With the Ultra cycling season well underway, May was an incredibly busy month on the HUNT Beyond calendar. Our riders have been racing around Europe.
Beyond the Balkans: Justinas Wins Again
Beyond the Balkans;
Justinas Wins Again.
2 in a Row for Justinas Leveika
Fresh off his win at the Accursed Race in Albania early in the month Justinas Leveika was back in action—after only 10 days rest—at the Trans Balkan Race. The race was 1400km starting in Sezana, Slovenia and finishing in Niksic, Montenegro and taking in some of the most remote and rugged off road terrain the Balkans has to offer.
Joining Justinas on the start line was Sofiane Sehili, both riders having previously won the Tour Divide making for an enticing lineup. Both Justinas and Sofiane made strong starts to the event settling into the front of the race. As the event progressed Justinas steadily made his way to the front of the pack and drew out a solid lead, ultimately bringing home his second ultra win this month. Sofiane finished in 5thposition after a gear shifter failure forced him to ride the final day singlespeed, not an easy task given the brutal terrain.
Podium in the Highlands
Further North in the Scottish Highlands, the Highland Trail 550 was also happening with Beyond rider Manu Cattrysse eager to chase the win after a close second place in 2023.
Despite a month of unseasonally warm and dry weather in the lead up to the event, a storm hit for the start of the race. Conditions were challenging throughout the event with high river crossings, plenty of rain, and abrasive mud to boot. Manu was able to challenge for the lead of the race but ultimately finished in second position in a little under 4 days. A fantastic performance in the adverse weather.
Greek Climbfest
At the same time as the Highland Trail race—in considerably warmer climes—was the Hellenic Mountain race in Greece: a 500 mile off-road race around the remote and rugged Pindus mountains.
HUNT Beyond Brand manager Josh Ibbett was taking part alongside Miron Golfman. Both riders rode a strong race at this elevation-heavy event and were in contention for the podium. Ultimately an untimely mechanical ended Miron’s race with less than 100km remaining and Josh came home in a close 4th position only 30 minutes off the final spot on the podium.
All eyes now turn to the summer events with riders taking on Tour Divide, Transcontinental Race and the Silk Road Mountain Race, as well as a cross continent record attempt.
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