A 218 km XC MTB race which takes in 4200m of climbing might not be everyone’s idea of a fun day out on a bike. Especially if you plan on doing it on a gravel bike. But then Timo Rokitta is built differently to us mere mortals – he thrives on doing the hardest challenges that he can, on the most unsuitable possible that he can find. Is he "the man of the day“ or is he completely "locos locos“? Read on to find out….

In 711 AD, one of the most significant chapters in Iberian history began with the landing of Moorish troops on the southern Spanish coast — including near Almuñécar, a small coastal town in today’s province of Granada. The Moors, mainly Berbers and Arabs from North Africa, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar under the leadership of Tariq ibn Ziyad and began a rapid military expansion across the Iberian Peninsula. The conquest proceeded swiftly: within just a few years, almost all of southern Spain fell under Moorish control. This historic upheaval marked the beginning of Al-Andalus, a Muslim-ruled territory that flourished culturally, scientifically and economically for centuries.

The arrival of the Moors brought not only new architecture, religion and governance but also the development of an extensive network of roads: trade routes, military roads and communication lines were established. These paths connected not only cities but also cultures. Even today, Moorish fortresses, irrigation systems and ancient trails bear witness to this era.

It is therefore no surprise that once a year, an off-road bike race follows these historic tracks — the Mozárabe Bike Race. The event starts in Granada, home to the famous Alhambra and ends in Almería by the sea. Although most participants ride mountain bikes, there are also a few daredevils who tackle the challenge on gravel bikes. The stats for the event, also known as MBR, are impressive: more than 200 kilometers and over 4,000 meters of elevation gain to be conquered, with time cuts threatening to take out anyone who is not riding quickly enough. 

It’s just before 6 a.m. in Granada, not far from the famous Alhambra. More than 250 crazy off-road bikers are lining up for the start of the fifth MBR. Flashback: at check-in yesterday, the organiser Luis told me that the course should be manageable even with a gravel bike, with only a few tricky singletrack sections.

As loud music blares from the speakers shortly before the start, the atmosphere among the riders heats up. Yet, looking around, I realise that I’m the only one with a gravel bike — and that won’t change all day. After the start, we head slightly uphill into a still dark and long day. Beneath the seemingly endless trail of lights lies the brightly illuminated city of Granada.

The first downhill doesn’t slow the hot-blooded Spaniards. They descend in kamikaze style — you’d think the race was being decided right there. After passing the small town of Quéntar, the day’s first long climb begins. After 7 kilometers and almost 700 meters of elevation gain, it’s over and we enter a remote, surreal landscape. The following downhill is smooth and flowy. After crossing a road, a beautiful forest trail follows, easy to ride but steadily climbing. When I glance at my Garmin, I notice that after 35 kilometers, I’ve already completed 1,400 meters of climbing.

The track skirts around the larger town of Guadix, known for its cave dwellings, but the surrounding landscape remains breathtakingly beautiful. Views repeatedly open onto the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. A true gem along the route is the picturesque castle of La Calahorra, perched on a hill 60 meters above the town and a protected monument since 1922.

For a short stretch, the track runs through a washed-out streambed where everyone has to push or carry their bikes. At a feed station, fans admire and photograph my gravel bike, repeatedly calling me "loco loco," which simply means "crazy."

The trail now descends steadily. The surface alternates between fast gravel tracks, short paved sections and riverbed gravel roads — common in Spain and known as "ramblas." The critical feed station comes at kilometer 120, where a time cut-off applies: anyone arriving after 4 p.m. is mercilessly pulled from the race. Checking my watch, it’s just after noon — so unless something unexpected happens, I will finish.

What I don’t yet realise: the hardest and most demanding part of the Mozárabe Bike Race starts here. For 15 brutal kilometers after the feed station, I ride through a "rambla" — loose gravel, larger rocks and fine sand alternate under my wheels.

The ground literally sucks the strength from my legs. The following stretch of asphalt feels like pure recovery. Then comes the most impressive part of the entire track: a trail winds up through a stunning canyon, hemmed in by towering rock walls. Fortunately, the switchbacks are paved, preventing my rear wheel from slipping.

The feed station in Rágol is well stocked. Craving sugar, I fill my bottle with Coke — now it’s getting serious. The climb from Rágol is truly daunting: 17 kilometers long and nearly 1,200 meters of ascent. But that’s not the only challenge: with my 42-tooth chainring and 42-tooth cassette, it’s going to be a real grind. Adding to the difficulty, the relentless sun beats down from a cloudless sky and temperatures hover around 30 degrees Celsius.

The climb is consistently steep and everyone is suffering. I manage to overtake at least 10 mountain bikers spinning their smallest gears or even pushing their bikes — some simply stand there exhausted, making the scene look like something out of "The Walking Dead."

From the highest point at 1,400 meters, it’s almost entirely downhill to the coast. However, I celebrate too soon: the last 10 kilometers down to Almería follows a rough and bumpy track that demands full concentration one last time.

After nearly 220 kilometers and 4,500 meters of climbing, I finally reach the finish line. Organiser Luis greets me enthusiastically and shows me videos on his smartphone, sent by fans who saw me at the feed station — videos of the crazy guy with the gravel bike. Luis dryly says, "You are the man of the day!"