We know that bikepacking and ultra-cycling is about testing your limits - physical and mental, it's about adventure, camaraderie. It is about eating. It’s also about storytelling and this is the story of one of the newest self-supported ultra-cycling races on the calendar, VIA Race. Ingeborg Oie and Ian To, the team behind this upcoming race, agreed to speak with me and Niel Copeland about the first Chapter of this 4000km adventure which sets off from Southern Spain on 20 July, 2024.  This is an ultra-cycling race for ultra-cyclists, by ultra-cyclists and there was so much to cover that we’ve split the episode into two parts.  Part 1 covers the origins of the race, Ian and Ingeborg’s own cycling journeys & world record, the route, the thinking behind various race elements, the importance of story-telling, the dotwatching experience, safety, different race categories, support for new riders and how the race aims to welcome a more diverse line-up of cyclists. We also discuss the role of the race partners (linked below).  Part 2 will be live by the 27th of March and will discuss teh evolution of ultra-cycling, the role of technology and also the importance of transparency when it comes to a fair & safe adventure.  In addition to Niel sharing his prep, Part 2 will feature the voices of some of those participating.  For more info on what was discussed in the episode:  🚲 VIA Race Online - https://via-race.com 🚲 VIA Race on IG - @VIA_RACE  🚲 Niel’s DotBooster Academy - https://dotbooster.com  🚲 Niel on Instagram - @nielcopeland 🚲 She Races - https://www.sheraces.com  Race Partners  🚲 Cafe Du Cycliste https://www.cafeducycliste.com 🚲 Le Bezy Pyrenees -https://www.lebezy.com  🚲 Cyclete - https://cyclite.cc/en If you liked this episode, please tap subscribe wherever you are listening. Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only. Check out The Mettleset Podcast and follow @JustBikesThePodcast and @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.   x Dawn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.