KROMVOJOJ #4 – 2025

Kromvojoj ticks all the right boxes. There is a manifesto and the name of the event itself is a word from an artificial language called Esperanto. The language was created to be an international communication tool and I think the organisers are romantics at heart, who want to share this landscape with the riders through the universal language of the bicycle.

In this 4th edition of the event, not only will riders make their way across Catalonia and the French Pyrenees, but riders will also be riding through a new uncharted territory. Whilst Aragón is definitely on the maps it has not been ridden through on Kromvjoj before. There they will encounter sparse and remote sections, but as the organisers say this is where they will be rewarded with sublime landscapes. As much as we riders try to crunch those hours down, we know that it is our surroundings that feed and nurture our souls.

Two routes will be on the cards this year. The first comes in at 1,445km and has an epic 28,000m+ of climbing. The second, called the Redux totals 995km and has 19,500m+ of climbing. The routes come in slightly longer than previous editions but not by much.

If your eyeballs dear readers haven’t sunk back into your heads after seeing the elevation then let me list off some of the major climbs: Peyresourde, Hourquette d’Ancizan the Tourmalet.Both routes will progress along the same path to CP1 and before they can all settle into to an amicable cadence, 15km down the road they will be confronted with a climb up La Mussara. At 958m of elevation the riders will now be spread all across the dot-watching field and this is where it will get interesting! Who knows what will happen by the time they reach upwards toward the Coll de la Creueta(1,921M) and CP1. From here, looking out over the Pyrenees the riders will be tuned in to their environs and their bodies ready to roll with fervour or fear.

Here is the point where we could worry about the weather. Looking at the charts it seems things will get wet and murky from Tuesday afternoon. This could last until Thursday, right when some riders are getting deep into the meaty parts of the race at CP2 and CP3. Can any of the riders outpace the weather front? Perhaps Toni Calderon(@tonicalderon1) can. An ultra-distance veteran and winner of Kromvojoj 2023. If not him, perhaps Millie Gibbons(@milliegibbons) will. She was the fastest female finisher of Lost Dot’s 2023 Edition of the Trans Pyrenees.

It’s not all about the seasoned veterans, every rider is coming here with their own stories to write; Sylvain Arhancet(@sylvain_arhance) being the youngest rider this year is making their own journey in the Ultra scene – give his dot a follow. As the week progresses there will be ample opportunity to find out more about others riders making their way across the route.

Another wonderful part of this event is the Sponsoreco riders. Kromvojoj are dedicated to making their event a gateway to riders that have been underrepresented in the cycling community and want to create an inclusive environment where everybody can feel safe and valued. This year there are five riders that have been given this support. During the course of the event we shall check in with them and see how they are doing.

find out more here: https://www.kromvojoj.cc/en/sponsoreco/

This year there are 107 riders partaking. The gender split is 17% female and 83% male. Year on year the amount of women participating has been increasing. So, where is everybody from? Well 64% are from Catalunya and Spain. 13% are from the United Kingdom, 5% are from France and 17% are from the Rest of the World (ROTW). The percentage of people that speak Esperanto is not known, but perhaps we can run a survey.

Last Years Winners

• Male: Etienne Pousse 3d 9h 22m
• Female: Molly Weaver 4d 03h 17m

Redux

• Male: Nahuel Passerat 2d 04h 07m
• Female: Clémence Vandergheynst 3d 15h 05m

The average was 4.5 days to complete the 1,385 km route and 3.5 days for the Redux version(925km).

Before I go let me set the scene. Think brooding mountains masked by heavy mist; vast plains and open skies. Now imagine that you can hear the rhythmic swish of a bike cutting through the landscape. Join me, Greg Nay as we follow the dots and watch Kromvojoj 2025 come to life.

The routes are posted below this preview if you want to have a look.

