Mark Williams is the first NOBO Rider in!

The Women's Podium and More

Age is just a number 

The Single Speeds and These Scots are Tough

2nd place female finisher arrives 

First women to finish Tour Divide 2024

Podium complete 

Tour Divide Videos Galore

Justinas Leveika Wins the 2024 Tour Divide and Takes the FKT

What is El Niño?

Mark Williams came into the finish in a time of 25 days, 11 hours and 18 minutes. He's one of only 3 riders to finish the Northbound route this year.

Chris Ellison reflected that NOBO riding could be lonely, seeing only brief flashes of the SOBO riders, who are much more plentiful! However, trying all the descents in the other direction could be a difficult set of climbs, Union Pass from Steamboat up. 

Congratulations to all the NOBO riders!

![Screenshot 2024-07-12 at 19.02.34](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6fw2RhCf3Lmt0h6p9HCHyU/2167266d3a181ea349775f873eba9f19/Screenshot_2024-07-12_at_19.02.34.png)

There are still riders out there, however with the mens Broomwagon just finishing and only one woman still out in front of the women's Broomwagon it looks like the end of this year's Grand Depart! Ali Bell from New Zealand is the rider in question, keeping riding solidly she's managed to finish within the cut off. An extremely tough challenge and well deserved!

Marie-Soleil Blais is the third woman to finish this editions Tour Divide in 21d02h34m and shortly behind her was Kirsten Cluely in 22d07h11m. We've had an unbelievably strong women's field this year with Meaghan's super strong finish and Ana just behind. Marie and Kirsten have been chasing, often riding almost 24 hours in one go! 

Marie has ridden the Tour Divide 3 times, with a 3rd place finish seemingly apt for managing this technical and demanding trail so many times! The Canadian native is an ex-pro who has made the move to ultra. A great rider and one to keep an eye on.

![Screenshot 2024-07-08 at 15.vv 1.36](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6cutIbZaGzsKaH7TFvJslp/0d587a5da0606c16be05c5a5bb799712/Screenshot_2024-07-08_at_15.51.36.png)

Kirsten Cluely is a Scottish rider who made the move to Ultra-distance racing a couple of years ago. An avid skiier and physio, she's into sports in every season! With little riding like this in the UK, she's cracked the Tour Divide after coming fresh of the UK's Highland Trail 550. Quite a feat with so little recovery!

![Screenshot 2024-07-08 at 16.00.59](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1o5iCiiHtjvteAAiecLaAz/1e3cf8c260bce9e511668f5bd873c752/Screenshot_2024-07-08_at_16.00.59.png)

## The Race is Still ON!

With the Broom Wagons still moving, there are plenty of dots still trucking along including the UK's Liam Yates who looks set to finish pretty soon. With both Broom Wagons in New Mexico, these virtual pacemakers are closing in on Antelope Wells but the white dots behind continue to tackle the gruelling route. We've also got some NOBO (Northbound) riders who are still aiming to finish - just heading up to Canada!


At the aged of fifteen, and with a time of 19D 13H 14M, Edyn Teitge became the youngest rider ever to complete the Tour Divide. An exceptional feat!

![ET](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1SqSnLQEcz62ccNMNBVA1s/de7470684d32759c37ee5e2008759b6e/WhatsApp_Image_2024-07-05_at_10.47.52.jpeg)

[https://www.instagram.com/p/C89yscWol27/](https://www.instagram.com/p/C89yscWol27/)

The women's and single speed races all come together!

The Final Video Update

After riding for almost the entire race together, the three Single Speed front runners have all finished. In first place, Alex Kowalski has taken 17 days and 22 hours. With experience in all conditions, Alex is a strong SS rider, also finishing the Great British Divide on a SS bike. Zachary Del Greco has come in in second and Johnny Price in third.

Single Speed and fixed gear riding tends to have a huge sub-cult following in the cycling world. With a unique faff-free but challenging nature it tends to draw the more expressive riders to the fold! With some cool packs, rad frames and interesting setups the bikes are really something to behold. With more and more riders attempting SS and fixed racing, keep an eye on these riders. Could we see another Alexander Houchin, winning overall at races on an SS?

