Our podcast coverage begins in Osh as the Silk Road Mountain Race moves from registration day through to the race start. Riders gather in the theatre to collect trackers, check their bikes, and receive Albion race caps printed with their numbers, along with t-shirts, socks and goodies from our partners Pertex and Styrkr. The atmosphere is a mix of excitement and nerves—quiet conversations punctuated by laughter—as the reality of what’s ahead begins to sink in.

In this episode, you’ll hear from a handful of riders drawn from a field of 250. Some are returning after past editions, others are here for the first time. They share why Kyrgyzstan pulled them to the start line, what they’ve learned in previous races, and the mindset they’ll carry into the mountains. Following registration, they have one last briefing with Race Director Nelson Trees before setting off into the mountains

Riders featured in this episode

• Max Cherkasov - Cap 131
• Karen Wykurz - Cap 106
• Gabi & Herman - Caps 311A&B
• Chris Burkard - Cap 69
• Tobias Callister - Cap 196
• Cat McGill - Cap 33
• Eric House - Cap 62
• Annie Dunlap - Cap 16
• Carlotta Schumacher - Cap 31
• Meaghan Hackinen - Cap 132
• Robin Gemperle - Cap 165
• Anatole Naimi - Cap 10
• Alex McCormack - Cap 8 

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Production and hosting by Mel Webb

Sound design by Ben Crannell

Intro/outro music by Batyrkan

Cover image by Stephen Shelesky

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

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