If you have any updates or stories that will help everybody enjoy this experience, then please send me an email to: gregnay@graphiccoffee.com

Check out the riders rigs here: https://dotwatcher.cc/feature/bikes-of-kromvojoj-2025

The riders have mainly rolled out of the starting point! Enjoy the screen shot from Kromvojoj’s live stream, I wanted to give you that raw energy that the riders are probably feeling right now.

A total of 106 riders have their trackers live. 61 of the 64 long route(1445km) riders are on the move. 38 of the 42 redux(995km) riders are a few K up the road. I’ll try to let you know when and if those 7 riders strike some pedals and hit the route.

The weather down in Reus looks pretty decent. 24c right now, dropping down to 20c overnight and looking dry. For those riders that at some-point during the early morning make it nearer CP1 will be looking at 17c-15c. Patches of rain are passing through right now, but should be dry by the time our heroic rollers make it there.

The distance to CP1 is 322km , who will grind their way there first? Cut-off at CP1 is 8am on Monday morning.

As a side note the winner of the 2023 Edition Toni Calderon (62), is riding the Redux route and in 3rd place at this moment. Most of the riders are tackling the first climb of the day the Alt de la Musera.

I am loving that the ride starts in the evening. Nerves simmering on edge for most of the day and racing into the night.

We will see where the dust settles no doubt in the morning. If you have any updates or stories find me on Insta @graphiccoffee

I leave it at that for now and here is something that I am yet to trend onto. How many people carry a little ride buddy on their bike? I think I will start a survey.

Good morning, buenos días and bonan matenon Folks! As we sit here eating our brekkie a few riders have managed to pass through CP1 not to long ago. First over the top was Dani Vilà Ramirez (26). He has now descended into Puigcerdà. Will he stop for an espresso? I know I would but I’m not racing. The Frenchman, Sylvain Arhancet (75) reached the checkpoint in second place. A reminder that he is the youngest rider in the event – chapeau to him! Third was Toni Calderon (62) – the veteran grinds the pedals with a steady pace.

The night is a beautiful and brutal beast. I always find it harding climbing in the dark. Visually you can’t see the climbs and that plays mental games with your legs. They feel like mud and like you are going nowhere. Respect to the night riders. A few looked to have had some naps or found a place to grab some sleep in Vic and Maresa. Most of the riders are now plodding along, but unfortunately six riders have scratched. Hoping they are ok and fit to ride again..

We shall leave it here for now as we watch most of the riders crawl up to the Coll de la Creueta and CP1. The weather will be reaching up to 23c by the middle of the afternoon and looking dry. For the riders that have already gone through CP1 they are about 50km away from an incredible climb up Port de Pailherès(2001m). I’ ll be checking in late afternoon with an update.

Here is a fabulous photo from Tomas(@arrieredupeloton) one of the event photographers to set the day off right!

Good evening all. After becoming jealous of this epic event I had to go for a spin of the wheels myself. Well I am back and have been looking at some dots and been given some intel of today’s shenanigans. Whilst there has been some serious action at the front end of the ride, let’s take some time to hear a little about the riders experiences on the ride up to this point….

11 people have scratched so far. For many it’s different pains; the back, the knees. Others have had mechanicals. It seems that the amount of ascending has gotten to people. Between CP1 and CP2 there is a staggering amount of climbs. If the climb up to the Coll de la Creueta has got you fatigued, then the hacksaw like profile after that will be enough for your mind to shut you down.

Other mind games are available – once out of Puigcerdà the riders head into France where things become a bit more remote. With no real transport network, they will be cut loose and into the wilds. You are solo, surviving and will have to ride through. It’s a tough pill to swallow if you are not ready to fully commit..

But, lets’s ease it back and see what some of the riders have been through lately.

Paul Winder (49): After 22 hours of non-stop riding he tried to find shelter near CP1 and he was so exhausted he couldn’t even remember his own name!

Samuel Cibulka (30) and Dana Pavisich (76): Whilst tackling the Col de Pailhères they came across some belligerent cows. All ended well and they rode away, but the moral of this story is, you never know what is around the next corner.

