The week dawned with adverse weather, with the rainfall record for the last 2 years in Catalonia. The rain left the terrain delicate and led to the suspension of the Aventure 560.
This was received with controversy by many of the participants, and has generated a very interesting debate that we will address. Should an endurance and ultra-distance test be suspended due to weather conditions? But, seeing the multiple circumstances, we believe that the complaints are as reasonable as Klassmark's decision is correct.
The weather was kinder to the 360K, the star test of The Traka. However, the organization decided to avoid the most delicate areas, leaving the route at 344 km, and without modifications in the other distances of 200K, 100K and 50K.
The Americans set the tone in the men's The Traka 360
Peter Stetina (CANYON), coming straight from winning the Triple Crown in the Belgian Waffle Race, put on a great show with a comeback of more than 6 minutes alongside Rob Britton (FOCUS). Stetina had mechanical problems in the early stages of the race, losing a lot of time repairing a puncture, which left him practically out of the fight for the race. At the aid station, Rob Britton was found, also with problems, probably one of the best rollers and a regular at long distances, in fact he is the last winner of the Badlans. Peter and Rob know each other perfectly and found the motivation to start walking, and shortly after hunt down all the runners who were predicting them. Below you have the statement that Rob made to POLVU.
Peter Stetina. Photo Roger Salanova
As stated by the boss Gerard Freixas, "today I was surprised by the extra emotion that people brought, at Km 180 they were all knackered, exhausted" pointing out that the management of many of the runners had been really bad. “Traka is not only an event where there is a media factor, it is popular for its toughness. Going out to battle a 360K is for very few today,” explained Gerard.
Mattia de Marchi, who started with the ambition of achieving the fourth consecutive crown and probably the most ambitious of all, had taken risks, assuming the lead of the group on many occasions. The race broke down in the Els Metges, where De Marchi, Chad Haga, Peter Stetina, Alexys Brunel, Matteo Fontana, Freddy Ovette, Rob Britton and Simen Nordahl Svendsen arrived as a group. De Marchi managed to distance everyone and only Peter Stetina and Rob Britton were able to reconnect on the descent.
Mattia de Marchi I. Photo Roger Salanova
With the three as the clear protagonists on the podium, and with only the order to be decided, Mattia suffered a mechanical misfortune, a broken gear that left him out 20 km from the finish line, leaving it to the groups to know if he would have been able to win his fourth Traka consecutive.
Peter Stetina took advantage of one of the steep climbs in Portland to leave Rob. Freixes himself predicted minutes before that the "portland" climbs could act as possible judges: "if you find portland in Girona you have to be afraid." Afterwards, Stetina started on the way to the finish line, keeping an eye on Rob, who did not give in and certified this meritorious second position. The American crossed the finish line in 11h42m23s, just 17 seconds before Rob Britton.
A short distance from Rob Britton, Chad Haga (PAS) achieved a third position, surprisingly just 200 meters from the finish, generating an entirely North American podium.
Simen Nordahl Svendsen (PAS) came in fourth place. Just 3 kilometers from Girona, he had a serious collision with a clueless and reckless amateur cyclist who was occupying his route. Shortly after, a puncture, probably a consequence of the accident, gave the final blow to Simen Nordahl, who lost the podium already in the Fontajau field, arriving visibly upset at the finish line. Chad Haga didn't quite know how to react. The Danish Tobias Morch Kongstad closed the Top 5.
Peter Stetina & Rob Britton. Photo Roger Salanova
Rob Britton
I'm doing a lot better today! I was pretty shattered Saturday and Sunday after the event! Looking back now I think it was a pretty special day. Very fortunate because in 2023 a friend and I bike packed the majority of the 360 route so I had the opportunity to really see how beautiful the course is. During the event itself you two focused on the effort to really take a lot in.
As for my day I think most people know what's happened between Pete and I, we both had early mechanicals before the first aid station so we linked up just after 110 km and decided we were just the hardest place we could for as long as we could . Turns out that was enough to get us back to the group and back into the race for the win. I don't think either of us anticipated being on the podium after the first aid station.
Pete had just a little bit more left in the tank than I did and I was able to make his move on the final climb near Saint Gregory. Honestly when I look at it I do think North Americans have a bit of an edge when it comes to gravel or at least they have Keegan! he is in my opinion the best gravel racer on the planet right now. And as the same goes- rising tide raises all ships. While Most people are the victim of Keegans strength we're all faster because of it too
Today I am much better! I was pretty exhausted on Saturday and Sunday after the event! Looking back now, I think it was a pretty special day. Very lucky because in 2023 a friend and I did most of the 360 route by bike, so I had the opportunity to really see how beautiful the route is. During the event itself, we focused so much on the effort that we could barely appreciate it.
