Four days into the Silk Road Mountain Race, the field is now stretched across hundreds of kilometers. Leaders have already passed through Checkpoint Two at Kezgin Guesthouse, while much of the pack is still making their way over the Suyek Pass, the last major obstacle before reaching the valley near the Chinese border.

Tucked away in a stunning valley, surrounded by towering peaks, Checkpoint Two offers only a brief pause: hot food, a bed, and a stamp in the brevet card before the road pushes on. Riders arrive carrying stories of river crossings, long nights, frozen shoes, broken racks, and moments of beauty. Some gamble by carrying the bare minimum and pressing on, while others opt for warmth and rest, knowing the Soviet Road lies ahead.

Riders featured in this episode:

• Robin Gemperle - Cap 165
• Alex McCormack - Cap 8
• Anatole Naimi - Cap 10
• Chris Burkard - Cap 69
• Josh Ibbett - Cap 101
• Tomas Fabian - Cap 197
• Miron Golfman - Cap 137
• Meaghan Hackinen - Cap 132
• Alex Kopp - Cap 9
• "Vlad" Teisseire Wladimir - Cap 189
• Ashley Cordingley - Cap 22
• Daniel Perotti - Cap 46

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Production and hosting by Mel Webb

Sound design by Ben Crannell

Music by Batyrkan

Cover image by Stephen Shelesky

Thanks to our race partners Albion, Pertex, Tailfin, Styrkr and Julbo. 

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