Checkpoint Two: the halfway mark of the Atlas Mountain Race.

Riders descend out of the desert and into an oasis of palms, couscous, showers, and stamped brevet cards. For some, arrival brings relief. For others, difficult decisions. Ankles, batteries, bottom brackets, and nerves are all negotiated in equal measure.

We hear from riders resetting body and mind, celebrating birthdays, managing setbacks, and chasing the cutoff as the clock ticks toward 17:00. By day’s end, 163 riders make it in before time, the snail still moving steadily behind.

Riders featured in this episode:

• Emma & Sean — Caps 309A&B
• Paul Cresveaux — Cap 302B
• Adrienne Estrada — Cap 68
• Conor Dunne — Cap 64
• JoJo Blunt — Cap 19
• Jeannie & Martin — Caps 306A&B
• Darragh Cushen — Cap 52
• David Tilly — Cap 214
• Kari Bergstedt — Cap 13
• Matthieu Segard — Cap 193
• Hannah Larbalestier — Cap 124
• Jake Simpson — Cap 197
• Matt Franklin — Cap 73

Dotwatch the 2026 Atlas Mountain Race

Follow us on Instagram @atlasmountainrace for daily visual & written updates

Hosted and produced by Mel Webb

Sound design by Ben Crannell

Cover image by Stephen Shelesky

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.