As for my day, I think most people know what happened between Pete and I, we both had mechanical problems early before the first aid station, so we met up just after the 110km and decided to stay together as long as possible. possible. Turns out, it was enough to get back into the group and back into the race for victory. I don't think any of us anticipated being on the podium after the first aid station.
Pete had a little more energy than me and was able to make his move on the final climb near Saint Gregori. Honestly, when I think about it, I think the Americans have a bit of an advantage when it comes to gravel, or at least they have Keegan! In my opinion, he is the best gravel racer on the planet right now. And as the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. While most people fall victim to Keegan's strength, we're all faster because of it too.
THE TRAKA 360K – MEN’S TOP 10
- Peter Stetina (USA) / American Gravel Mafia – 11h42m23s
- Rob Britton (CAN) / Factor Overland – 11h42m40s
- Chad Haga (USA) / The Hagasaki Cycling – 11h57m38s
- Simen Nordahl Svendsen (NOR) / Pas Racing – 11h58m04s
- Tobias Morch Kongstad (DEN) / Pas Racing – 11h59m46s
- Alexys Brunel (FRA) / Groove Gravel – 12h05m00s
- Griffin Easter (USA) / Opicure Foundation – 12h08m02s
- Nils Correvon (SUI) / Pas Racing – 12h19m11s
- Ole Bjorn Smisethjell (NOR) / Reser Molde – 12m19m21s
- Matteo Fontana (ITA) – 12h19m56s
Karolin Migón and Geerike Schreurs fight for the podium of The Traka 360K
In the women's category, Karolin Migón (PAS) was the first to cross the finish line. Karolin finished this Traka with a devilish pace, a sign of good race management. The first part of the "Karo" race had stomach problems, causing a stop to eat solid food at one of the aid stations. This decision has proven to be correct and makes us see the importance of not losing our nerve in races of these distances (Peter and Rob will also agree). The climb of kilometer 260 has also been key, on this occasion the list of candidates was reduced to two. The Polish Karolina Migon and the Dutch Geerike Schreurs (SD WORX) had shown that they were the strongest.
Karolina Migon. Photo Roger Salanova
Karo Migon launched a strong attack in one of the last climbs, which was decisive. Karo has had the luck or ability to find groups of runners with whom he can collaborate and this has allowed him to consolidate his advantage. Migón achieves the victory after 12h38m51s.
According to Anna van der Breggen, the director of Geerike's team (SD Worx), filming in male groups is "an advantage", but she herself points out that it is part of the game and that you have to know how to do it.
On the other hand, we saw Geerike Schreurs, riding practically alone to the finish line, with an incipient wind that made her usual, and sensational, pedaling difficult.
Geerike Schreurs. Photo Nils Laengner
In third place, the American Sarah Sturm has arrived, who has completed the podium, and who in the previous edition already placed second.
The Top 5, of a high level, was complemented by the British Dannielle Shrosbree and the Danish Luise Valentin.
THE TRAKA 360K – TOP 10 FEMALE
- Karolina Migon (POL) / Pas Racing – 12h38m51s
- Geerike Schreurs (NED) / SD Worx – 13h01m00s
- Sarah Sturm (USA) / Specialized SRAM Rapha – 13h05m43s
- Danielle Shrosbree (GBR) / Privateer – 13h35m32s
- Luise Valentin (DEN) – 13h35m57s
- Svenja Betz (GER) / Reverb Cycling – 13h45m37s
- Amity Rockwell (USA) / Pas Racing – 13h56m51s
- Madeleine Nutt (GBR) / Ribble Collective – 14h15m33s
- Sofia Schugar (USA) / Racing Homers – 14h18m55s
- Cynthia Carson (USA) – 14h27m38s
At POLVU we are very happy with these results, Peter Stetina It was the first contact and you can learn more about it. Also from Geerike, who was interviewed by POLVU a few weeks ago.
The traka 200. Carolin Schiff repeats the crown and Petr Vakoc achieves victory after a controversial finish in Girona
The 200K and 360K distances are the highlights of the Traka and receive the highest possible distinction from the GES, the Gravel Earth Global, which began in Girona. A victory in Girona justifies an entire season.
The 200K distance started with a awesome startlist, probably the most competitive of the days. Paul Voß, Annabel Fisher, Lukas Baum, Piotr Havik, Hans Becking, Nathan Haas, Asbjørn Hellemose, Klara Sofie Skovgaard, Benjamin Perry, Jasper Ockeloen, Howard Grotts, Ivar Silk, Morgan Aguirre, Hugo Drechou, Clàudia Galicia, Tiago Ferreira, Hakizimana Seth, Georg Egger, Johan Jacobs, Carlos Verona, Greg Van Avermaet, Ted King, and an endless list.
