Stage 4 at the Mongolia Bike Challenge

So it’s been confirmed. Bronchitis.

“After 70km in my head I unpinned the race bib off my back. I’m not giving up, but I’m going to enjoy this incredible scenery.”

With 143 km today the longest stage was on the Mongolia Bike Challenge menu and it promised to be a fast one. It covered very remote paths heading South and leaving the Khan Khentii National Park for Steppe Nomad Camp, which is located in the beautiful Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve, approximately 130 kilometers South East of Ulaanbaatar, on the banks of the Kherlen River. The first third of today was a steady but gentle 300vm climb to the highest point of the stage plan at just over 1800m above sea level. What followed was a fast and flowy descent to the finish.

“I am not disappointed. After so many stage races that I’ve done, at some stage you’re bound to go through such an experience as well.”

Martin has been cleared by the race doctor to continue the race and said that he is “going to enjoy the ride”.

Tomorrow has been hailed as a recovery stage with a distance of 37 km and 400 m of elevation to cover. The riders will be able to enjoy a sleep-in in the comfortable luxury gers of Steppe Nomad Camp before the race start at 10 am. The riders will be released on to the race circuit in 1 minute intervals in reverse order of the general classification: a furious chase and a thrilling race against the clock.

 

Video Highlights Stage 4

(c) Mongolia Bike Challenge

 

Official Photos by Paolo Martelli

Getting ready for Stage 4.
A fast one today.

Catch up on what happend so far:

> Stage 1 – A rough start for Rocky Trail Racing

> Stage 2 – Keeping the chin up under the watchful eye of Genghis Khan

> Stage 3 – Finding the legs