Trans Alba Preview

What Goes Up... 

First Finisher

Mark Anderson

Rob Gardiner

Tom Stringer

Kieran Power

Andrew Foxton

Ben Thompson

Stuart Featherstone

Gordon Shaw

Colin McGregor

Anders Koponen

Florian CABAJ

Angus Hawkins

Jack Yates

Robert Taylor

Jen Burns

Stuart Campbell

Ewan Gronkowski

Peter Grant

Amy Pritchett

Bryan Averre

Gabriele Revelli

Julia Kolkmann

Deryck Pritchard

Robert Spetz

Ian Tosh

Gregor Towers

Hugo Langerman

Chris Ulliott

Thomas Kneen

Greg Drew

Matthew Reid

Chris Espejo

Stephen Stewart

Sue Satchithananda

Maryjane Watson

Josh Tucker

Michael Tucker

Media 2

Media 1

# The Route 

*As the crow flies the distance from start to finish is about 20km. End of commentary.*

Obviously this being an endurance event, the riders are going the long way round, clockwise, from Edinburgh to South Queensferry via the Borders, the outskirts of Glasgow, the Trossachs, the Highlands and Islands, Inverness and the Cairngorms; which is a tasty __1,617.8km__ according to the official route planned on [RideWithGPS](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49556864 "Official Route"). 

That will include __20,769m__ of climbing, a ferry to Dunoon, a ferry to Craignure, a ferry to Kilchoan and a ferry to Armadale. Islands. Peninsulas. Bridges. The ferry fun itself makes up the second quarter of the ride (not exactly portioned out in terms of distance, more in terms of *feeling*. Splitting up the route will help a lot with commentary, so bear with me).

![Trans Alba Google Map](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2it1tnuSoEbeKntCz2y3Ja/95096552ef8947c97f6f47db73f3b3ec/TA_Google_Map.png)

## Section 1

The first section will see the riders head east, along the coast of the Firth of Forth before heading south to climb through the Lammermuirs. They’ll hit the village of Duns, near the English border, then head back north over the Lammermuirs and then southwest over the Granites and onto Innerleithen. They’ll continue south to Boreland and then it’s north all the way back up to the Lothians via Moffat, Carnwath and the edges of the Pentlands near Edinburgh. After progressing through the slightly more populated areas around Livingston and Linlithgow (and being tempted by sign posts displaying how close they are at this point to their eventual finish), they’ll be onto the outer regions of Glasgow. The route will take them north of the city though, the long way round, up some famous climbs, through the off-road mecca of Aberfoyle and the beautiful area that is the Trossachs, passed the signposts for Loch Lomond, eventually placing them on the west of Glasgow on the banks of the Clyde. Then it’s just a short ride to Gourock and the ferry business begins. This all adds up to about __530km__ and close to __7,000m__ of climbing. We might see riders look for accommodation around the Livingstone area (__330km__), or some might press on. 

## Section 2

The second section starts off after the first ferry, as the riders set off from Dunoon. They’ll head north through Argyll and Bute, visiting Loch Fyne, Inverary, and then veering towards Oban for ferry number 2. Then we’re onto the Isle of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides, for a short jaunt before the next ferry takes them onto the western extremities of the Highlands. The next ferry from Mallaig will take them onto the Isle of Skye, in the Inner Hebrides, with the riders pushing northward still until they cross the Skye Bridge, after which they can ride safe in the knowledge that they’ll be on firm ground for the remaining duration of the route. We’re looking at around __330km__ for this section, with __3,500m__ of climbing. Timing will be key here- miss a ferry and you could be looking at a long wait for the next one. 

## Section 3

Section three will take the riders from Kyle of Lochalsh north to Inverness: easier said than done when the route has you weaving along the Highland coastline. While undoubtedly a beautiful area, with the Outer Hebrides in the distance, it’ll be one of the most remote for riders with limited options for restocking supplies until Ullapool. Following Ullapool, we’re still heading north, albeit slightly more direct now, through more beautiful scenery, until we get to the village of Scourie in the far north-west of Scotland. This is the turning point in terms of the route, and after here we’re looking at the long road back to the Forth. Scourie, Loch Shin, Bonar Bridge: the North Sea in the distance now. Then Muir of Ord and finally through Inverness. __495km__ for this chunk, with __6,344m__ of climbing. 

