Greece wasn’t an obvious choice when looking for locations for the Mountain Race Series. But a Greek rider who had taken part in our Morocco race kept talking about the Pindus Mountains and the wild landscapes of Epirus. Meanwhile, I was also looking for destinations that felt stable during the uncertainty of the Covid years and, more importantly, places where women riders would feel safe. Greece ticked all those boxes.

It’s a beautiful country, super friendly people, good food, what more do you need for a bike race?

Still, four editions later, the Hellenic Mountain Race continues to surprise people.

The race is simple in concept but demanding in reality: 922 kilometres and more than 30,000 metres of elevation, to be completed in a single stage. The clock never stops. Riders are entirely self-supported, meaning they have to find their own food, water, accommodation and fix anything that breaks all on their own. We provide a GPS tracker, route information and a detailed rider manual, but once the race begins, they’re on their own.

That’s what makes this race special. Unlike professional road racing, where every detail is managed for the athletes, bikepacking demands much more than physical strength. Riders must solve problems, manage logistics, adapt to the weather and keep moving when things get difficult. There is no one waiting on the roadside to cheer them on, or rescue them.

What I’ve learned most from organising the Hellenic Mountain Race is how different Greece is from what people expect. Epirus is not the Greece of postcards. The mountains are steep, and wild. There is very little flat ground, you’re either climbing or descending.

Yet what really stood out for me was the people.

Every year I hear stories of extraordinary hospitality like restaurant owners leaving their doors unlocked so cyclists can have a place to rest. It’s the kind of generosity that’s becoming increasingly rare elsewhere in Europe.

This year, 193 riders from 35 different nationalities lined up at the start. The race remains grassroots, supported by a dedicated international team and a community that continues to grow. For me, that’s what makes it worthwhile, introducing people to a side of Greece they never knew existed and watching them leave with a completely different picture of the country.

By Nelson Trees,

Watch highlights of this year’s Hellenic Mountain Race here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1voQFMUvb-o&t=389s