12 hours in the race!

Benjamin Fenner

Urszula Żuchowicz

Joel Temple

Daniele Maestri

Richard White

Claire Frecknall

Johannes Hackmann

Paolo Romoli

Fabian Süggeler

Lucia Minervino

Stefano De Paola

Jan Szczygielski

Yotam Cohen

Maya Christofori

Lisa Weichert

Martin Aylward

Clara Pohland

Dario Majetić

Mathias Kirsten

Michael Lee

Michael Pirker

Alex Steinbauer

Callum James

Kamil Jacak

Tobias Reischle

Kathrin Springet

Johannes Schützenhofer

CREW - BRUNO

CREW - DOMINIKA

Hello friends and welcome to Illyrian Loop 2025 commentary by Dotwatcher.cc!
# 
This Thursday, in Shköder - Albania, the second edition of [__Illyrian Loop__](https://www.seven-serpents.com/illyrian-loop/) is going to start! We'd love to keep you in the loop with daily updates on the field's most exciting moments!

*But let me introduce myself once again!*

I'm [__Bruno Ferraro__](https://www.instagram.com/bruno.gpx?igsh=a2pqajBjZm5sZDBx), creator and organiser of [__Seven Serpents__](https://www.instagram.com/sevenserpents.cc?igsh=ZDFhc2NxaGZtNGxp) and [__Mother North__](https://www.instagram.com/mothernorth.cc?igsh=MWcyZ3ZtMmo5bHRjbA==) bikepacking events.

![Bruno Ferraro 2025](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7ImgSSD962bNNoEw9y5GRq/92c6cdb031c4aac48d82697072c1c261/7s_finishers_79.jpg)

You might remember me as finisher of some European bikepacking events like the Transcontinental Race, North Cape 4000, Transibérica, Badlands, Italy Divide, Basajaun, two Volcano Sprint, Transpyrenees and some more :)

![Bruno Ferraro 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4zN9YFLXHhPWTXQ4CiiuMX/ca496b3caa8652996ab7c5e508cf8a33/1725953217709.jpg)

In 2021, after competing in my second Badlands race, I realized the bikepacking community needed more off-road events. Inspired by David and Carlos, I created the first edition of Seven Serpents. It has since become a compelling fixture on the spring bikepacking calendar.

I’ll follow-up with a race preview shortly. In the meantime make sure to follow the [Seven Serpents IG](https://www.instagram.com/sevenserpents.cc?igsh=ZDFhc2NxaGZtNGxp) account for updates ahead of the start on Thursday! It looks like it will be some type 2 fun for our participants!

__Other links:__

[Komoot link to the route](https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/3698066/-seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025)

[Here is the tracking link for the event](https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025/)

Seven Serpents: Illyrian Loop 2025 commentary!

__The Illyrian Loop is more than just a bike route—it's a spectacular journey through the raw, untamed beauty of northern Albania. In a nutshell, it delivers heaps of stunning scenery through some of the country's most incredible sights, from jagged mountain peaks to turquoise rivers and ancient villages.__

 [__Illyrian Loop__](https://www.seven-serpents.com/illyrian-loop/) is the third [__Seven Serpents__](https://www.instagram.com/sevenserpents.cc?igsh=ZDFhc2NxaGZtNGxp) route. It is an unsupported bikepacking event of about 650 kilometres and 13.000 metres of elevation that will take place in Shköder, Albania this Thursday. The route will go through gravel and secondary roads in the most scenic routes of north Albania.

*The start will be at 8 a.m. sharp, the clock will never stop and the riders will have to rely only on their strength as in any classic unsupported event.*

## Route Highlights

Starting from __Shkodër__ the route tackles a quite short but technical uphill. After a warm-up, riders head northeast on a paved but incredibly scenic mountain road toward the famous Theth Valley.

![Theth](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2lGsE69nq2szqzHu1iTV8e/63efcdefad3ffcb5497847beb9cc03e3/_DSC1261.jpg)

This section is one of the most technical and challenging on the route. Heading back west, riders can enjoy a nice, flowing downhill on a compact off-road trail, passing through Drisht and the incredibly well-preserved rural bridge of Ura e Mesit.

![Ura i mesit](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/vH7c4aZuekoL3h6fBDvNI/a826e84b74494e47ec8e074ba783e81a/1726089546505.jpg)

Located in northern Albania, the Vau i Dejës Reservoir is a significant body of water created by the Drin River. This large reservoir is nestled within stunning rocky landscapes. The nearby town serves as a crucial hub, providing access to the Albanian Alps and acting as the starting point for memorable ferry trips on Koman Lake.

![1725983856657](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4OSbmCGcZdh2bekXul1OhR/cbfea764ebc464ba2c47678bafd29f63/1725983856657.JPG)

Riders will spend a good time riding around the big lake, a reservoir created by the Drin River and surrounded by steep mountains and lush landscapes. Koman is a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a picturesque escape.