## Section 4

The final section. The home straight. Inverness back to the Lothians. Only __280km__, with __3,600m__ of climbing. Only. We’ll discuss the individual climbs more as the commentary progresses over the week, but almost all that climbing will come in the 150 or so kilometres after Inverness as the riders make their way through Cairngorms. In fact if you look at the route, it’s pretty much all downhill from Glenshee to the end. This has made for some very exciting editions in the past, as people decide on the fly how they’ll push on to the end and what they can sacrifice to get there quicker. All of the above will be worth it once they ride through Cowdenbeath and lay eyes on the bridges in all their glory, a beacon on the horizon reminding them what they’ve overcome and how close the finish line is. 

### What's Next

We’ll dig into climbs, geography, the riders, and as always, food options, once the action gets underway on Sunday. There’ll be a lot of weather chat as well, but at present it looks like all the abysmal weather will be condensed into today (thunderstorms) and we should be left with pleasant, if changeable, conditions. We have __32__ solo riders lining up, and __3__! pairs. We’ll get updates and images from the road as well thanks to the roving event crew. This is probably peak time of the year on the Dotwatcher site, just in terms of the number of races being held at the same time across the world- but this will definitely be an event to watch. It’ll be the stories of the riders that paint the pictures over the next week but it is perhaps the most beautiful canvas in the world, Scotland. 


# As It Stands

![Trans Alba #1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7DnFqM4JMYELJnkgwVTAUN/eeb98be7ea4636e9e599c5e73671fed5/TA_-1.jpg)

Gregor Towers (#2), last year’s runner up, is setting the pace so far. As Sunday evening draws to a close he has covered __357km__ and is just about to enter California (not that one). Mark Anderson (#3) is in second, a little further behind, and then we have Hugo Langerman (#44), Thomas Kneen (#28) neck and neck in third and fourth. Julia Kolkmann (#37), Gabriele Revelli (#45), and Tom Stringer (#20) are the only other riders on the north side of the Pentlands. Almost everyone else is dotted between Moffat and Carnwath, most of them still pressing on. We’ve got a handful of resting up for the night in Innerleithen, and two riders, Stuart Campbell (#42) and Amy Prittchett (#23), seemingly both deciding to camp up near Samye Ling, the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to have been established in the West. Zen. 

## The Wheels Are Coming Off

![TA #2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1M3ckBtIu9lJaznVxxCila/2f2a33e7ef49650f50dbfc803d18b59e/TA_-2.jpg)

Mark has 51 minutes of stopped time so far today- which would be impressive at the best of time- but he’s had to overcome a pretty serious mechanical problem during the day. Everyone takes spare brake pads on an event like this. Some people will have brought spare spokes, or a spare mech hanger. Mark though, had to replace a wheel today; not something you can fit in your back pocket! He seems to have sourced a replacement in record time after a catastrophic failure, and he’s put that stress behind him and is pushing on.

(Picture unrelated to the above mechanical, just *a* mechanical from the Tuckers __#14/#15__)

### The Action So Far

![TA #3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1JovnBygBnwKhCCLnHPO9Q/23993249022a986bc08222de47ce8a07/TA_-3.jpg)

Our intrepid riders set off from Edinburgh bright and early this morning, enjoying a neutralised section along the coast before it became every man for themselves. They then headed in-land from that point, climbing up to Gifford then beyond into the Lammermuirs.The weather? Pleasant, with a bit of a block head-wind at times. The riders? Full of vigour. After the loop to Duns, we saw a mass congregation at the ever popular Innerleithen Co-Op; a lighthouse for many an audax rider looking to resupply. And that’s where we are at the end of day 1! We’ll check back in tomorrow to see who has pushed on for the night and who has decided to get some sleep- for those riders close to Edinburgh they’ll be turning into a headwind, which might factor into their decision. 


Day 1 Review

*The morning after the first night as a Dotwatcher is always one of the most interesting times of the race- you get to see who has pushed on, who can get by on power naps, who likes a good chance to recharge in a bed (bed is maybe a generous way to describe a mat on the ground, but you get me). The rhythm of each rider reveals itself thanks to the magic of tiny little dots and the ability on the tracker to rewind to different sections. This will just be brief as we have a lot to cover and not a huge amount of info*

# As It Stands

First of all, who are the night owls out there? Our current top three all pushed on through the night. We had the leader Mark Anderson (#3) make it to the ferry port in Gourock and aboard the first crossing this morning. He is still pressing on. Behind him, Gabriele Rivelli (#45) is waiting for the next departure. Gabrielle’s idle time off the bike is the lowest of anyone so far, only 43 minutes stopped in over 24 hours- and they weren’t far away from that first ferry crossing either. Slightly further back we have Rob Gardiner (#11) (both in terms of position and stopped time; he’s only had 47 minutes rest) and Julia Kolkmann (#37)- the latter who enjoyed a bit of a rest off route around Falkirk last night. A chance to see the Forth and Clyde Canal up close as well maybe. They’re both passing through Glasgow as we speak. 