200K Start Line. Photo Roger Salanova
On Saturday, May 4 at seven in the morning it was time for The Traka 200K, with bright sunshine. 194 kilometers with a demanding 2,300 meters of positive gradient. The number of candidates competing for victory made any pool very difficult, but Carolin Schiff (Canyon CLLCTV), who had just won Utopia, achieved a solid victory. Without hiding, she showed her ambition and only found resistance in the Danish Klara Sofie Skovgard (Pas Racing), called by Schiff herself as “the future”.
Carolin Schiff. Photo Roger Salanova
Carolin Shiff
It was as always a pleasure to race in Girona. It's such a special atmosphere. I love it. My race was hard but I enjoyed it. In the beginning I struggled a bit because it was a bit too cold for me and I had not the perfect legs. But in the 3rd long climb after 110 km I felt really good and passed Klara (I was together with her in a group in the flat section). I was able to create a gap and extend the gap until the finish line.
As always, it was a pleasure to compete in Girona. It's such a special atmosphere. I love it. My career was difficult but I enjoyed it. At first I had some difficulties because it was a little cold for me and I didn't have perfect legs. But on the third long climb after 110 km I felt very good and passed Klara (I was with her in a group on the flat section). I was able to open a gap and widen it to the finish line.
Klara Sofie Skovgaard
“I'm so overwhelmed with emotions about the race and how it all came together. I have been training so hard towards this one. But on raceday everything has to come together in a strong field like this. “All the women are amazing and I feel so honored to race along side the gravel queen Carolin.”
“I am so overwhelmed with emotions about the race and how everything has come at once. I've been training very hard for this. But on race day, everything has to work well, considering the competition. All the women are incredible and I feel very honored to race alongside the queen of gravel, Carolin.”
Both were the main protagonists of the day, but in the last third of the route, Schiff took the lead alone and did not let it go. 6h46m16s to add the second consecutive victory in Girona. Her compatriot Rosa Maria Kloser (Maap Gravel) closed the podium, with the Swede Hanna Johansson (Rule x WMNGRVL) and the American Heather Fischer (DNA Pro Cycling) in the Top 5.
THE TRAKA 200K – FEMALE TOP 10
- Carolin Schiff (GER) / Canyon CLLCTV – 6h46m16s
- Klara Sofie Skovgard (DEN) / Pas Racing – 6h55m33s
- Rosa Maria Kloser (GER) / Maap Gravel – 7h09m33s
- Hanna Johansson (SWE) / Rule x WMNGRVL – 7h15m01s
- Heather Fischer (USA) / DNA Pro Cycling – 7h16m59s
- Jade Treffeisen (GER) / Canyon CLLCTV – 7h23m26s
- Anna Gabrielle Traxler (CAN) – 7h26m31s
- Wed Pedersen (DEN) / Pas Racing – 7h29m13s
- Ellen Campbell (USA) / Specialized Rapha Tailwind – 7h32m20s
- Maja Johansson (SWE) / Rule x WMNGRVL – 7h33m12s
The men's battle had many more alternatives, with a large group at the front; Up to nine participants passed together through the timing control at kilometer 153. No one managed to break the group, but in the last kilometers they were losing pieces little by little. Petr Vakoc (Canyon Integray), the winner of the Santa Vall, reached the finish line with 6:07:08, Jasper Ockeleon just 2 seconds behind, and shortly after, already 18 seconds away, Johan Jacobs from the Movistar Team.
Petr Vakoc. Photo Roger Salanova
The sprint was won by Frederik Rassman, but a five-minute penalty kept him from victory. The regulations make it clear that assistance cannot be received outside the established points, and the German did not comply with the regulations.
With this new scenario, it was the Czech Petr Vakoc who rose to the top of the podium after setting a time of 6h07m08s. The Dutch Jasper Ockeloen and the Swiss Johan Jacobs were second and third, with the Dane Asbjorn Hellemose and the Dutch Hans Becking in fourth and fifth position. Becking was a biker representative with a more prominent position. Baum and Ferreira, also protagonists, suffered problems and this balanced the prominent positions for riders with origins in road cycling. The top five finishers were only separated by 28 seconds; of heart attack.