__Here, compared to last year, participants will avoid a nasty hike a bike section by climbing through a demanding but quite panoramic tarmac section__

After this section riders will lead to Pukë, a nice and lively mountain village. The next challenge will be the climb to Lurë, probably the most incredible section (in terms of views) of the whole loop. 

![Lüre](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3euo9fJUnfN8A8XldHv2uL/91da61f8c8190a46fdaa8454988e1d53/DSC05724.JPG)

Passing through Peškopi (Peshkopi) riders will slowly lead to Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh, a large protected landscape area located in central Albania, stretching across the municipalities of Tirana and Bulqizë. Its name translates to "Mountain with Pits," referring to the numerous sinkholes and depressions that characterize the area's karst topography.

This region is a mosaic of diverse ecosystems, including high mountain pastures, dense forests, and deep river gorges. It is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the brown bear and the Balkan lynx. The area's unique geology, with its caves and water springs, makes it a significant site for scientific research and a fascinating place for exploration.

![Mercedes](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/x8BItHgmgWhXf7VJH72f6/ab2aa63ae638554bde8c699865ed1851/DSC05425.JPG)

Back to civilization and heading to Rrethi i Rezhit (Reshen), a nearby town in the Dibër region. The area is characterized by its scenic landscapes, and the Drin River flows through this region as well. Riders will pass by Qafë Mollës lake before tackling the last “more urbanized” section before entering back Shköder area and finish this incredible adventure!

__Other links:__

[Komoot link to the route](https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/3698066/-seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025)

[Here is the tracking link for the event](https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025/)


Illyrian Loop 2025 - route overview!

Riders in Shkodër are putting the final touches on their bikes on a mild afternoon. Some took a quick shakedown ride, while others are relaxing with coffee in the city center. Just hours before accreditation, a powerful storm rolled through, a reminder that anything can happen in the coming days, even with a promising forecast.

![IMG 20250903 220143 724](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3nAwblAfIOeciYcne7bOT8/678462c5a2fef51ba9ea5049cdb2e5be/IMG_20250903_220143_724.JPG)

It's hard to find such an intimate situation as an accreditation process: our participants sit together at a dinner table, tasting some Albanian delicatessen and hearing the briefing from me (Bruno, RD).

Everyone was very enthusiastic, yet a bit nervous for the upcoming adventure.

*The start will be at 8 a.m. sharp, the clock will never stop and the riders will have to rely only on their strength as in any classic unsupported event.*

__Other links:__

[Komoot link to the route](https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/3698066/-seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025)

[Here is the tracking link for the event](https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025/)


Accreditation, briefing, dinner...all together!

Imagine this! Morning in Shkodër — people are heading to work, schoolchildren are on their way to class, the city is just waking up, but the sun is already warming the ground. And then… a small yet very excited crowd with bicycles has gathered in the square, waiting for the signal.

![Start2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5z3foFcPlPxA9bTJCaEjCa/fcd7f3f474ad34916789c83b0668ea5f/IL25_start_7.jpg)

Three, two, one! Off they go, ready to explore the hidden corners of Albania. Hot asphalt, loose gravel roads, and breathtaking mountains await them on their journey. And every rider our media car meets along the way can’t believe just how stunningly beautiful Albania really is!

![Start3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/36XmCo6y6qRvi13FDdGS53/de88585a8d40495996183bb95c444246/IL25_start_31.jpg)

Next stop ~> Theth valley! ✨

*Follow the riders live via Follow My Challenge!
More updates in just a few hours!*

__Other links:__

[Komoot link to the route](https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/3698066/-seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025)

[Here is the tracking link for the event](https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025/)


And they're off!

12 hours in the race!
After a quick passage of Shköder promenade riders reached the first gravel hill: just a small appetizer before the endless uphill that leads to Theth valley.

![Gg](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1i0zYiQPnFj1Kil8vlUA2Q/50e7d12287f7126e7c9f6e792195cad2/IL25_day1_1_7.jpg)

#12 Michael Lee, #25 Joel Temple and #28 Urszula Żuchowicz definitely set the pace, crossing Theth really close to eachother but opening a gap of about 30 minutes with the other riders that started to spread out.

![Yy](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2gMWF1qDrCpO14AEGmg3Ql/645dd6c1f4632242740189382e2174d1/IL25_day1_2_30.jpg)

The media team collected moments together with all the riders while resupplying and preparing for the next massive climb.

Twelve hours in and Urszula overtook Michael crossing Mesi bridge as first... we're definitely off to bed but we're more than excited to wake up early in the morning and see what the night will bring to our dotwatching platform!