Everyone else has had at least a few hours rest, the majority at Innerleithen, Eskdalemuir and Biggar- watch this space for creative DIY bivvy spots that’ll be revealed over the course of the day (Kieran Power (#34) and Andrew Foxton (#7) look to have both enjoyed a disco nap in the same park in Kilsyth). 

## News

![Trans Alba Kneen Crank](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6VbB7vxzBy32xisFxaTk5R/7c7122999b7a7ce549630d77cb371c3a/Screenshot_20250616-093259.png)

Thomas Kneen (#28), a member of that chasing pack from the previous update, pulled up for the night early with what seems to be a damaged crank. He had been hot on the heels of Gregor Towers (#2) at one point but spent the night in Livingston trying to source a spare part. 

The big news is that the aforementioned Gregor, our early pacemaker, stopped for a brief rest overnight before scratching at Aberfoyle.

Hugo Langerman (#44) decided to rest up in Linlithgow but now seems to be heading back towards Edinburgh having decided to withdraw. 

Chris Ulliot (#38) made it to a hotel in West Lothian but appears to have scratched as well. 

Deryck Pritchard (#39) ended up in the same Premier Inn a few hours later- but we’ve not seen much movement from his dot since then. 

We’ll have a full update later on today!


Day 2 Morning News

*It’s been a big day. The type of day which makes you zoom all the way out on the map. I’ve also rewritten this update about 3 times; every time I think I’m ready to publish I look back at the trackers and people are on a different land mass. NOBODY MOVE*

# As It Stands

Mark Anderson (#3) is out front still. It’s been a huge effort from the Edinburgh local so far; __750km__ in __38__ hours. After catching the first ferry this morning, he made it to Oban for the next ferry, and then onto Tobermory for the NEXT ferry. Mallaig is next up- it looks he's missed the final ferry for today, with the first one tomorrow around 7:30am. With about __50km__ still to cover he’s probably got enough time to press on and catch up on some well-deserved rest. This is not this particular cowboy's first rodeo though… Without even going into all the long audaxes and training rides he does around Edinburgh, we’re talking about a finisher of the 2023 edition of The Transcontinental Race. 

![TA Rob Selfie](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4H1GyxLF4WmKKUwz5cq2BG/4796fa085a2e04155db90d83fa971024/Screenshot_20250616-210445.png)

Our second and third place riders, Gabriele Revelli (#45) and Julia Kolkmann (#37), are both on Mull, having made it across onto the island in plenty of time. Similar to Mark, the first scheduled departure isn’t until the early morning. Rob Gardiner made it onto the island just in time and is going strong- despite the less than stellar (or standard Scottish) weather. 

We’ve got a party in Oban tonight! Tom Stringer (#20) is relaxing, killing time before tomorrow morning. He’ll likely be joined by Kieran Power (#34) and Andrew Foxton (#7) by sunrise. Andrew’s tracker is either slightly off or he’s taken a detour to Balindore- there’s been no update for an hour, so we’ll watch that situation. 

![TA Colin](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2ffpB4ruJBdH4nDc2mOKGo/e213d2fac1cb2345cd00ac49c94124d5/Screenshot_20250616-212509.png)

5 riders made it across Dunoon this evening: Stuart Fetherstone (#29), Angus Hawkins (#33), Anders Koponen (#30), Colin McGregor (#21), and Jack Yates (#31). We'll see in the morning who opts for a bed and who presses on. Colin has been impressing everyone with his buffet-on-wheels setup. 

![TA #9](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7e99DWwzYRIEsoCvdevRYI/cd0023a7f7f73bb98acd6091ba3fb4a6/TA_-9.jpg)

Bob Spetz (#18) looks to be sleeping in Greenock tonight- Bob is flying high after bumping into the mother of last year’s winner, [Calum Fisher](https://dotwatcher.cc/profile/i/12716), in a cafe in the Borders and receiving her blessing. Florian Cabaj (#24) and Deryck Pritchard (#39) look to be waiting for the next departure. 

Two of our pairs are around the Pentlands- the Tuckers (#14 + #15), and Maryjane Watson and Sue Satchithananda (#35 + #36). Our leading pair, Chris Especo and Stephen Stewart are beyond Inverary- where Gordon Shaw, who I’ve been told goes by the nickname Big Delicious, is. I will be using that nickname as much as possible in the commentary. 

Thomas Kneen (#28) has had to scratch after his mechanical issue. Chris Ulliot (#38) is also a confirmed withdrawal. Peter Grant (#40) is at the unofficial Trans Alba Premier Inn in West Lothian- we haven't seen any movement this evening so wait for a morning update. 

