Mátra Maraton 2016 // race report

What an awesome day it was, I'm still buzzing! But lets go from the start. I have been waiting for this race big time as it was my first race back in the Hungarian field. I also felt a bit nostalgic (parheps a bit "old" also) 'cause I remember well that I raced the very first Mátra Maraton back in the day. 

After a quick 45 minutes drive we parked near the start / finish area and got all set in no time. Luckily I have picked up the registration pack and the race number to avoid the queuing this morning. So, got the usual stuff done and I was ready.

Good to go

Our start was at 10:20am sharp and by the time we got to the start sector the full group was there. So, there was nothing else left to do but to stand right behind the other 500+ riders and wait for the start.


3...2...1...GO!!! Off we went and as we left the race venue I started my journey to fight my way through toward the front end of the filed. It wasn't an easy task as the crowd was absolutely massive. Got warmed up and as the group started to stretch out I managed to gain lots of positions on the long tarmac / single track climbs.


After the first feeding station I pretty much settled and from that point on I pretty much maintained my position. Gained few places then lost a few. Other than that I suffered a lot on the steep climbs and enjoyed the super fast technical descents.

The last little stinger climb before the finish (photo credit: MilanPhoto.hu)

After we hit the last short & steep climb I managed to shake off my "rival" who we had a tight race with right until the end. The music got louder and louder, the spectators crowd got bigger...the last left corner and that was it, I finished!

Crossing the finish line

Done & dusted :)

After racing in the stone splitting sun the first thing I wanted is a cold drink and a nice place in the shadow. Luckily I have parked near the race course, so I had a good view indeed! :)

All cleaned up & changed, watching the rest of the race

I finished the 34 km race with 1100 m elevation gain under 1 hour and 52 minutes. This got me the 27th place out of the 135 riders in the Masters1 field.

I've had a great race, I gave everything I had. It was a good day where everything fell into place. I'm also happy with the result considering the amount of training I'm putting in recently. And to finish in the top 20% of the Masters 1 field on a fully rigid single speed bike makes me pretty damn happy! :)


What can I say? It was brilliant to race again and to do it here in Hungary. The race was very well run, hats off to all of the organizers and their helpers. Thank you guys, it was awesome!! :)

Mátra Maraton 2016 // All set for tomorrow

Bike is washed, gear is packed, car is loaded, legs are shaved and I am motivated as hell! What else can I say? I'm all set, roll on tomorrow! 

Mátra Maraton 2016 // 1 week to go

Another week is gone. It means we are another week closer to this years Mátra Maraton. At this stage there 's only a week to go or...wait a sec...the race is on this weekend actually!!

We had our last proper spin before the race, so we are prepared. Well, in my head I am anyway, we will see about the body on Sunday! :) 

I'm excited to race indeed but I'm even more excited to see my older son Rhys at the start line of kids race on Saturday. It will be his first ever bike race and at the age of 4 it sure means the whole world to him right now. It will be a great buzz for the both of us for sure, can't wait!! :)

Mátra Maraton 2016 // 2 weeks to go

The preparation is going ok I think, there's only 2 weeks to go until the race. I wanted to test the legs a bit and decided to head out for a spin where I can get a proper climb in. So, I wasted no time and turned the handlebars towards the popular peak in the Mátra Mountains called Galyatető. 

It is a 90 km longs spin from my place and back with the elevation gain of 1150m. I managed to get it done just a few minutes under the 4 hours mark. 

At the top :)

So, I wanted to have a long spin with a big(ish) climb and I've had a long spin with a big(ish) climb. Felt great on the bike and I've had a great time indeed. 

I might even say that I'm getting a bit excited already. Looking forward to race, I really do!! 

Mátra Maraton 2016 // 3 weeks to go

Man, it has been a while...2 years to be precise. The last time I lined up to the start line was 2 years ago, so I truly think it's time for me to get back into the racing game. 

I just signed up to the 15th edition of the popular Hungarian XCM race called Mátra Maraton. It is a well run event and since the venue is very close to my place it seems like a good race to pick to race again. I've had some hard "fights" and very memorable results from here, so I really looking foward to race again in the Mátra Mountains.   

I have picked the "Short Distance" and will be racing the Masters1 Category. It'll be a 33 km long race with the elevation gain of 860 meters. It is short alright but considering the time I can spend with training, the fact that I haven't been racing since 2014 and that I'll be riding single speed, I think it will be perfectly enough to see how am I doing.   

So, there's still work to do. I will pull things together as much as possible and I hope I'll be having a good race! Roll on Mátra Maraton 2016!!!