Joel Turner (28): After completing his longest ride ever and also his longest climb, he was as you could understand, very hungry. Upon finding a pizza place that was closing down for the night, he urged and even begged the proprietor for some food. In a awkward conversation where neither participant really understood each other, there was some kind of human connection. Three burgers(yes I know this is a pizza place) were cooked for him and the evening ended with a couple beers shared between them.

Daniel Dolosor (90): Daniel fell off his bike, and got a bit scratched up. He lost some of his skin and stopped in Ripoll to do a health check on himself. Later he was supposed to visit the hospital in Puigcerdà but it sounded like he and his ride partner Anthony Zarra (89) just kept on going – True Grit!

Carles Sarroca Mangues (6) and Maurizio Sartori (7): Riding as a pair, these first time ultras were a little blown away by the maniacs that ride through the night. Stopping to sleep in Manresa about 150km into the ride, they woke up in the morning with a majestic view. Through the highlighted skyline of the old city they could see the unique and sublime multi-peaked mountain range that is Montserrat. I googled it and it is wondrous. These tiny moments of amazement are what makes the all the efforts worth it!

Meanwhile… at the front end of the race.

Sylvain Arhancet (75): He is racing along. now at the 600km point he might even reach CP2 before it is open. Although he does have the Col du Tourmalet (2,115m) to get over. Just having a quick look, it does seem he might have actually stopped. Is he going to have a nap? Stay tuned for the morning update.

Millie Gibbons (88): After having a late start, she is now really powering through the route. I heard that she might have had a bit if a puke up earlier, but is rocking now and happy to be on the French side, where she can sink her teeth into some serious climbing.

Fanny Bensussan (104): Is another female rider who has really gotten into her own rhythm. At this point right now they are both in Tarascon-sur-Ariège. I think they have stopped for the time being. This might be little rivalry to look out for in the coming days.

Ok all, I am going to hit the hay as they say. See you in the AM for a morning update. Greg

Bonne Nuit.

Good morning,buenos días and bonan matenon to everybody out there in the dotwatching world!

It is Monday morning and we are into the second full day of riding. so what has happened overnight? Well last time we checked in Sylvain Arhancet (75) was at the 600km mark. He has now ridden another 166km and is only 95km away from CP2. Will the organisers get there in time? The race is on. Having smashed the Col du Tourmalet he is now enjoying a 35km descent, and for some reason I feel like he is not coasting down it.

Pierre Lisant (60) in second place is about 80km away from Sylvan and is yet to tackle the Tourmalet. There is a loose pack of riders spread over a couple of kilometres making their way into Ore: 3rd. Dani Vilà Ramirez (26) , 4th. Oriol Borreda Cassà (68), 5th. Javier Álvarez Echarri (11), 6th. Fanny Bensussan (104).

In the REDUX route, Francesc Alcobet Cerdà (20) has made it to CP2 and it looks like he is having a well deserved chill there. He is 662km in to his 995km ride. From here the route starts heading south back to base. 65km back down the road is second place, Pau Codina Soriano (44).

The rest of the riders are dotted all across the route, most having passed CP1 at this point. The cut-off for CP1 was this morning, but a few riders look like they are still heading towards it. Today will be another exhausting day as they all continue to make their way across the hacksaw tooth like profile. After CP2 things will get easier, but first you have to make it there!

A logistical problem to deal with today is that it is a bank holiday in France. Shops are on limited hours or not open at all.

The weather today will be getting up to 24c and there will be a few cirrus clouds forming in the afternoon. Potential for some cumulonimbus, but no rain. Tomorrow looks to be really heating up. On Wednesday there is chance of all that pressure building up and a thunderstorm in the afternoon.

There has now been another rider hanging up the pedals. That brings the count up to 12.

Sergi Florenza (22) Is off route and seems to be by a lake and perhaps going for a swim.