Petr Vakoc
I really enjoyed the event, I did 2 years ago when it was already pretty big but now I have to see I was amazed, how great the atmosphere was and how many people showed up. There are not many races that can compare with this, I would definitely put it among the best events I have had a chance to experience. I love that they split the race in multiple days and thanks to it I would rank it as the best event of the year. Racing wise this is huge advantage to the events like Unbound or even SBT where you pass riders from shorter distances in the final which can influence the race. I think the level was really high and comparable to the biggest US events, except for Unbound. Except for Keegan I believe the European cyclist are definitely on similar level to US scene. I also believe the Traka will draw even bigger attention next year and we will probably see more N. Am. riders coming over to race here
I really enjoyed the event, I did it 2 years ago when I was quite old, but now I have to say I was shocked. The atmosphere was great and there were a lot of people. There aren't many races that can compare to this one, I would definitely put it among the best events I have had the opportunity to experience. I love that they divide the race into several days and thanks to that I would rate it as the best event of the year. From a competition point of view, this is a big advantage over events like Unbound or even SBT, where you pass other runners from shorter distances which can influence the race. I think the level was really high and comparable to the biggest US events except Unbound. Except for Keegan, I think European riders are definitely on a similar level to the American scene. I also think the Traka will attract even more attention next year and we will probably see more racers from North America coming to compete here.
Jasper Ockeloen
Awesome race, hard, technical, climbing, happy to finish on the podium in this strong field. Proud about my performance.
Incredible race, hard, technical, with climbs; happy to finish on the podium with these good riders. I am happy with my performance.
THE TRAKA 200K – MEN’S TOP 10
- Petr Vakoc (CZE) / Canyon Integray – 6h07m08s
- Jasper Ockeloen (NED) – 6h07m10s
- Jacobs Johan (SUI) / Movistar Team – 6h07m26s
- Asbjorn Hellemose (DEN) / Swatt Club – 6h07m35s
- Hans Becking (NED) / Buff Megamo – 6h07m36s
- Josh Brunett (NZL) / Mitoq NZ – 6h08m38s
- Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) / Personal team with Isadore – 6h08m43s
- Luis Neff (GER) / Rose Racing – 6h08m47s
- Benjamin Perry (CAN) / Groove Gravel – 6h09m09s
- Ryan Christensen (NZL) / Rule28 Pro Racing – 6h10m24s
Atmosphere Awards. Photo Roger Salanova
The Traka closes the best gravel week of the year with the 100K and 50K challenges
On Sunday, May 5, the program of the sixth edition of The Traka closed. He did it with the shortest distances, which offered the opportunity to be part of the great gravel festival to all cyclists, regardless of their level. However, you only need to read the name of the winners to realize that the level of athletes was still very high. In fact, some of the important names of the 200K and 360K route decided to repeat the experience. This is the case of the French and teammates Alexys Brunel and Hugo Drechou, they came first and second in The Traka 100K. They both reached the finish line together and decided to play rock, paper and scissors for victory, highlighting the values of this sport. Brunel took out paper and Drechou took out stone. 3h08m29s for the champion. Third place was reserved for the British Thomas Couzens.
THE TRAKA 100K MEN
- Alexys Brunel (FRA) / Groove Gravel – 3h08m29s
- Hugo Drechou (FRA) / Groove Gravel – 3h08m30s
- Thomas Couzens (GBR) / Ribble Collective – 3h11m13s
Marie Schreiber was the best of the women's deck with 3h21m18s, beating the Dutch Anna Van der Breggen and Femke Markus.
THE TRAKA 100K WOMEN
- Marie Schreiber (LUX) / SD Worx – 3h21m18s
- Anna Van der Breggen (NED) – 3h30m03s
- Femke Markus (NED) / SD Worx – 3h31m31s
The Traka 50K was dominated by Germans Luis Nef and Kathrin Hammes. Nef, another of the repeaters, stopped the clock at 1h43m41s to climb to the top of a podium where the French Gossard Maxime and Marvin Gruget were also protagonists. Among the women, Hammes beat the Australian Emma Frodeno and the French Raphaëlle Rigau with a time of 2h17m00s. The energy did not run out in all these kilometers and the nights in Girona were the last.
THE TRAKA 50K MEN
- Luis Neff (GER) / Rose Cycling – 1h43m41s
- Gossard Maxime (FRA) / ETH Carthel – 1h43m42s
- Marvin Gruget (FRA) / Cafe du Cycliste – 1h48m30s
THE TRAKA 50K WOMEN
- Kathrin Hammes (GER) / Rose Cycling – 2h17m00s
- Emma Frodeno (AUS) – 2h22m08s
- Raphaëlle Rigaud (FRA) – 2h27m40s
That's it The traka 2024. Isn't anyone already thinking about The Traka 2025?