Alex McCormack

Angus Young

Joachim Lindhardt

Marei Moldenhauer

Markus Zimmermann

Nicolau Prats Coma

Hallvard Kolltveit

Joris Pesch

Jonathon Buck

Jona Riechmann

Marco Hoeksema

Wojciech Nogalski

Mindaugas Urbontaitis

Paul Ogier

Bianca Datola

Viggo Vea

Adrienne Estrada

Ruben Verhelst

Ingvild Tangen

Daniel Fernandez Raventos

Johann Kristan

Mathias  Gottet

Tor Henning Fodnesbergene

Naomi Moderlet

Jim Armshaw

Rupert Hartley

Nerijus Skridaila

Hans Meinsma

Paulius Budrikis

Jose Quintero

Hans Ola Jordet

Odd Erik Farstad

Sivert  Botnan

Paal Sneve

Martin Lörcher

Mindaugas Sujeta

Jaka Magister

Christian Duerre

Mike Ioannidis

Felix Schindler

Alexandre Schmitz

Ali Elamrani Joutei

Håvard Eide

Lloyd Berry

Violette Neza

Benoît Debril

Hristos Fleturis

Philipp Gesang

Phillip  Kaspersen

Jack Evans

Christian Paulus

Henrik Grytbakk

Moritz Bachmann

Ralph Brune

Anders Dy Urset

Lars Brennmoen

Fernando Pinto

Andreas Hacke

Sven Ghyselinck

Joe Rainer

Vytenis Aleliunas

Wolfgang Hiltscher

Knut Harald Smette

Enrico Azzolini

Emanuel Schwaerzler-Matti

Claudia  Wachsmuth

Luisa Werner

Jasper Polak

Tobias Callister

Paulius Kaminskas

Vadym Tiroshko

Stefan  Lachinger

Ivar Øyan

Philipp Böckmann

Kristijonas  Gedgaudas

Elliott Dixon

Andrew Kirsfelds

Colleen Monahan

Colin Timm

Armin  Brunner

Alex Larsen

Thomas Marx

Thomas Egrelius

Florian Jaumann

Guoda Aleliune

Yuliana Casas

Thomas Kaiser

Lukas Strasevicius

Einaras Eringis

Peter Lundgren

Terje Hansen

Harrison Cleary

Bogdan Ile

Tom Thayer

Fabian Wolter

Ryan Shah

Berber Heerschop

Rune Hanken

Mario Conradt

Ismael Sanchez Jimenez

Adam Krabbe

Martin Henrysson

Shona Oldfield

Richard Naylar

Krzysztof Miszewski

Beata Jarmolowicz

Gaute Havik

Jostein Havik

Håkon Røe

Tobias Obermann

Lisa Lomitschka

Giacomo Gelmetti

Lorenzo Roveda

Hanna Hüttmeyer

Oliver Rohrer

Christine Bartmuss

Roland Bartmuss

Kevin Hartwig

Hauke Gathmann

Thomas Terbeck

Erik  Arnewing

Nicolina Svenfelt

Media 2

Media 3

Media 1

It's day 5 of the race, and dedicated dots are still moving along the course towards Tolga. The weather has been relatively stable over the past few days, with significantly less rain than on the first day. According to the weather report, Tolga has seen temperatures up to 24 degrees Celsius and 8 hours of sunshine! It has definitely been worth pushing through!
![Bildschirmfoto 2024-07-19 um 18.20.05](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5VhunmrgwldctbaesnybxN/14689cd041d0e9dee1ec1dae45f73bc6/Bildschirmfoto_2024-07-19_um_18.20.05.png) ![Bildschirmfoto 2024-07-19 um 18.21.45](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2Kg38IXbyAmp2iWjo1YG4m/01e57b8f76ef8c0f18ca38e651dc795d/Bildschirmfoto_2024-07-19_um_18.21.45.png)