And here is a little tale of humanity: Two of the Sponsoreco riders, Núria Escuer Mestres (65) and Erkuden Almagro Mendoza (66) who are riding as a pair had trouble finding a place to stay the night before and a random person hosted them at their house. What a beautiful thing to do….

Good evening all. The setting sun at this point will start casting large sections of this mountainous region into darkness. The riders will make their decision hopefully on full stomachs on wether to charge through another night.

I’m looking at the screen right now and I’m wondering if Francesc Alcobet Cerdà (20) is going to keep on going this evening. He is through the CP2 Redux checkpoint and only has 176km to go. I say only so easily as I sit here in the comfort of my chair. I have heard that he left an angry message with the organisers where he berated them for the climb up Port de Balès. Comparing it to climbing a parking ramp for 20km!

Pau Codina Soriano (44) is in second place and has been stopped just outside of Vielha for a couple of hours now. Perhaps a big dinner? Meanwhile Domènec Playa Figuls (15) is in third and 6km from the CP2 Redux – so nearly up the parking ramp!

On the long route, wonder kid Sylvain Arhancet (75) is 907km in and has 304km to go to CP3. It’s a long stretch and he has less big climbs to contend with, well until he gets to Mont Caro. I have heard, that he doesn’t stop for long and is fuelled by ice cream. Maybe he knows something we don’t know. The hidden secret to Ultra distance riding.

Pierre Lisant (60) and Dani Vilà Ramirez (26) have been going back and forth a little bit, but Pierre is staying one step ahead for second in the standings and is about 59km from CP2. But first they have to climb over the Col d’Aubisque and then ascend the Col du Portalet.

4th place Oriol Borreda Cassà (68) and 5th place Javier Álvarez Echarri (11) have made it over the Col du Tourmalet. Fanny Bensussan (104) has just crested the Tourmalet. She and Javier have been playing a bit of poker today and Fanny even joked that she wasn’t going to climb up the Tourmalet, but that might have lit a fire under Javier’s saddle as he beat her to the top.

13 riders have scratched now. Sergi Florenza (22) who if you remember was up by the lake, did indeed have a dip in the water. Hoping this would give him the reset he needed to carry on. Alas it was not to be and he will back to ride again another day. There has also been a few saddle sore issues that have led to people calling it a day.

It is getting hot up there and tomorrow looks like be a broiler. There is a very big chance that La Calima is making its way there. If you haven’t heard of this phenomenon before, it is when a hot, dry, dusty wind comes in from the Sahara. The air is filled with sand particles and leads to low visibility and respiratory issues.

With all that talk of scratching, struggle and bad weather, let’s have a photo that shows how much fun riding can be…

I will catch you all in the morning and perhaps I’ll do a post just of people eating snacks and obtaining snacks. I mean snacking is a lifestyle in itself!

Breaking news this morning Francesc Alcobet Cerdà (20), who is riding the Redux route is 26km away from arriving at the finish line in Castellvell del Camp. He has ridden through the night and clocked up over 140kms. Perhaps he heard about La Calima coming in.

On the long route,Sylvain Arhancet (75) has clocked up 200km or so kilometres during the evening and is now 133.8km away from CP3. Yes, you guessed it he is still in 1st. Pierre Lisant(60) has 330km to go until he arrives at CP3 and remains in second place. His battle with Dani Vilà Ramirez (26) is over for now as he drops to sixth and is right now at CP2. In third is Oriol Borreda Cassà (68) having moved up one place. Jumping back into the mix is Fanny Bensussan (104) in 4th. Things are now really heating up for the top spots.

A mention to fifth place Chris McNaughton (19) who is bombing it down to Sallent de Gállegoe in pursuit of Fanny.

That is it for the time being, I must dash. Will have an afternoon update today as there are many things going on, including how the weather is going to affect the riding today. Cheers for now, Greg

And he has come rumbling into base camp….. Francesc Alcobet Cerdà (20) has completed the Redux edition of the Kromvojoj 2025 in 2d 16h 36m. That is a blistering pace, and kudos to him. As we say in Esperanto “Gratulojn!”.