![Oban Weather](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5ubjDgjvo16EoNXTRIOa9Q/bd4a928ce26abc40cadf243970f64fb8/Oban_Weather.png)

Anyone riding through the night will be helped by what looks to be a lovely tailwind on their backs; although some heavy rain is forecast as we go further into the night. 


Day 2 Review 

A quick update on what’s been going on this morning. 

# Hot Off The Press

Mark Anderson (#3) made the early ferry to Armadale. He got a good few hours rest last night in Arisaig before pressing on to Mallaig this morning. 

![TA Ferry](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3HA3Mya4jfdoAYj6Gk69ym/7b56167e002eeb940d2dff487a17f9ee/Screenshot_20250617-092728.png)

Rob Gardiner (#11) slept just outside Craignure before setting off early doors to catch up with Gabriele Rivelli (#45) and Julia Kolkmann (#37), who both spent the night in Tobermory; they all caught the ferry off the island this morning. 

Kieran Power (#34) and Tom Stringer (#20) were the first to make it to Mull today, followed by Andrew Foxton (#7) and Gordon Shaw (#19). They’re all lined up heading to Tobermory as we speak. 

We’re into after-party territory in Oban now, with Ben Thompson (#43), Bryan Averre (#12) and our leading pair of Stephen Stewart and Chris Especo (#16 + #17) all getting ready to depart. Bryan especially seems to have made a big effort to push on and make an early ferry; after a brief rest overnight on the banks of Loch Fyne he then pedalled on through the night to make it to Oban. 

![TA Bob](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5NouX0greTThZdCEetCfvZ/9282884212f29648a702a78b1b5bd86f/TA_Bob.png)

We’ve got 6 riders behind who should all make the ferry to Mull today. Bob  (#18), who got some extra rest last night after struggling with some knee pain, is up and active today and cycling north from Dunoon as we speak. Jen Burns (#22) and Robert Taylor (#32) should be joining him once they complete their ferry crossing. 

Our remaining riders, 7 of them, are all on the move. Stuart Campbell (#42) and Amy Pritchett (#23) should make it to the terminal by the end of today, hopefully in time to catch a ride! The only bad news for these particular riders is the weather…

![TA Wind](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2CzWM1HbLa3l6XyHJG0TOv/25dc02009691231d17be67d2c5021b2a/TA_Wind.png)

The wind is blowing in from the south-west and looks the strongest around our leading pack- so they should be enjoying a tailwind for most of the morning. Cross-headwind for those heading to Oban, and pure headwind for those heading to the first ferry.


Day 3 Morning News

*Thanks to the ferry schedule we’re seeing groups form on the map. We’ll get into each rider’s progress later on today, but I thought it’d be a good time to talk about the route again*

# Bealach nam Bò

Mark Anderson (#3) has climbed it. Second, third, and fourth will probably encounter it by the end of today… Yes it’s time to talk about the __Bealach na Bà__! The reward for overcoming the logistical challenges of island hopping is the prospect of climbing one of the most daunting sections of road in the UK. It’s a good time to talk about climbing overall, with the Tuckers (#14 + #15) about to climb the [Tak Ma Doon](https://www.strava.com/segments/19520926) and two riders, Peter Grant (#40) and Ewan Gronkowski (#41), about to do the [Dukes Pass](https://www.strava.com/segments/25036161).

In the grand scheme of things, the Bealach na Bà climb isn’t anything too intimidating. We’re not talking about high altitude. The whole climb is less than __10km__ long. It’s hardly an Alpine pass. You only go from sea level to about __630m__. It is tarmac all the way up. There’ll be riders in the event who have climbed much harder sections on paper, and dots in other races taking place just now scaling more daunting peaks. But:

- It’s probably the hardest climb in the UK.
- We have a bunch of athletes out there who have hardly slept and are loaded up with luggage.
- Sometimes logic doesn’t apply. 

![Bealach na Bà](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5YCVUmIQjZLpl6fgYdRu85/538d2ba9b14f5d30750e94968d539bc7/81364342_631601807646238_6133653950308664955_n-640x800.jpg)

Basically, it’s tough. The former track had been used for centuries to transport animals to urban areas (hence the name translation, Gaelic for Pass of the Cattle). During the late Georgian era a road was [constructed](https://hiddenscotland.com/listings/bealach-na-ba), engineered similarly to mountain passes in the Alps with steep switchbacks. 

