In the bag: Top 20 in the Mongolia Bike Challenge

August 19, 2019 Juliane Media, Rocky Trail Racing, Trailtalk Comments Off

For the third time Rocky Trail’s co-founder Martin Wisata competed in the Mongolia Bike Challenge, a six day stage race in Central Asia.

“From day one in 2016 I have been hooked on this race and this country. It is so much more than an event, it’s an experience that is unique, takes you out of your comfort zone and lets you dive into an incredibly interesting and ancient culture.” – Martin Wisata

Find all the official race reports by Juliane Wisata on the Mongolia Bike Challenge website here:

>> Official Mongolia Bike Challenge race reports 2019

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6 and final day

Race complete! Martin Wisata crossed the finish line of the Mongolia Bike Challenge after six tough days in the saddle.

“I didn’t have anything left today”, he said. “I went very hard yesterday and today there were so many climbs… I knew I had about an hour to play with, but I was really doing it tough today. My goal was to stay in the top 20 overall and deliriously saw it floating away already, the guy behind me raced so hard today and I couldn’t keep up – I did keep my 19th spot by 30 seconds though, so I’ll have the best night’s sleep tonight. Finally, a true and honest result at this race after two years of stomach bugs and bronchitis. I race my heart out and am really proud of my place – above all I thoroughly loved the experience again, such amazing people, old and new friends around me… after a stage race is before the next stage race!”

After a stage race is before a stage race…

With thanks to:

Videos: Horacio Cabilla

Photos: Paolo Penni Matelli

With a huge thanks to: Shimano, JetBlack, Lazer, Owayo and Il Pastaio.

Event Schedule

Friday	TIME
The track is marked and you can practice on it but we wont have any services (marshals or first aid). Please respect any trail closures if there is an Academy Event in progress.	From 3:00 PM

Saturday	TIME
Registration Open	7:30 - 8:45 AM
Rider call up, be race ready. The official rider briefing usually held before the race start will be available online before the race.	8:45 AM
Race Start	9:00 AM
Race Finish Finish the lap you are on but can't start a new one.	1:00 PM
Last Rider and Sweeper across the line and event finishes.	1:45 PM
Presentation Ceremony	2:00 PM

Shimano GP Rules

The rules are relatively simple:

No race plate no race
Always respect other riders no matter their skill, speed, age or gender
Start: There will be one mass start. Riders will be able to self-seed.
Duration: Riders have 4 hours to complete their laps. Riders will not be able to start another lap after the 4 hours of elapsed time but may finish the lap they are on.
Completion: If a rider fails to complete the number of laps signed up in the to do in 4 hours, they will be ranked based on the time taken and the number of laps they did complete and will be recorded in the results as “-n Laps”.
Transition: A transition lane will be provided for pairs racers after the finish line. The to transition to the next rider the teams’ wheels must cross on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the trace track. There is no need for physical touch.
Rider down procedure: probably the most important rule of all: if you come to an accident out on the track you MUST stop and make sure the rider is ok. If he/she is not, stay with him/her and send the next rider straight back to the event centre to let us know what happened. If you lose time while helping an injured rider we will adjust your lap time at the end of the race. The race directors phone number is on every race plate. We recommend you carry a mobile phone.
Passing: being friendly out on the track goes a long way. Let the rider you are about to pass know when and on which side. E.g. “rider coming up, passing on your right when you are ready”. Then say thanks and keep on smashing it. If you are riding in a train let the rider in front know how many people will pass him/her. If you are being passed, find the next best place to move to the side and let them pass.
PAIRS: Only one rider in a pair is allowed on the track at any one time. Pairs riders must complete equal or close to equal number of laps
If you leave the track you must return to the same point before continuing your race
Outside assistance is only allowed within the transition/pit area. Outside assistance can be provided by other riders whilst out on track.
No shortcutting or “local lines” outside the bunted track
All bikes and rider safety equipment must comply with the Australian Standards
eBikes must be unmodified and comply with current Australian standards. Read more about our eBike policy here…
All riders must agree to a Race Waiver when they sign up online or at the race on-site

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