Vados shared on Instagram a picture of a cabin door adorned with a Post-It note. Written on that note was a warm invitation to our riders to stay overnight in the cozy cabin and even promised a breakfast in the morning. Acts of kindness like these that make such races memorable and underscore the incredible support from the locals.
![IMG 3851](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4cNoxqDbSOKpWdoKLTdN2G/41b8ceeb5a4e23ef3632a42971df2ec5/IMG_3851.jpg)
Markus Zimmermann, who finished the track as the fourth fastest, also reported being positivly surprised by the Norwegians: "Particularly noteworthy is the behavior of Norwegian drivers. You feel as safe here as a cyclist as you do on an indoor trainer in other countries." He also enjoyed the route, especially the section after Øvre Årdal and the spectacular views of lakes and a glacier from there. He always felt good and rode the more technical sections cautiously since he was only on 38 mm tires and his road bike. Nonetheless, he finished without any mechanical issues and with a blistering fast time!

Overall, I have received only positive feedback about the route so far. From the scenery to the ratio of gravel to road and the difficulty of the technical sections, Justinas has done an excellent job. Most finishers have rated it as very beginner-friendly!

Ruben Verhelst also made it to the finish line, and I would love to know why he had to fix his right crank arm with zip ties! As mentioned in the last post, there’s nothing that duct tape or zip ties/straps can’t fix!
![IMG 3852](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/gwMBAaGYBhohoc8HrA1kj/02a345d107169e97f51505b6e8e2cab9/IMG_3852.jpg)

The scratch rate has now risen to 24 riders, which, at 17%, is significantly below the average for other races. Meanwhile, 54% have finished – the rest are still enjoying the last hours or days with the Norwegian sheep.

Here is the Top Ten for solo and pair riders:
![Bildschirmfoto 2024-07-19 um 18.20.56](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5mVu6bRsVGbRSNEtpSYcfb/39fba6738f2d882893343ad773506729/Bildschirmfoto_2024-07-19_um_18.20.56.png)

Norwegian Hospitality and the Power of Zip Ties

More Storys from the Riders

Cap 109: Luisa Sophie Werner 

Luisa, who calls herself part of the "party pace" fraction, reports that she sleeps 6-7 hours each night and is out there to enjoy the ride. The first day was wild and grueling with all the rain. She made the sweetest comment, saying she thought of me and told herself, "Be like Hannah, push through the rain." Aww, sending love back to you, Luisa 💞! I hope you got yourself a good rain jacket.

On the second day, Luisa found her rhythm and got into her flow. She sent me a message at 6 a.m. as she left the track to climb Trollstigen, saying, "If you're here, you have to ride it." Kudos for this extra effort!

![by Luisa Sophie Werner](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5HqplgTzEhPBf7xcgGo0F8/325623760c505f125c74d6ee04e1fd97/de8cbea9-3c2d-4a42-bc48-0165b34d1ae8.JPG) ![by Luisa Sophie Werner](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6rVvcIP3Q4HTQjesiXSypb/f01191f443f69952b83971a4c6da1453/a3827322-1a02-4ed8-a609-6388b04866ff.JPG) 

Cap 10: Rune Hanken 

Rune faced a tough challenge when one of his spokes broke. He managed to fix it, but then another broke. Resigned, he stopped and brainstormed how to solve the situation. He concluded that the only way was to walk to the nearest town and get spare parts. So, he hiked for 5 hours, round trip, repaired his bike, and continued his journey! Great job, Rune!

Cap 24: Thomas Marx

Thomas also struggled with mechanical problems. Everyone has that one saddle that fits perfectly, making every ride comfortable. Unfortunately, it seems Thomas had his saddle for a bit too long because it detached from the rest of the bike mid-race. I’m eager to hear how he managed to reach the next store or even the finish line! The legend says that with duct tape and straps, you can fix almost anything.