![WhatsApp Image 2024-07-03 at 15.47.19](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2eSfZctqhXROqOX5pkeWP4/08944adeaff5fde573da67e37b9a026a/WhatsApp_Image_2024-07-03_at_15.47.19.jpeg)

## The Scots

Ashley Cordingley has had to push and walk for hours and is on his way to Silver City after his crank snapped off. One of the most frustrating mechanicals to happen as there's no way to propel your speed machine forwards and not many bodges to get you out of it.

Kirsten Cluely has pushed on through the entire night, gainging some ground on Marie-soleil Blais with only around 50 miles between the 3rd and 4th place women.


Ana Jager is our 2nd place female finisher at the 2024 Tour Divide, concluding an impressive ride that saw her arrive in Antelope Wells two days quicker than her previous effort in 2022 (when Ana was the winner of the women's category).

Ana was often close behind Meaghan Hackinen, driving the pace for over a fortnight, earning herself an 11th place position in the overall standings.

As the dust settles we're forever waiting for little nuggets of insight to come our way, and to hear about the details of the incredible two weeks that have passed since the Tour Divide started. Since Meaghan Hackinen finished,  we heard some words from [Peta McSharry](https://www.bikepackingcoach.cc/peta-mcsharry-2/)who played a part in supporting Meaghan's Tour Divide effort:

"What an incredible ride by Meaghan Hackinen. She was also part of my Project El Nino . To watch her hold the lead for the entire race was riveting. It's testament to the incredible athlete that she is, and whilst she didn't take Lael's record, to have gone into the race as a rookie, held her position, and finished in the top ten is an incredible effort. So I want to congratulate Meaghan on such an amazing race."

It feels like a long time since the waves of the Grand Depart rolled out from Banff. As our focus has been on New Mexico, here's a little nostalgic moment for when the weather was cooler. [Jackson Long](https://www.instagram.com/jlointheflow/?hl=en) has shared a lovely chronological account of his Tour Divide experience, which is worth taking a look at:

![Jackson Long ](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4elyLgY8W8Y7TaM8fpeoD1/bb167813f0c1746a94e31c9369c0ec5d/WhatsApp_Image_2024-07-01_at_17.38.00.jpeg)

After an inspiringly close contest with the historic FKT, Meaghan Hackinen was the first woman to cross the finish line of the Tour Divide 2024, setting the quickest time of any woman during a Grand Depart.

With just 70 miles to go she was forced to take some shelter from an intense spell of thunder and lightning in an abandoned building, but the weather soon calmed and Meaghan was able to push towards the US-Mexico border. 

Throughout the race [Mel Webb](https://www.instagram.com/melwwebb/?hl=en) has been in charge of sharing Meaghan's trail updates, and the DotWatching panel has been very grateful for her regular insights. She shared a few words from Meaghan at the finish line:

"x2 Women’s Tour Divide winner Alexandra Houchin and a lady named Jill from Bisby (near Tuscan) were there at the finish. Thomas and I trauma bonded on that trail."

![Meg Hack finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/526yZgGatCDAnq0Ul4f8xu/83b27277250e17b4456dd9055a41bfe7/WhatsApp_Image_2024-06-30_at_20.14.32__1_.jpeg)

We can't wait for the dust to settle and to hear about all the thinking that went into executing this achievement. 

Elsewhere, here are some other moments of magic from the end of this 4,440km epic.

The unofficial podium shot. 8am beers to celebrate 1 - 2 - 3 

![Podium beers ](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4lC92yM1Up6agqhirzlosp/191385e41049b3c6c50f8eb6a75474c8/WhatsApp_Image_2024-06-30_at_16.38.18.jpeg)

And in 4th place, [Cade Reichenberger](https://www.instagram.com/cade_reichenberger/?hl=en). 

![Cade Reichenberger](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/51qsp5iS5ZlFSYgGsZX3YP/55e1cf4c21a2fcac6bab067a336aa264/WhatsApp_Image_2024-06-30_at_16.45.46.jpeg)

Christian Dupraz finished in 5th, and here's one of our 6th finisher, [Aidan Lampe](https://www.instagram.com/themagicalwhiterhino/?hl=en).

![Aidan Lampe](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2pl4iowWrCiOSJTfz6YQnD/f6a4fb94c88ec8067c377395051478b6/WhatsApp_Image_2024-06-30_at_16.38.17.jpeg)

Meaghan was in 7th, and 8th place went to [Tomas Fabian](https://www.instagram.com/tom.fabian_sportsman/?hl=en).

