For many riders, gravel racing is about journey, endurance, and discovering your limits. For Merlin Cycles-sponsored rider and UK Nationwide Gravel Champion, Lizzie she found all three in equal measure throughout one of many hardest occasions she’s ever confronted – this years Traka 560!
Recent from finishing the brutal ultra-distance occasion in Girona, Lizzie shared the highs, lows, equipment decisions, and classes realized from a race that pushed her additional than ever earlier than.
“You Begin Questioning Each Life Selection at 3AM”
The Traka 560 wasn’t simply one other race on the calendar — it was a very new expertise.
“You go from feeling actually in management to questioning each life alternative you’ve ever made at 3:00 AM in the midst of nowhere,” Lizzie defined. “It’s as a lot a psychological puzzle as a bodily one.”
The problem grew to become even tougher when vitamin plans unravelled halfway by the occasion.
“I utterly ran out of meals and, with it being a financial institution vacation in Spain, nowhere was open. I ended up driving the final 5 hours on only a single can of Coke — sorry to my nutritionist, Jenny!”
Regardless of the setbacks, quitting was by no means actually an possibility.
“There have been so many moments when the best factor to do was give up, however I simply stored telling myself, ‘If I do give up, what would I inform individuals?’”
However among the many struggling got here unforgettable moments too.
“The spotlight was undoubtedly driving by the night time. It’s one thing I’ve by no means skilled earlier than and it felt unimaginable.”
Lizzie’s Traka 560 Bike Setup
For an occasion the place reliability and luxury matter simply as a lot as outright pace, Lizzie’s setup was fastidiously chosen to deal with the calls for of Girona’s rugged gravel terrain.
Her race bike was the Ventum GS1 paired with deep-section carbon Aero wheels from her direct sponsor and Vittoria Terreno Gravel Tyres in a 50mm width for further grip and luxury over tough terrain.
The drivetrain featured SRAM RED AXS with a 42-tooth chainring, though after tackling among the race’s steepest climbs, Lizzie admitted she’d most likely go for a smaller chainring subsequent time.
Lighting proved crucial by the in a single day sections, with Lezyne entrance and helmet lights conserving the route seen within the darkness. One standout piece of equipment was the Abus Taipan gravel helmet.
“The magnetic mild on that was unbelievably helpful,” she mentioned.
To guard the eyes, Lizzie relied on 100% Speedcraft glasses with clear lenses helped visibility by the night time.
Footwear got here within the type of the Quoc Gran Tourer XC, whereas vitamin help got here from OGT. Baggage was from Restrap.
However maybe a very powerful merchandise of all?
“My top-tube snack bag stuffed with sweets.”
Coaching for Extremely Gravel Racing
Getting ready for an occasion like The Traka 560 isn’t about explosive efforts or interval classes alone. As a substitute, Lizzie centered on one factor above all else: time within the saddle.
“The coaching wasn’t about pace, it was all about time on the bike,” she defined. “I did just a few lengthy coaching rides and completed off the construct with an altitude block.”
That endurance-focused preparation helped construct the resilience wanted for the race’s lengthy hours and relentless terrain.
Restoration: Actual Meals and Simple Spins
As soon as the end line was crossed, restoration grew to become the quick precedence.
“My quick focus is rehydration and ‘actual’ meals — something that isn’t a gel,” Lizzie laughed.
Alongside correct meals, she depends closely on restoration habits that assist her physique bounce again after ultra-distance racing.
“I additionally swear by ketones. The pictures are so useful to make use of and so they truly style nice.”
To handle swelling and fatigue, she spends the primary 48 hours together with her legs elevated and consists of brief restoration rides to maintain all the things transferring.
What’s Subsequent?
There’s not a lot downtime forward.
Subsequent on Lizzie’s calendar is The Gralloch in Scotland earlier than heading to america for a coaching and racing block with Ventum.
“This degree of distance is all new to me, so I’m not solely positive how lengthy a full restoration will take,” she admitted. “However I’m again on the bike already and feeling okay.”
Away from racing, Lizzie enjoys a slower tempo of life — strolling the canine, spending time with household and buddies, and looking for nice meals and occasional stops.
“I’m an enormous foodie, so I like making totally different meals or heading out to attempt new espresso and cake retailers.”
Sustain with Lizzie’s racing on her Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/lizziehermolle
