Konjic – Checkpoint. And yes: I slept well. Really well. The best night’s sleep in weeks. The hotel even managed to pack …
2025
B-HARD Ultra Race 2026 – Returning to the Balkans
In June 2026, the next big adventure awaited me: the legendary B-HARD Ultra Cycling Race in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Check the blog articles below to get all details from my participation.
The race started on June 13th, 2026, in Banja Luka and covered around 1,215 kilometers through the small but incredibly diverse Balkan country. Within a strict 90-hour time limit, riders must conquer countless climbs, remote regions, and an enormous amount of elevation gain.
More information about the race can be found here:
BHard Ultra Race (external link)
The route was entirely on asphalt, but despite the paved roads, B-HARD is considered one of the toughest ultra cycling races in Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a breathtaking mix of rugged mountains, deep canyons, quiet backroads, and untouched landscapes — all of which create the unique character of this event.
Along the route, riders were required to pass several mandatory checkpoints spread across the country. For 2026, the organizers are again planned a total of ten checkpoints strategically positioned along the course.
For me, participating in this event means far more than simply taking part in another race.
Back in 2023, the Transcontinental Race (TCR) led me through the Balkans for the first time. The landscapes, the hospitality of the people, and the unique atmosphere of the region left a lasting impression on me. During that race, I already knew one thing for certain: one day I would come back.
With B-HARD 2026, that wish now became reality.
What is so special about BHard?
As an ultra cyclist, I am fascinated by long distances, mental endurance, and the combination of adventure, strategy, and physical performance. In a race like B-HARD, success is not only about speed — sleep management, nutrition, navigation, and the ability to stay focused for several days are equally important.
Preparations for this challenge have already been underway for months. Training rides with plenty of kilometers, long nights on the bike, equipment testing, and detailed planning are all part of the process, just as much as the mental preparation for spending days at the limit.
At the end of this page, you will find regular blog updates about my preparation, equipment choices, training rides, and later on, race reports directly from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
You can find more information in the blog (see below)
Thank’s for your donations!
Today was shaping up to be the toughest day. Because of the elevation gain and the forecast of rain later in the …
I didn’t get up until 4:30 a.m. after all. It was pretty noisy outside that night, and the windowpanes clearly weren’t going …
I got up at 3:45 a.m., got ready, and quickly ate some cereal, a chocolate croissant, and a banana. I left the …
The trip to Zagreb ended up going better than expected, even though it wasn’t entirely without a few minor hiccups, of course. …
FAQ
What is Miles4Malabon?
With Miles4Malabon I support 125 preschool children in the Philippines to enable them to attend elementary school.
To whom do the collected donations go?
All donations go first to the project group Malabon e.V., which has the direct contact to Malabon and allocates the money to the corresponding project.
What is betterplace.com, and why can't I just transfer the money?
Betterplace is a non-profit organization that takes care of all payment transactions, including the issuing of donation receipts. The money goes directly to the respective non-profit organization, in this case to the project group Malabon e.V. A direct transfer to me is not possible, respectively not wanted, that would only mean unnecessary effort for me, and also transparency, as provided by betterplace, would not be manageable for me as a private person. I prefer to spend my time on the bike to motivate more people to donate.
What payment methods are available?
Currently, payments via PayPal, direct debit, credit card, paydirect or bank transfer are possible through betterplace.
How can I be sure that the funds will reach the children?
Betterplace transfers the funds directly to the Malabon e.V. project group. In return, proof must be provided that the funds have been used for the appropriate purpose. In addition, I also receive regular information about the 125 preschool children who are supported by the program.
How can I receive a donation receipt?
Every donor receives a donation receipt from betterplace in February of the following year for all donations made in the previous year.
What other ways are there to support Miles4Malabon?
Of course you can also support me in other ways. Sometimes it needs some help with the organization, or just accompaniment on long training rides. Sharing these activities and actions in the social media, and perhaps providing me with contacts to generate attention in these media, is also a help.
Can I also support the preschool children in the long term, for example by sponsorship?
A direct sponsorship via Miles4Malabon is not possible. If you would like to donate on a long-term and regular basis, you can do so with the Malabon project group as a so-called sponsor. This is especially interesting for companies.
Which possibility do I have as an entrepreneur or company to support the actions?
The simplest possibility is that of a direct donation. It is also possible to put your company logo or name on my jersey, which I wear during training and events. For this, however, I ask in advance for direct contact. For other ideas please also just contact me.
Are donations also used to finance the activities?
No! No donations are used to finance the activities, i.e. entry fees, fees, transport, accommodation, food, etc., and for the purchase of my equipment. I am very happy to pay for that out of my own pocket. Should there be any interest in sponsoring, in whatever form, please contact me.