> With the government footing the bill for 75% of the road’s building costs, a contract was signed in 1818 to improve the road that had been constructed nearly 2,000 years before. But the project seemed doomed from the beginning. No one wanted to take on the behemoth job of building a road on such a treacherous and unforgiving area of the world. Eventually, someone was found to build the precarious hairpins of the Bealach na Bà. But that first contractor only lasted three months. One after another, contractors balked at the project. Some claimed that the loneliness of the open road, stretching far into the Scottish Highlands, had driven the men insane. Others wondered if they’d been injured by falling rocks and stones from the untamed landscape. Eventually completed in 1822 at a cost of £4,000 (£500,000 today), the haunting memories of its constructions did not deter its visitors.

It remained predominantly a steep gravel road, a popular showcase for the capability of early cars in fact, until the late 1950s when it was tarmacked over and some of the steeper hairpin bends widened. It’s still popular with cars to this day as it is part of the North Coast 500 route (despite some warning signs at the bottom)- from experience the road is narrow enough, with switchbacks so tight, that when you’re climbing with a car coming the other way, you can really see the fear in the eyes of those behind the wheel. Worse still is having to pull over and let people by- restarting on the climb is a huge challenge. 

![bealach-na-ba-tornapress](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7Jz4yPyItPuvDRKOaAoIhh/77aeb15a33cc8f66889c84ea7fc6b1ad/bealach-na-ba-tornapress.png)

In full it sits at __9.2km__ of a climb, ascending the __630m__ or so with an average gradient of __6.7%__. The *steep* steep bits look something like __100m at 18.4%__. The [Strava KOM](https://www.strava.com/segments/6671117) sits at __24:31__. 

It is a beautiful sight from the top though- I’ll let each rider decide if it was worth the struggle before putting words in their mouth- with very few trees and a viewpoint way off into the distance. Looking at the course profile the climb sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the first half of the route; we’ll have more to discuss later in the week as the riders enter the Cairngorms, but for now this is the biggest obstacle. 

*A late one*

# As It Stands

We are about __2 days__ and __16 hours__ into the event and Mark Anderson (#3) still leads. He posted a video on Instagram today talking through his approach so far- while he started the event with a racing mindset, now that he’s opened up a gap he’s allowing himself to relax a little. He’s covered __1110km__ so far, or __69%__ of the course, and has a lead of __169km__. He’s only stopped for 18 minutes in total today since getting the ferry crossing this morning, so you can maybe take the relaxation declaration with a pinch of salt. 

![TA Ferry](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/484JGRP9IuB8Gx7RPgGMCP/089b2c9604ceaaf09e12c449f35f0b2f/Screenshot_20250617-214926.png)

Behind him our ferry trio have become a double act; Rob Gardiner (#11), Gabriele Revelli (#45) and Julia Kolkmann (#37) all crossed over from Mallaig at the same time today, but Julia seems to have decided to take an extended break at Lochcarron while the rest pushed up towards the day’s big climb. Of those at the pointy end, excluding the ferry transit time, Gabriele seems to have slept the least so far, closely followed by Rob. Mark had a 7 hour rest last night, while Gabriele has only really stopped for an hour last night around 6pm and today for about 90 minutes around lunch. The picture probably explains how he feels better than I can describe. 

![TA #15](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3FoaqSSxUHoir6CPB6LZkY/bf66b398d05c2973a42b29bbccdbeda4/TA_-15.jpg)

While she’s taking the down time, we’ve seen Tom Stringer (#20), Kieran Power (#34) and Andrew Foxton (#7) make big progress. Gordon Shaw (#19) was with them when they boarded the ferry today but took a little longer to get going, while the other three have been overlapping all day. Right now he can probably see their rear lights in the distance as they loop back slightly to begin the Bealach climb. Applecross, on the other side, is a good place to stop for the night but we’ll see pretty soon if they decide to press on. According to the tracker info Tom has had the lowest amount of idle time so far amongst all the riders, with a measly __8__ hours (__13%__ of his total time). 

![TA #14](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/76XWByq3ePaxMhij9EvF1A/4ff66eea14272c07615593609ab3dc28/TA_-14.jpg)

Behind that it’s been a race to Mallaig and that final ferry! Ben Thompson (#43) made it first, then Bryan Averre (#12). Our leading pair of Stephen Stewart and Chris Especo (#16 + #17) rocked up next (albeit it looks like they arrived at slightly different times, with Stephen leading the charge). Then Colin McGregor (#21), to the surprise of his mother... 

![TA Col Mum](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5XdgTfJfkHpG03MGTSMpYB/910d15ec9ce1deaab94e67008409e51e/WhatsApp_Image_2025-06-17_at_11.52.59_69e43f01.jpg)

Stuart Fetherstone (#29) and Anders Koponen (#30) make up the rest of the bunch. 