![209a4c0a-fa1f-4f7a-9cf7-7a8c8f9f9ada](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/QL7XYIIgLURUnnfIikftY/4f93670175e7f57ff09ebf21330f8a09/209a4c0a-fa1f-4f7a-9cf7-7a8c8f9f9ada.JPG) ![5097ea16-8da2-4aed-a8d7-cf6a5346aeed](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/22dUVnCNVT1brFDRF5E74f/a8834f13178fb90746c3638b3c348729/5097ea16-8da2-4aed-a8d7-cf6a5346aeed.JPG)

Sleeping strategies of Paulius Kaminskas and Vadym Tiroshko

Paulius shared that his originally chosen sleeping spot for the night was already occupied, forcing him to ride through the night to the next (in my eyes, premium) bus stop. On the way, he encountered the Ukrainian rider Vadim, trying to sleep at a rest area in the "broad daylight" of the night. I hope he managed to get some sleep because it didn’t look very comfortable or dark enough to sleep well.

![by paulius kaminska](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3rUqCVTVbcsviQbFY214F/e397273168df2c17831b6163de2a5df0/paulius_kaminska_3.jpeg) ![by paulius kaminska](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6nPAsRWb53OA505dgFNi4I/1ea4b93ac138cccfb9d8581d3a94e7ea/pauliuskam2.jpeg)

So far, 12 riders have dropped out, most due to knee problems or mechanical issues. But it's only Wednesday, and you all still have plenty of time to finish the remaining 400 km within the time limit. So, no stress—there's enough time to give the knees a break and figure out solutions for the equipment.


About the Party Fraction, Ambitious Hikers, and Detached Saddles

Bright Midnight Has a first finisher: Alex McCormack

Alex McCormack has claimed victory in the Bright Midnight race, completing the 1113 km course in an astounding 2 days, 8 hours, and 18 minutes, with a total stop time of just over 2 hours. This sets an extremely high bar with this new FKT (and the route was 75km longer than last year!).
![Bildschirmfoto 2024-07-16 um 21.15.34](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2fYq9psqqIKbE3xLJ0ECZI/e6e0a8678016650a01166f012d1c073a/Bildschirmfoto_2024-07-16_um_21.15.34.png)
![by Justinas Leveika](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/Grxv6JtEdL8vPMibExRRh/eb700e742e55e1a1b7f40c395669096f/IMG_3805.jpg)
Only a few kilometers from the finish line, Angus Young is holding a strong second position with an equally impressive performance. Both riders have maintained a daily average of over 450 km, on gravel bikes!!

The question now is who will complete the podium. Wonderwoman Marei Moldenhauer is nearly neck and neck with Joachim Lindthard, with only a few kilometers separating them. It will come down to who has enough power left in their legs for a final sprint over the last 50 km.

In fifth and sixth places are Markus Zimmermann and Nicolau Prats Coma. Markus is likely the most well-rested of the group, having slept for 8 hours on the first night.
![Time penalty for Neza Violette](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2Bs49M5erPv4qunCYf3qye/2df29a84a53250a9729da2c8bb21b3e6/IMG_3804.jpg)
Unfortunately, the second-fastest woman Neza Violette encountered navigation problems during the night, resulting in her taking an asphalt shortcut instead of the gravel path. Nonetheless, she is continuing to enjoy her  ride through Norway’s fjords and is still performing very well overall, currently holding 16th place in the general ranking.

![IMG 3806](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3P00zXhuglpVhAo2Zgc9Hp/7ac7e9c03cc04a2d79a18f6b4dab4046/IMG_3806.jpg)
One poor soul missed the message about relocating checkpoint No. 4 to the valley. Phillip Kasperson still climbed the "monster climb of Juvasshytta, a 13 km ascent, averaging a 10% gradient with ramps often above 15% — and he did it with a gear stuck on the big chainring since km 50. What a legend!


And the first one back in Tolga is: Alex McCormack - who will win the sprint for the third place on the podium: Marei or Joachim?

A video is circulating on Instagram showing a rider whose shoe floated away in a river. This incident seems to perfectly capture the conditions in Norway yesterday. Fortunately, the rider was able to retrieve his shoe and continue the race.

![by Nils Laengner](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1EYp3qxlmdbx876aeDOlc2/df88e7bb5419271e91ab5ad632447ef2/IMG_3772.jpg) ![by Nils Laengner](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/JOsOB81AuR5yczpGuwrrF/2189b6c6f3b6f037ae43b449946d285c/IMG_3773.jpg)

Here are a few more insights about day 1 from the race director, Justinas Leveika, himself.
He also reported a lot of rain. Many riders changed their plans and opted for hotels or other dry sleeping places instead of camping.

