Eighteen months after having major surgery to his elbow, Timo Rokitta headed to Girona, Spain to take part in the Traka360 – a 360km gravel race which attracted some of the biggest names in the gravel racing world. Read on to find out how he got on at the event.
The Traka started in 2019 and has been ongoing since then. The first year of The Traka saw an impressive turnout of nearly 100 participants. In 2020 and 2021, even with the pandemic, the number of participants increased to 200 and 400, respectively. In 2022, The Traka experienced a revival with 800 participants and this year's event was a phenomenal success, with 1900 cyclists from all around the globe taking part in The Traka!
The Traka stands out from other gravel events for several reasons. Firstly, it takes place in the scenic region of Girona, Spain, which offers a variety of terrains and stunning landscapes for participants to explore. Additionally, the event has a strong focus on sustainability and minimising its impact on the environment, with measures such as the use of compostable products and a "leave no trace" policy.
Another unique aspect of The Traka is its inclusive and community-oriented atmosphere, which encourages riders of all levels to participate and challenge themselves. The event also features a range of activities and entertainment options, such as music performances and food trucks, creating a festive and enjoyable experience for participants and spectators alike.
After participating in The Traka 200 last year, it was clear that I would ride the 360-kilometer route in 2023. The preparation began on December 1, 2022, two weeks after the screws were removed from my elbow, which I got in 2019 after a cycling accident. During the preparation phase, I trained an average of 80-90 hours per month. In addition to cycling sessions, I also ran a marathon and did other runs to add some variety to my training.
The conditions for the 2023 edition of The Traka 360 were almost perfect. The route was dry and the temperatures were not too hot. The day before the race, the city of Girona was full of gravel bikers from around the world. Everywhere you went, you would encounter the stars of the scene, whether it was in a café, restaurant, or one of the bike shops - gravel everywhere.
More than 400 participants started on time at 6:00 am on the 360-kilometer track. According to my Garmin, there were 16 climbs to conquer. After the start, the course went uphill immediately to spread out the field. The wind was coming from the northeast, always at an angle from the front. Small groups formed repeatedly, only to separate again during the climbs. The first refreshment station was located in Cantallops. It was about 90 km of riding and 1300 meters of climbing to get there.
After that, the toughest part of the course followed. From the feed station to Roses, it was either steep uphill or steep downhill. The (exhausting) highlight was a 7km long singletrack with many loose rocks. The challenging course was interrupted by picturesque villages by the sea with their bright white houses. The final climb before the second refreshment station in Roses was so steep that almost everyone had to push their bikes due to the 15% gradient and a strong headwind.
Images courtesy of @TheTraka
From the feed station I descended cautiously to avoid damaging my tyres. Many gravel bikers were standing on the side of the road here, repairing their tyres. Beyond Roses, there was a tailwind through the so-called "Emporda." The trails led through extensive orchards or along small rivers. Shortly before Pals, there was an exhausting climb in the forest on extremely sandy ground.
A fast section then brings me to the final ascent, which climbs to over 450 meters. The subsequent descent is on a "corrugated road" - my hands are now hurting intensely. Once I reach the bottom, it starts getting dark, which doesn't make the ride any easier. After the last refreshment station, I switch on my powerful front light. A short section of trail runs alongside a stream and then it's full throttle towards the finish. I realise that a time under 17.5 hours is possible. Despite the rain, I now ride at full speed towards the finish in Girona. After 17 hours and 28 minutes, I finally made it. The efforts of the past 5 months have paid off!