Florian Cabaj (#24) had been ahead of the above group but looks to have decided to spend a bit more time in Lochailort, resting up for the night. Angus Hawkins (#33) is inbetween but should make it for the morning crossing. Jack Yates (#31) is about 40km away so even with a rest should join the others. 

Jen Burns (#22) and Robert Taylor (#32) are in Tobermory, arriving at pretty much the same time. Stuart Campbell (#42) made it to Oban tonight, but not without some drama... Missing his planned ferry from Gourock and then just making it to Oban in time for the final crossing. He should be heading to Mull as we speak, suitably fuelled up and ready for the challenge ahead. 

![TA Stuart Ferry 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3M7iJWcOxrIotRvc3RxOUw/09a659c9f427c416e24af44557ad1f6a/Screenshot_20250617-223422.png)
![TA SC Ferry 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4tS82GVsjcCXDkhIAQr2mO/d9b62268ab66cd98257fe62e149e4f31/Screenshot_20250617-223400.png)

He’s not the only one nailing his refuelling strategy, with Colin once again giving us a peek into his cockpit. 

![TA Colin Cockpit](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6PPlbUklD7hTiLisBs1NwP/597e0fbf2b0cb938b6111ba8cf844372/WhatsApp_Image_2025-06-17_at_12.39.10_988a5fca.jpg)

He’s channeling Lael Wilcox this time by going all in on the dairy approach, and she seems to know her stuff;

> Lael: You know, anything that looks appealing, just go for it. You need food and you need a lot of food, so you have to buy stuff you actually want to eat. And that’s different at different times for different people. In the past I’d drink a lot of milk and chocolate milk.

Amy Pritchett (#23) is on the banks of Loch Fyne, with 75km to go to Oban. Peter Grant (#40) and Ewan Gronkowski (#41) both made the first ferry trip today; Ewan is still moving while Peter has decided to take a bit of a rest for the evening. There are some tired bodies out there; a combination of the physical fatigue and logistical headaches all taking their toll. 

That just leaves our two pairs! The Tuckers (#14 + #15) seem to have decided to split, with Josh pushing on slightly and Michael deciding to go his own pace. Josh should be first in the queue for tomorrows trip to Dunoon, while Michael is just exiting the Trossachs. Maryjane Watson and Sue Satchithananda (#35 + #36) are just outside Falkirk and seem to be catching up on some sleep. 

Ian Tosh (#27) decided to scratch yesterday. Deryck Pritchard (#39) made the call to exit the race at Inverary and has made his way back along the route to Gourock. Robert Spetz (#18) made it to Oban and decided on the same course of action, withdrawing before heading into the more remote areas of Scotland. 


Day 3 Review

# As It Stands 

Can you have a breakaway victory in a multi-day bikepacking event? This performance from Mark Anderson (#3) probably answers that question. It’s easy to check in on these dots and take for granted that he’s in first place but we shouldn’t lose sight of how professional a performance this has been (especially considering he’s had to replace a wheel). Outside of the __7 hours__ rest he took on Monday night while waiting for a ferry, he’s hardly stopped. We’re talking less than an hour’s down time in the __36 hours__ since Tuesday sunrise. He’s __50km__ away from the finish as we speak, averaging __430km__ a day. He’s navigated through Inverness today, through the last challenging section of the Cairngorms, and will be boosted by seeing signs for the capital. This is a man riding like he’s got work tomorrow morning. 

## The Constant Gardiner

Behind him things are more spread out. When we last caught up with our riders, the chasing pack behind Mark were on the Applecross peninsula, all fairly close together. The good news is that Julia Kolkmann (#37) is back on the bike after taking a longer rest last night. The bad news is that Garbiele Revelli (#45) made it to Ullapool and decided to scratch. The third member of that trio is showing his experience though… 

![TA Garbiele](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1VP2mmZ8dbUPLynlcfoywT/ecbeed4b2ac89230f810fb3ef45e9423/Screenshot_20250618-202920.png)

![TA Feet](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/70vTZBYPIGSuWveWtNUpp5/5b98f1596f84a1679a0d10a9f7b331a3/Screenshot_20250618-213232.png)

Rob Gardiner (#11), who will be known to members of the Dotwatcher community as not only the organiser of several bikepacking events in England and Wales ([The Perfidious Albion](https://theperfidiousalbion.cc/the-perfidious-albion/), [Wild West Country](https://theperfidiousalbion.cc/the-wild-west-country/), and [Mountains of the Merfynion](https://theperfidiousalbion.cc/mountains-of-the-merfynion/)), but as an accomplished rider himself (Trans Pyrenees, Blaenau 600, Great British Divide...), has turned on the afterburners. After climbing the Bealach last night he has not stopped, making it to the far-away point of the course and is now on the outskirts of Inverness. He’s on __1325km__ since Sunday morning, averaging __370km__ a day. A hilly section through the Cairngorms awaits him- will he rest up tonight? If he decides to press on, he could be finished by breakfast. But... 

