurrer* (Norwegian cinnamon buns)—a sweet reward to keep him going into the late hours.

![Kanelsnurrer (norwegian cinnamon buns)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/393ol7d7XBTPAWJ83oZJ7P/0fce8d8d71164ff7db0dc161d36c7eaf/Cap-76Simon_FelsJPG.JPG)

*photo credit: [Cap #76, Simon Fels]*

In the FLINTA field, __Cap #90, Eilidh Prise__, was dropped from the top ten, while __Cap #70, Mathilde Germanier__, has taken the lead, closely followed by Martina Kunz and Johanna Esche.

![Cap #70 Mathilde Germanier](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2q3E4o4qtXQtcxMa8Nt0uh/f5f2e3966b2808982ab337d0e021afdc/Cap_-70_Mathilde_Germanier.JPG)

*photo credit: [Mother North](https://www.mother-north.com/)*

It looks like riders can expect __scattered rain showers__ overnight and into the early morning—but as we know, Norwegian weather is nothing if not unpredictable.
Today, the weather held mostly dry, with only a few short downpours catching some of the riders off guard.

![Riders ](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/42lzkkTojQcqhnMrEG4XKj/0378e403d6329930b8b2b8ee6e1ed6d1/48a8bd44-6940-48bc-afb8-e644fd8f3e49.JPG)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)*

Unfortunately, we’ve already counted __five DNFs__, due to either health-related issues or mechanical failures.

So, __Ciao for Now__ - I'm lifting my eyes off the screen and will catch up with the latest news in the morning light.

![Wild Horses](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4eHndEn4yuXepLAS5UVAil/09ead74b63b8a278aec6eab989a792ac/9be3d91a-d83b-400b-bc14-5823a7906ab7.JPG)

*photo credit: [Andrea Peruzzo](https://www.instagram.com/peruzzoandrea_/)*

Day 1 Recap: Tailwinds, Tempo, and Tête-à-Tête

Maya Christofori

Kristin Eidsheim Sønnesyn

Ole Bjørn Smisethjell

Mother North 2025 Norway gravel bikepacking race: Unsupported Bikepacking Adventure in the Norwegian lands through remote trails, ancient forests, and pristine fjords all under the magic of the midnight sun.

Mother North 2025 Tracking Norway gravel bikepacking race

Unsupported Bikepacking Adventure in the Norwegian lands through remote trails, ancient forests, and pristine fjords all under the magic of the midnight sun.

Mother North 2025

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Mother North 2025

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