It’s only 4 a.m., but the bright night in Norway already allows some predictions about the day ahead. According to mister race director, blue skies and good weather are expected “The race had a bad start, but it’s going to get better.”

![by Nils Laengner](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5UuGu466HDcs0QDaHtSb5i/d5dc88b165dbd30d7269e64cd82a2bf9/IMG_3770.jpg) ![by Nils Laengner](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6JSnLb7FUlFHMe5kGlpP7M/028f3b66016abc3488ee4e203979bd7d/IMG_3775.jpg)

Now, the race has only been going on for 34 hours, but the fast gravel sections have allowed the leading group to cover over 700 km.

Alex McComack is still in the lead, having already conquered the famous serpentine climb of the old road above Årdal. Angus Young, in second position, is just beginning the ascent.

They are closely followed by the first woman, Marei Moldenhauer, last year’s winner of the Taunus Bike Packing. If she continues at this pace, she could finish in the top 3 overall in this race. Absolutely impressive.

![Bildschirmfoto 2024-07-15 um 20.54.28](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4dXt6BpesDldsjsjPZd9X4/64e0426e08f5ad955d25a21cc8d9bb5b/Bildschirmfoto_2024-07-15_um_20.54.28.png)

Regarding the route, there has been a change to the fourth checkpoint. Originally, it was a dead end at a lake with glacier views. Now, riders will clock in the checkpoint at the valley town of Galdbygde. Alex is the only rider who climbed the original ascent and will receive a time adjustment of 1.5 hours for the effort.

![Bildschirmfoto 2024-07-15 um 20.57.59](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7FW0ExrmbgEfRLMdSri1a3/70359c7d6369b3a24c6f9c208f503b26/Bildschirmfoto_2024-07-15_um_20.57.59.png)

![Official Rule No. 5 of Bright Midnight](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1OQphPolZaf9Fb5NMHzhNf/0a9d0cedd574a872aefd2ff89349dc4b/Bildschirmfoto_2024-07-15_um_20.46.53.png)

In unsupported ultra races, riders are typically expected to be self-sufficient, handling all problems and challenges on their own. Depending on the infrastructure of the region where the race takes place, this can be quite challenging, necessitating thorough preparation.

However, I have noticed through chats and tagged stories that riders are actively seeking help, whether it be for spare parts like brake pads, shifting cables or forgotten Di2 cables. On one hand, it is heartwarming to see such strong camaraderie and support among participants. On the other hand, this somewhat contradicts the general understanding of a unsupported bikepacking event...

Wonderwoman Marei races in Top 3 - and the Undefined Definition of Unsupported Bikepacking Races

This morning at ten a.m., a large bunch of ultra cyclists set off on their adventure through norway. The weather in Tolga and the surrounding areas today was mostly drizzling, with occasional light rain.

![by Nicolau Prats Coma](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5Hy7jtNxdj2nBMWV4EbO0l/6827c6d23f667099b3a9082eafc74b27/c46958ac-3d8f-4065-9378-f44f964d113a.JPG)

Ten hours into the race, the field has already split up. A small leading group, consisting of Alex McComack and Angus Young, has pulled ahead by 10 km. 
Alex McComack, undoubtedly a favorite from the start, is the winner of this year’s Highland Trail and Further Pyrenees 2023. 
Angus Young is not to be underestimated either, with a series of victories and top ten finishes, including the Highland Trail 550 and the Atlas Mountain Race. Both are currently riding side by side.

![Bildschirmfoto 2024-07-14 um 21.20.50](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/57zbaufOSMnrw1LPWZIkJD/7d91a3b1886ab66ff3f9e6cdd6fe8dc3/Bildschirmfoto_2024-07-14_um_21.20.50.png)

Nicolau Prats Coma, currently in Position 7, provided me with some insights of the day: 

At km 67, they encountered the first river crossing. Despite the rain causing the water levels to rise, everyone in Nico’s group managed the crossing without any major issues. This was followed by a challenging hike-a-bike section. The gravel parts are fast rolling #champagnegravel with some technical parts, but he could keep a steady and fast pace of 21km/h so far. They faced countless more river crossings throughout the day— I hope they managed to keep their feet dry.