### Third Place

Equally impressive is the effort from Tom Stringer (#20). He’s just under __60km__ behind Rob (will that influence tonight’s decision making?), sitting in third place after capitalising on the struggles of Julia and Gabriele. A combination of good ferry timing and perseverance has seen him move up the leaderboard. He came into this event with a plan and it seems to be working, he's flying around Scotland today.

### As It Stands

Behind him we have two old heads! In a lovely twist of fate, the second place finisher in 2022 and the second place finisher in 2023 have synced up and we’ve seen them riding together all day. Kieran Power (#37) finished 2022 in __5d16h1m__, Andrew Foxton (#7) in __5d11h43m__. We’re __3d14h36m__ into this year’s event and they have __420km__ to go until the end. Here's hoping they both set new PRs. 

Julia, who took that extended break after struggling with some foot pain, made it up and over into Applecross (despite some less than ideal weather) and is back to making good progress. Last we saw it seemed she had a minor mechanical issue, but hopefully that’s been resolved. 

*Edit- we have a freehub issue for Julia.*

![TA Freehub](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6x45McpGyCrX7okDJnea9k/efa4c82f0bab0c6ce6b20b6d53804419/Screenshot_20250618-214717.png)

Gordon Shaw (#19), who wasn’t far off Tom/Kieran/Andrew at the close of play yesterday, took the sensible option and got some rest in Applecross. He made some ground up today before going off course slightly at Gairloch and heading to a local youth hostel. Nervous times as a Dotwatcher when something like that happens but I’m happy to report he’s back on track now and leads a small group of riders that contains yesterday's Ferry Boyz; Ben Thompson (#43), Stuart Fetherstone (#29), Florian Cabaj (#24), Colin McGregor (#21), Bryan Averre (#12), Anders Koponen (#30), our leading pair of Stephen Stewart and Chris Especo (#16 + #17), Angus Hawkins (#33) and Jack Yates (#31). After they all caught up with the media crew at Locharron it was a case of every man for himself over the Bealach. I think at one moment in time we would have had about 8 Trans Alba riders at various points on the mountain, which would have been an impressive sight. A big day for the team in the car as well; leaving their temporary base in Oban to catch up with the riders above, then a mad dash back to the finish line to get there before the Mark Anderson express rolls into the station. 

![TA -18](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6qm4Up4wxIKl1WeBVmpCZY/d1bc977f9eb06cb21b82d071dabdd539/TA_-18.jpg)

Speaking of Locharron, both Robert Taylor (#32) and Jen Burns (#22) have just passed through. Robert is climbing right now, Jen en route. 

Stuart Campbell (#42) is in Mallaig: he’s had a complicated relationship with ferry timetables so far but seems to somehow find a way. Only one more to deal with though, so good news in the SC camp! 

![TA Ferry](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3mHrGRurQff0oxRC0Oso1e/b2e3b787e3d29ab92ed3818ca9aba6d5/Screenshot_20250618-210946.png)

Behind him Ewan Gronkowski (#41) seems to have decided to take a rest in Arisaig, a little short of the terminal. Amy Pritchett (#23) made it onto Mull and off again with seemingly little stress. She’ll be eyeing that ferry to Armadale in the morning. 

Peter Grant (#40) looks to have got a bed for the night on Tobermory after getting the ferry to Mull today. 

We can all breathe a sigh of relief, the Tuckers (#14 + #15) are back together. We were worried after they seemed to split up on the way to Greenock, but they caught their ride at the same time and are now BOTH approaching Oban. 

Our final pair celebrated a milestone, with Maryjane Watson and Sue Satchithananda (#35 + #36) making the ferry to Dunoon today. 

![TA Weather](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5ahfPyM7uJJRe0nVtz6dDB/f85682d2a6e7b0e2544f6fe88d2e1168/TA_Weather.png)

The weather should stay dry and mild for the riders overnight. Check the wind map to see an almost perfect tailwind for most of the riders, blowing them clockwise around Scotland. 