I promised in the other post to do a series on snacking, but I’m not sure that’s what the people really want, so here as a gesture is one of the champ getting his nutrition in.

On the long route, Sylvain Arhancet (75) is just climbing up the long, exposed ascent of Mont Caro (1445m). He is 18km away from the summit and CP3. This is the last big climb of this year’s edition of Kromvojoj. We will find out in the next post how he is getting on and also how everybody else is fairing. Hopefully they are staying well hydrated as it is getting really warm in the region.

Plus we will check in with the Sponsoreco riders. Right, I’m off for something to eat. Greg

It is now 2300 on the roads of northern Spain…we go now to the evening news round-up..

If you look on the map Mont Caro sticks out awkwardly on the route. In the sense that the riders have to turn off the road they are on to do this climb, like a last minute “did you really think you were done climbing moment?”. The payoff is though, that they can see for 200km in the direction of the finish line. Did Sylvain Arhancet (75) think this as he stood looking out from its peak? Now that he has successfully climbed Mont Caro and hit the final checkpoint. He is 137kms from the finish and must be loving the elevation which is less than a metre. After conquering the mighty mountains the refreshing breeze of the Mediterranean must be magnificent. The pull to stop in Deltebre for the night must be strong but with Pierre Lisant (60) 150km behind him do you really risk it?

Third place Oriol Borreda Cassà(68) has stopped in Fraga. Perhaps he is refuelling, this will probably be his last chance to do so tonight. Hot on his heels is a new name in the mix British rider, Henry Hall(23), just 6km behind him. Two more Brits are a few more K’s down the road. Millie Gibbons (88) is making a comeback; consistency is key and she looks to be riding steady. Chris McNaughton (19) makes up the anglo-trifecta, 12 km back up the road, he might be catching some Z’zzs for the night as he hasn’t moved in a couple of hours..

In the Redux…

Pau Codina Soriano (44) came in second on the Redux and finished around six hours ago – ¡Felicidades!. Domènec Playa Figuls(15) has 60km to go and only two more Col’s to climb. I wonder if Kromvojoj are giving out Col Hunter stickers. I’m not sure that is a thing, but it sounds cool and I think all the riders deserve one!

19 people have now scratched. This ride has sure taken its toll. the body racked with suffering, the mind telling itself to quit, the heat for some probably providing that final reason..

Fanny Bensussan(104) scratched after providing some thrilling dotwatching entertainment. Unfortunatley her derailleur cable snapped and after hike a’ biking for ten plus kilometres, she called it a day and hitchhiked into Barbastro. Looking forward to seeing her ride her next event asap – chapeau.

There are many more riders to talk about who at this moment are making there way across the Pyrenees/Pirineus in a giant fantastic grupetto, all having their own unique experiences.. Over the next few days we will check in and see how they are getting on

I just want to give a shout out to the Sponsoreco riders. So, if you have a moment let me tell you how they are getting on.

photo by Tomas (@arrieredupeloton)

“At Sponsoreco, our mission is to promote diversity and encourage the participation of newcomers in long-distance cycling events”

This year there are five sponsored riders and this is a brief rider bio of each one of them provided by Oriol from Kromvjoj

Núria Escuer Mestres (65) Aged 68, taking on her first ultra. While she has extensive cycling experience, having tackled climbs around the world, the sheer distance of the event commands deep respect. She is riding in a pair with Erkuden.

Erkuden Almagro Mendoza (66) Founder of a women’s cycling community and national coordinator for the Women in Bike programme of the Spanish Cycling Federation. She has experience in events such as the Titan Desert. Her partner is the host of the Brevet Card podcast.

Núria and Erkuden rode as a pair, after nearly reaching CP1 Núria started to not feel to well. They went back down to the town before CP1 to get some medical assistance before deciding if they wanted to carry on. They made a well thought out decision not to carry on.