![Ss](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/78A1fEceuDcWDgdf62g2Tt/842ea2a2f57e69acdade495b5da5624d/IMG_20250904_213954_227.JPG)

Next stop ~> Night shift or sleep? 🌝

*Follow the riders live via Follow My Challenge!
More updates in just a few hours!*

__Other links:__

[Komoot link to the route](https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/3698066/-seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025)

[Here is the tracking link for the event](https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025/)


36 hours in the race!
Burning hot asphalt, endless climbs, wrists ripping gravel, food coma at every resupply point! Those were the most significant characteristics of the second day of Illyrian Loop.

![Hh](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1foC4D8uswQtbdGS9MWkF4/9485293c69f87b1d04ca17a4443ec443/IL25_day2_8.jpg)

The mid pack is proceeding to Lüre direction while the front of the race has been shuffling the positions!

![Mm](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3ee6A4fJHUExYc2wMmc2JT/a50c942fdd74bcb0fdf10bca37eb72dc/IL25_day2_28.jpg)

#25 Joel Temple took a big brake at CP2 leaving #28 Urszula Żuchowicz going ahead but preceeded by #6 Benjamin Fenner. Right now Benjamin is approaching CP3, while a fresh night is about to come

![Ss](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2XtunjGxa49pJkhjgTqrHE/ec77bf06aa3189868518126d27372d4a/IL25_day2_23.jpg)

Next stop ~> Rreshen and the last stretch to Shköder 🏰

*Follow the riders live via Follow My Challenge!
More updates in just a few hours!*

__Other links:__

[Komoot link to the route](https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/3698066/-seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025)

[Here is the tracking link for the event](https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025/)


36 hours in the race!

50 hours in...and we have a bouncing dot!
Benjamin Fenner managed to finish the Illyrian Loop just in time for breakfast!

Riding constantly and optimising his stopping time (about 2 hours of sleep) he performed an average moving speed of 14 km/h which is pretty impressive for this demanding terrain!

![Aa](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/38XmYx6GuZUvBPBz3dXOvm/2b3bcdfe6093d647c388913c58052f47/IMG_20250906_122904_821.jpg)

After his disappointment for scratching at Seven Serpents due to shermer's neck, Benjamin came to Albania ready and motivated to rock the course...and this is exactly what he did!

Congrats for this mega ride, now it's time to recover with a trileche after the other! 🫡🤟

Next? ~> Urszula is about to finish in second place!

*Follow the riders live via Follow My Challenge!
More updates in just a few hours!*

__Other links:__

[Komoot link to the route](https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/3698066/-seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025)

[Here is the tracking link for the event](https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025/)


First finisher is in town!

Second overall and first woman in Shködra city!
Urszula Żuchowicz rolled to the finish with a big smile, just 6 hours after Benjamin!

![Ff](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1I2m4oIM2fggWctUlyAWhI/cf926cc2e7a269a9ede65665b81bb1ee/IMG_20250906_183615_096.JPG)

Riding strong during the first day, leading more than once but suffering the off-road section through Lüre and Bizë national parks. Urszula managed a solid second position, gaining a gap of about 12 hours from Joel, who's supposed to be the next!

Yesterday morning, after some WhatsApp messages where it sounded like she wanted to quit, she then decided to grab herself and keep going. The media team crossed her right after Peshkopi, finding out she suffered neck pain and she even bought a "medical collar support".

![Ee](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3voNZmQLWpwsZVFRfQfIvZ/20a1ad16fe31468b19412613b8cdda75/IMG_20250906_183614_592.JPG)

Now a well deserved rest awaits, and maybe a quick visit to the local physio? 🙌❤️‍🩹

*Follow the riders live via Follow My Challenge!
More updates in just a few hours!*

__Other links:__

[Komoot link to the route](https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/3698066/-seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025)

[Here is the tracking link for the event](https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025/)


Urszula is the second finisher of Illyrian Loop!

Joel Temple closes the podium!
Joel is the next rider who arrived in Shköder, he rode the whole loop in just under 66 hours!

![Xx](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2X2P1Vg3TdSo1uYb4JXTo4/73600c24f73868fb24d1eab5ec9740fc/IMG_20250909_184926_966.JPG)

Last year he also finished at night, but this time he performed a way more consistent riding pace, with just one major stop at CP2, Lüre. He rode very strong (maybe too strong) the whole first day and night, then he took a well deserved rest and finally kept a steady pace all the way to the finish.

Joel also said that his favourite part was the new section around Bizë national park, we can't wait to hear more stories about that! Congratulations for finishing two times the Illyrian Loop! 🐍

__Other links:__

[Komoot link to the route](https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/3698066/-seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025)

[Here is the tracking link for the event](https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/seven-serpents-illyrian-loop-2025/)


We have a podium!

Dilara Tuna

Niccolò Varanini

Seven Serpents: Illyrian Loop 2025 Tracking and Commentary: Albanian gravel bikepacking race

Seven Serpents: Illyrian Loop 2025 Tracking

Illyrian Loop is an unsupported bikepacking event over gravel and secondary roads in the most scenic routes of north Albania including reservoirs, forests and cultural heritage and historical sites.

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