After the race is before the race. And the time until the start of the SRMR is ticking fast. So, it’s time …
2026
Silk Road Mountain Race 2026
The Silk Road Mountain Race is scheduled for August. I plan to head to Kyrgyzstan a few days before the start to acclimatize and get to know the country and its people.
For me, Kyrgyzstan is more than just a destination: it’s the setting in which the race takes place—with high mountains, vast landscapes, and a culture that becomes evident time and again along the way.
The SRMR is one of the so-called Mountain Races (https://www.themountainraces.cc/). These include, among others, the Atlas Mountain Race in Morocco, the Hellenic Mountain Race in Greece, and the Taurus Mountain Race in Turkey, which is being held for the first time this year. The appeal lies not only in the distance but, above all, in the combination of off-road terrain, logistical complexity, and the conditions in remote regions.
My desire to participate in the SRMR took shape during the Northcape 4000. The long paved stretches through Scandinavia inspired me to eventually try riding a mountain bike on loose terrain.
At the Iberia Traversa 2023, I even unexpectedly took first place in my very first off-road event—riding a gravel bike instead of a 29er mountain bike. After submitting my application in November 2025, my hopes of securing a starting spot were very slim. So I was all the more delighted when the acceptance notice arrived on December 15. Since that day, the actual preparations have been underway—both in terms of training and in terms of equipment and logistics.
Overall, the SRMR is unlike any of the ultracycling races I’ve done so far.
The race takes place in remote terrain, where cell service is often limited. Tracking is done via satellite. So it’s quite possible that my Dot won’t move for a while—that’s just how it is.
I’ll try to post a few messages and pictures on Instagram and WhatsApp at checkpoints or whenever I have reception. I can’t make any guarantees—I hope you’ll understand.
In the blog posts below, you’ll find regular updates on my hot-phase preparations in July.
Why Kirgistan?
The SRMR is a *race*—and at the same time, an extremely unique challenge. The route winds through Kyrgyzstan in high-alpine terrain, combining long stages with significant elevation gain and demanding both physical performance and self-management. On top of that, there are sections that aren’t “continuously rideable”—for the most part, hiking or pushing your bike (hike-a-bike) is simply part of the experience.
Typical challenges to be aware of
1) Altitude, cold, and changing weather
Altitude and temperature fluctuations play a major role. Cold nights, adverse weather, and changing conditions can significantly impact recovery—so your gear and routine must be geared toward these factors.
2) Distance & limited support
The races take place in regions where help isn’t “just a quick trip” away. You have to be self-sufficient, deal with mechanical issues and delays in a way that keeps you moving forward, and make safe decisions out in the terrain.
3) Course profile: lots of speed—and lots of “non-riding”
In addition to long climbs, there are sections that are steep and/or difficult. In such situations, you have to expect to have to push your bike—and that’s exactly when energy management, endurance, and mental resilience count.
4) Checkpoints within time windows
To successfully finish the race, it’s crucial to reach the staffed checkpoints within the specified cutoff times. This makes pacing and daily planning a key factor.
Route of the 2026 SRMR edition.
Enjoy reading the blog posts—and please feel free to comment on them or ask questions!
Yours, Bert
Thank’s for your donations!
My calendar still has the BHard in June as a training race, but in parallel I’m steadily preparing for the season’s highlight: …
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.