![by Nicolau Prats Coma](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4HQPY444xNlUBp9ckJo0h9/5746a2436f40a526c1c29f1cc827b71c/d1055d45-3232-4072-856a-3e8449e9d204.JPG) ![by Nicolau Prats Coma](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6W9uHpEfzjTnLjKLXmMPyH/ae17bff27cba3bedd9b23b22f03c9f3d/892a39f8-0438-41e2-bef7-e4ef4a8bb1cd.JPG)

Around 8 p.m., he met the fastest woman, Marei Moldenhauser, and got some updates for me. She’s doing well, enjoyed the hike-a-bike sections, and loved the fast gravel stretches. However, she isn’t enjoying the tarmac right now as much - her 44mm tires aren’t rolling as smoothly on it compared to the gravel sections.

Both have stocked up at a gas station in Sunndalsora for the night and are continuing their journey. Have fun!

Bright Midnight Begins: Drizzly Skies and Wet Feet 

Dear dotwatcher of Bright Midnight,
Welcome to the one and only original race through some of Norway's most breathtaking regions. I'm Hannah, and although I can't ride this year, I am beyond excited to be following the event from a distance.

Let's dive into this year's race details:
First, numbers: 1100 km with a 20,000 meters of elevation. 

The race kicks off in Tolga, a picturesque town known not only for its natural beauty but also as the home of the fastest ultra-distance rider, Justinas Leveika. This time he acts as race director and has put together a route that promises to challenge:

The route starts in Tolga, a mountain village nestled on the river Glåma and the doorway to the Forollhogna National Park, iconic in its vast tundra. Gravel paths and fast flowing roads follow the sun west towards the glistening tarmac switchbacks of Trollstigen, where the high mountains and the raw nature of Norway loom ever closer with each pedal stroke.

![IMG 3723](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/B3vnNXlabIh0OZdPyXj9K/8ccd25cf358a4a0e2fe40349bce46e21/IMG_3723.jpg)

Time will carry you into the fjordlands, descending steep cliff faces shaped by millenia old glacier journeys. Arriving in the fjord city of Geiranger with painted houses and graphic architecture bordering sea inlets, pause and take a moment to reflect on passes conquered and roads travelled.

![IMG 3724](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3YElamF00ttUQCHNMCTBmB/617614fa08e7b8843ede3ae795cad3fa/IMG_3724.jpg)

The next part of the challenge awaits. It’s time to visit the home of the giants - Jotunheim national park. The highest peaks of the Norway are resting there, you will be riding among them. Dipping down to the fjord to fill your lungs with fresh air and head back up again. You will get to ride a part of the famous Mjølkevegen and to see what’s so special about it!

![IMG 3726](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2LonAA2T7guiMvWntmr5KY/abbd365aa006536d3b9517ddc5bbc2f9/IMG_3726.jpg)

The journey must now return east towards the morning sun through Grimsdalen, where you will be overlooking Rondane National Park. The legs might feel tired, but the views will keep you going. You are almost there!

Over 100 riders have made their way to Tolga, and from the conversations in the WhatsApp group, the atmosphere there seems to be incredibly positive. The excitement and camaraderie among the participants are evident, with many taking the opportunity to join in on group rides before the main event. Riders are also helping each other with mechanical issues and organizing any missing parts needed for the race.

Gearing up for Bright Midnight: Route Preview

Hannah Ghazi-Idrissi

The Bright Midnight 2024 Tracking + Commentary: The Bright Midnight gifts riders a route through the barren tundra of Forollhogna National Park, dramatic fjords and mystical forests, climbing over 16,000m under the bright watch of the midnight sun.

The Bright Midnight 2024 Tracking

The Bright Midnight gifts riders a route through the barren tundra of Forollhogna National Park, dramatic fjords and mystical forests, climbing over 16,000m under the bright watch of the midnight sun.

The Bright Midnight 2024

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