Day 4 Review

# Finishers

![TA -20](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/V8tsDR5XTKTSXsofuer9t/b0a2725559bf885817b20aab72fdd7f8/TA_-20.jpg)

One rider back so far. A new record pace for the event. Mark Anderson (#2) finished in __89 hours and 40 minutes__. It’s an incredible achievement and shows the man’s pedigree. He’s got big plans in the future too…

Rob Gardiner (#11) took a little break in Inverness (hardly any time), and has pushed on since midnight. Climbing through the Cairngorms, navigating Perth, then onto the finish line. A few little discomforts along the final stretch have proved no challenge for him. 

![TA Gel](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2yCbFFugowKAv29z1mtEro/a26dbf9c433c0bafd13a68d2ec67d6b1/Screenshot_20250619-171630.png)

He opened up a slight gap on Tom Stringer (#20) in third. It looks like Tom took a slightly longer rest outside of Inverness, but apart from that they’ve been matching each other all the way since Applecross. He’s just outside Perth as we speak. Rob and Tom should join Mark on the podium soon! 

## As It Stands

Kieran Power (#34) and Andrew Foxton (#7) are still together. __320km__ to go for each of them as they both try to set new personal records for the event! They seem to have decided to get some rest at Lairg train station last night before setting off again this morning. 

Gordon Shaw (#19) appears to be slightly off course. He took a detour to a youth hostel yesterday- but I’m not sure where this mystery detour will take him. Update: he seems to be back on course. Maybe local knowledge?

The big news this far down the update is that the Ferry Boyz have decided to go solo. ~~John, Paul, Ringo,~~ wait… 

Ben Thompson (#43) was the first to go clear, then Stuart Fetherstone (#29); both making good progress through the night and into today. 

![TA -21](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2EfRlcwTvhxCT66N6MEKd2/29026d3453db4b6f13df49fbbc86c506/TA_-21.jpg)

Chris and Stephen (#17 + #16), our leading pair, have likewise been making big strides and will be rolling into Inverness before sunset. 

Bryan Averre (#12) seemingly decided to withdraw from the event- taking the shortcut from Ullapool along the A837 to Bonar Bridge. It’s tough to make the sensible choice after investing so much into an event, so we’ve got to applaud the decision. 

Colin McGregor (#21) and Anders Koponen (#31) have been leapfrogging each other in the last 24 hours, with them both now on the banks of Loch Shin, just ahead of Florian Cabaj (#24). 

Angus Hawkins (#33) and Jack Yates (#31) are both just about at the furthest away point. 

![TA Mechanical](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4faMX3kKjFyCZaK39xcRSw/9a6940ea4acf1899ef6f2a27e7d7759f/Screenshot_20250619-171554.png)

We had a late update last night of the mechanical issue for Julia Kolkmann (#37); Unfortunately it resulted in a DNF; a trip back to Ullapool and the nearest bike shop couldn’t fix the freehub. 

Robert Taylor (#32) and Jen Burns (#22) both made it over the Bealach safely. 

![TA Trio](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3O9k7IV6OxT3hHSO0gxY12/2aaf283ec882b06841018771800022eb/Screenshot_20250619-171517.png)

Ewan Gronkowski (#41), Stewart Campbell (#42) and Amy Pritchett (#23) all made the ferry with plenty of time and are all in Applecross now. That group on the road is about to acquire a new member though, with Peter Grant (#40) making up a lot of time today. 

The ferry fun continues though- the Tuckers (#14 + #15) have blasted across Mull and look set to catch their second ferry of the day. Likewise, Sue Satchithananda and Maryjane Watson (#35 + #36) have made huge progress today, finding their groove and making it to Oban in plenty of time for another ferry ride tonight. Will they press on to catch a late one from Tobermory? 

## Forecast

![BBC Weather Perth](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1K7lQhU7EJPQ5t3ZN0Wrto/abb91bb800d8f21b8b004c5aa2b36008/BBC_Weather_Perth.png)

A word you probably wouldn’t associate with a Scottish bikepacking event: __heatwave__. For the remaining riders out there things are going to heat up a little… Friday looks to be the hottest day of the week (with few more clouds on Saturday). We’re talking high twenties. A real feel around 30 degrees celsius.  A little cooler the further north we go but for those aiming to hit Perth on Friday, it could be time for an ice cream (or two). I may or may not be armed with a water pistol around Perth tomorrow afternoon to offer some assistance to any rider in need...


Day 5 Update

Louis Moorehead

Calum Fisher

Trans Alba Race 2025: A lap of Scotland heading to the Borders before veering due north into the Highlands and back south to the Scottish capital, with three ferry crossings and very little flat land.

Trans Alba Race 2025 Tracking and Commentary

A lap of Scotland heading to the Borders before veering due north into the Highlands and back south to the Scottish capital, with three ferry crossings and very little flat land.

Trans Alba Race 2025

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