Elena Lázaro Azpichueta (72) Making her debut in ultra-distance racing, after numerous bikepacking trips with a touring approach. She has travelled extensively across South America and remote countries of West Asia. It remains to be seen on how she will adapt to the relentless pace of ultras, or whether she will intentionally remain on the fringes of that tempo.

Elena is making her way in the world to day, with everything she’s got! She has 117.1 km until she reaches the CP2 Redux checkpoint Port de Balès. Cheer her on!

María Ruiz López (67) Only began cycling 2–3 years ago, but has quickly immersed herself in long-distance riding. Inquisitive and eager to learn and enjoy.

I have been told that Maria is riding happy and in good spirits as she makes her way to the CP2 Redux check point.

Dana Pavisich (76) An American based in Catalunya, very active on social media and known for her distinctive personality. This year alone, she has taken part in gravel ultras, UCI gravel events, the Traka, sportives, and MTB races. Among all of them, Kromvojoj stands out as her longest challenge and first proper ultra-distance race.

Dana is flying round on the Redux route and sits in 6th place. She is 847km along, which leaves her with just 148km to go – amazing!

Good Late Morning to you all. If you glance at the map right now, it looks like all the riders are tumbling out of the mountain range and trickling down, like water making its way to the sea. Many riders sensing they are in the final act of their performance have been pushing on through the night ; resupplying and persevering, and some even enjoying themselves.

The big news is that Sylvain Arhancet (75) has crushed the 1445km route! He finished back at Castellvell del Camp in a total time of 3d 15h 30m. Hopefully we can get a some details of his experience in a later post. Major Congratulations to him!

This is a list of the next contenders and how many km’s they have left to go. We shall stay tuned to see how things turn out in a couple of hours

1. Pierre Lisant (60) 106km
2. Henry Hall (23) 140km
3. Oriol Borreda Cassà (68) 152km
4. Millie Gibbons (88) 190km
5. Dani Vilà Ramirez (26) 207km

Chris McNaughton(19) had dropped out of contention and now I know why. He smacked up his wheel in a mighty big pothole. I noticed that he had made his way off route to Lleida and was there for a decent amount of time. Looks like he has got his wheel fixed and is heading

On the Redux, three more riders have come in…

• Domènec Playa Figuls(15) 3d 7h 25m
• Ricard Riera Busquets(78) 3d 9h 15m
• Ferran Bargas Sabat(93) 3d 11m 20m

Nearly finished is Dana Pavisich (76), she has 65km to go!

It was a hot day yesterday and many riders came up with novel ways to cool themselves down. They might have to do that again today as it will be getting up to 35c.

Next update coming to you late afternoon. All the best, Greg

Good afternoon to those still lunching and perhaps those that have moved on to coffee. The pack of heavy-hitters on the long route are nearing the finish. Here is a quick reference guide to where they are all at now.

2. Pierre Lisant (60) 32km distance until the finish
   3. Henry Hall (23) 63km
   4. Oriol Borreda Cassà (68) 87km
   5. Millie Gibbons (88) 122km
   6. Dani Vilà Ramirez (26) 122km

As you can see Millie and Dani are neck and neck. They are both in Deltebre, are they eyeballing each other from across the square? Maybe they will cross the line together in a sign of comraderie. We shall soon find out…

Dana Pavisich (76) has been busy making friends along the way, but what she has also been busy doing, is finishing off her ride. She cruised into 6th place on the Redux route and is the first female finisher.

Jonny Adamson (101), Carles Sarroca Mangues (6), Maurizio Sartori (7) have now all finished their Redux rides around 7 minutes ago..

That’s it for now, I’m off on a ride. Greg

Good morning, buenos días and bonan matenon to everybody. It is 10:37am and a whole bunch of riders have now come in on both routes. But, that was mostly last night, so let’s dive into the action right now…

A handful of riders are tackling the Puerto de Serrablo, the last big climb before the final big climb. Other riders have passed through the Collado de Eripol and are enjoying a descent along the river Vero, taking in some fresh air after all that exertion. They have until Friday the 13th at 2pm to make the cut-off to CP3.