![Tomas Fabian](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/hIHRYS8NifIw2K5LbaLy4/0e784fefaad0867b1b4a95034495ba29/WhatsApp_Image_2024-06-30_at_20.23.06.jpeg)

We'll keep you posted as more riders roll to the line.

The Tour Divide 2024 podium is complete! Although this year there was not a Hawaiian shirt in sight. 

Justinas Leveika has written himself into ultra-distance history, but it should not be forgotten that Ulrich Bartholmoes also managed to go quicker than the existing course record, previously set by the late Mike Hall. Ulrich's journey on the Triple Crown Challenge, to set a combined FKT across the three races, has well and truly begun. And arriving in third place, ex-pro Laurens Ten Dem rode an incredible race, particularly with some mechanical challenges in the second half. We wait with patience for the full rider de-briefs over the coming days, and expect there to be some stories amongst them...

![MH NM](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3NO52978r13j5DUMFg95Ti/722177209281d73b88872be8aa410a1c/WhatsApp_Image_2024-06-29_at_20.27.17.jpeg)

In the women's field, Meaghan Hackinen continues to storm towards Antelope Wells. She has just 150 miles left to go on the route. Although Lael Wilcox's FKT might be beyond reach, it has been incredible to watch her effort unfold, and the DotWatching world will be cheering her final push. Around 50 miles behind, still driving the competitive pace, is Ana Jager - who will remain very optimistic of a top ten finish. 

The comforts of rest are around the corner for those that have finished, or are still fighting away at the pointy end of the race, but amongst the field, there are still many, many kilometres to be ridden.

![Josh Hill](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3Cryiq7ceeKfoww21jpp8M/b9d2d2b0de252500cf35a998df0960eb/WhatsApp_Image_2024-06-29_at_20.34.07.jpeg)


[https://www.instagram.com/p/C8wfkOlMQNq/](https://www.instagram.com/p/C8wfkOlMQNq/)

Another Tour Divide Video Update

Justinas Leveika has completed the 2024 Tour Divide in just over 13 days and 2 hours, setting the fastest known time for the grand depart. We’ll share the exact time soon. Coach Peta McSharry has a message highlighting the long-term effort behind this achievement.

With many sleepless nights and a 77% moving average at a pace of just over 11 mph, Justinas has established himself as a formidable presence in the ultracycling community. Congratulations, Justinas!

![Screenshot 2024-06-27 at 16.44.14](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1lNGuHxDg7EqxzxkaqEg7p/c423742f0f33a7f639703e07420b2834/Screenshot_2024-06-27_at_16.44.14.png)

Close behind, Ulrich Bartholmoes has also made a strong showing, aiming to challenge Mike Hall’s fastest known time. However, Ulrich is eyeing the Triple Crown, balancing recovery with speed as he approaches the final stretch. There's been a storm brewing and Ulrich has chosen to wait it out, with his bike missing a brake and some big miles left, a wise choice.

![Screenshot 2024-06-27 at 16.46.58](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1NGlC6a5lWfCNHcpUkfrer/5e519ccaba9a37632c0ee2152cac92e5/Screenshot_2024-06-27_at_16.46.58.png)

In the Single Speed race, Alex Kowalski, Zachary Del Greco, and Johnny Price remain a close trio, staying within 10 miles of each other. Having just passed the 2,000-mile mark, they are maintaining an impressive average speed of 10 mph on their single-speed bikes.

Finally, Meaghan and Ana continue to push on with 30 miles between the two. Meaghan is dropping behind Lael's FKT, but there's a storm brewing and plenty of time to make the distance back up.

- Kitty

Ali Macleod

Kitty Dennis

Albion Cycling

Tour Divide 2024 Tracking + Commentary: Running from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells on the US-Mexican border, the Tour Divide is for many the halo event of off-road bikepacking racing. There are both Southbound and Northbound riders en route.

Tour Divide 2024 Tracking and Commentary

Running from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells on the US-Mexican border, the Tour Divide is for many the halo event of Bikepack Ultraracing. There are both Southbound and Northbound riders racing self-supported along the ACA's Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, always with a few weather re-routes to spice it up.

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