World-renowned ultra-endurance cyclist and author Meaghan Hackinen has won the second in a series of three ultra-endurance off-road bike races.
The Hellenic Mountain Race 乌鸦传媒� which takes riders through and over 878 km and 28,000 vertical meters of Greek countryside 乌鸦传媒� is the second event in the Mountain Race series. The brake-busting and unsupported race series is comprised of a trifecta of the hardest off-road bike routes in the world.
and is now one step 乌鸦传媒� or pedal stroke 乌鸦传媒� closer to achieving her goal of becoming the first woman ever to conquer all three of the Mountain Race Series in a single season. She will next compete in Kyrgyzstan's Silk Road Mountain Race in August.
The series implores the 'spirit of gravel,' as there is little media availability at the race, no on-course support and no prizes at the finish. The riders can only accept aid that would be publicly available to all riders, like at a store, and must carry a tracking device along with all supplies and equipment that they will need for their adventure.
"In addition to my goal of being the first woman to complete all three events, I乌鸦传媒檓 also excited to contribute to the dynamic and growing women乌鸦传媒檚 field in bikepacking. In each event, I hope my presence in the field challenges other women (and men) to compete at their best," said Hackinen.
In a post-race win recap, Hackinen said the Hellenic Mountain Race lived up to its reputation as a "wild and unforgettable" journey through the rugged Pindus Mountains.
"As my first proper mountain bike ultra, I worried that I'd gotten in over my head," said Hackinen.
Thankfully, when the epic storms, slippery steep mountain trails, relentless climbs and technical descents were presented, her hard work in preparation for the race took over.
The 878km race includes climbs so steep riders are forced to dismount and push their bikes, ancient stone staircases, single-track trails through forests, and technical descents.
Hackinen prepared for the race by logging long training rides, completing gruelling workouts, and by committing to improving her mountain bike skills on the single-track trails around Kelowna.
Her mantra for the race was the phrase 乌鸦传媒渟mart and efficient,乌鸦传媒� a callback to her earlier days of racing.
In addition to physically training for the event, Hackinen placed an emphasis on practicing patience with herself and resting when needed. Instead of riding for days straight without rest, as she often does, Hackinen took the time to unroll her bivy sack each night during the race for a brief sleep break.
"The result: I had more fun than I expected to, and more than ever before I relished in the satisfying adventure of moving through a challenging but beautiful landscape on my own steam and stamina."
She also adapted and dialed in her bike setup to tackle the unique demands of untamed Greek trails, by swapping the drop bars for flat bars and adding a front suspension fork to her Salsa Cutthroat.
Hackinen's brand new 2025 Salsa Cutthroat C Force CO AXS Transmission is set up with a 10-52T cassette and 30T chain ring. She opted for super wide Light Bicycle WG44 carbon rims, laced with a SON dynamo hub in the front and Hope Pro 5 rear hub, and stuck with her tried and true 29乌鸦传媒�, 2.2乌鸦传媒� Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge tubeless tires. She also outfitted her rig with a Redshift Sports ShockStop PRO Race Suspension Seatpost and heat-molded Reform saddle.
After four days and seven hours in a muddy deluge, accompanied by thunder and lightning, Hackinen descended the final climb to the ocean in Nafpakto, to take first spot on the female podium and 9th overall in a field of nearly 200.
"Through my talks, recaps, and storytelling, I hope to encourage and support others乌鸦传媒攊n particular, women乌鸦传媒攖o embark on their own adventures, from racing to adventure rides and everything in between," said Hackinen.
To follow along with Hackinen's journeys, hear about upcoming speaking engagements, and to read about her past adventures, visit and follow
