The final weeks leading up to an ultracycling race are always a special time. Preparation has been underway since December 2025, and it’s now becoming clear: the B-HARD Ultra Race 2026 is fast approaching.
Winter consisted mostly of long hours on the indoor trainer. Of course, the weather played a role, but time was the biggest factor. Long training sessions outdoors were often simply not possible in everyday life. So the plan was: rack up the miles in the “gym,” do interval training, build a solid foundation, and keep motivation high even on dark winter evenings.
Unfortunately, I had to skip a training camp this spring. That made it all the more important to use the available time as efficiently as possible. Fortunately, I’ve gotten through the preparation phase relatively healthy so far. There haven’t been any extended training breaks this year—something that’s anything but a given in endurance sports.
A first major test with a new bike and new gear took place back in March. By the end, I had just under 370 kilometers on the odometer. While I won’t actually be using this new bike or the tested gear in Bosnia, that long ride gave me a lot of confidence. Above all, the feeling of being on the right track, both physically and mentally.
For Bosnia, I’ll therefore stick with the tried-and-true setup: my Canyon Grizl, a freshly serviced SON hub dynamo in the front wheel, and probably a slightly streamlined bag setup—though that will, of course, depend heavily on the weather. Also, I won’t be riding tubeless this time; instead, I’ll be using TPU tubes for the first time. At least that’s the plan for now. As is so often the case, what it actually looks like in the end will be decided just before the start.
Now the final four weeks of preparation are underway. Of course, not without a few minor setbacks: of all times, my knee is giving me some trouble after I twisted it rather awkwardly. Nothing dramatic—but exactly the kind of niggle you really don’t need at this stage.
The weather should also be getting a bit more summery soon. The Ice Saints are certainly living up to their name this year. Still, my anticipation grows a little more every day. The flights are booked. First, I’ll head to Zagreb, and from there either continue directly by bike to Banja Luka—about 180 kilometers—or take it a bit easier by bus. I’m still debating this with myself.
More information about the route and the checkpoints will be available in the coming weeks. The organizer’s official roadbook has not yet been published.
Slowly, the long preparation is turning into reality. It’s getting serious.