Six riders are on the climb up Mt. Caro. They must be elated, although the struggle is tough, every pedal stroke is now bringing them so much closer to home….

Genís Camí Subirà(94) and Juan José Miramon Muñoz(52) have checked in to CP3; taken in the view, perhaps had a cry or just a moment to reflect on the journey – emotions are exposed and raw at this point. For those that sit atop this mountain they know they only have 203km to go and it’s pretty much downhill from here. In a good way!

Marc Dominguez Mallafre (51), has been through the CP2 Redux and now has 308km until the finish. The cut-off is Saturday the 14th at 1800. I think he has got this!

In the Redux seven riders have come in: including the first pair to finish Carles Sarroca Mangues(6) and Maurizio Sartori(7). They look like they have had fun(see pic above) on the ride, there’s nothing like riding with a good buddy. Either one that you have made during the event or one you have had for ages. These rides bring us all closer together.

On the long route:

During the night the main pack of Col Hunters came in. Mostly in the order they were riding in yesterday.

2nd. Pierre Lisant(60),3rd. Henry Hall(23), 4th Oriol Borreda Cassà(68),5th Dani Vilà Ramirez(26),6th Millie Gibbons(88),7th Òscar Garrido Forcadell(73),8th Javier Álvarez Echarri(11),9th Marc Mata Llordés(18)

Millie came in at 2315 last night and is the first female finisher on the 1,445 route of Kromvjoj 2025 – Felicidades! She even has super-fans! Although I have a sneaking suspicion that they might be her folks.

That’s is it for the time being. I’ll be checking in on the action this evening.

Weather for today: hanging around 30c, with light winds.

Good evening and welcome to this edition of the Kromvojoj update…

The stunning landscape continues to inspire as I sit here in front of the computer screen watching dots.. Congrats to Juanfran Torres Montiel(95) he is the latest rider on the long route to come in- cheers to you!

Victor De la Cruz(103) is next up to come in, he just has to pass over Coll d’Alforja a mere 636m of elevation. A mole hill compared to what he has already been over, but after what his legs have been through it probably feels like a mountain. To be honest it probably is officially classed as one. Nope I’m not looking it up! Juan José Miramon Muñoz (52) is just under a two kilometres behind him.

Six more riders are in and about Mont Caro. Sergi Serra Monne (92) has started his climb. Give him a shout out when he gets to the top – a total achievement. A photo moment for sure!

On the Redux Sponsoreco rider María Ruiz López(67) is 67km out – nearly there! Ah Joel Turner(28) just shot passed her and now it has switched again. They are on the Coll de l’Arena, time for them to get their heads down and grind away. After this they have two more climbs. This Redux route is really packing a punch at the end.

There have been a total of 23 scratches at this point. One of the latest ones was unfortunately Matt Ryan(47) who rode 1364km before having a crash, breaking his shifters but fortunately not his bones – glad to hear to the Pan Celtic legend is ok.

Here is a little numbers breakdown as we head into the closing days of Kromvjoj 2025.

There are 13 Redux riders left on the course and 31 riders on the long route. The cut-off for CP3 is tomorrow at 1400 hours. As most of the Redux riders have passed through their final checkpoint this next notice applies to both routes; the cut-off at home base is Saturday 1800. When does the party start? Well I’ll have to ask my man in the know Oriol about that.

One rider has started really late on the Redux route and that is Juan Carlos Carrillo Flores (24). Let’s all cheer him round and see if he can make it in time for that party!

Evening all, Greg

p.s. The snack of the event award goes to… Josep Ortiz Llena (21). The simplicity and complexity to this dish is unfathomable.

The line of dots that once spread across the Pyrenees like an army of ants has now disappeared. Out there solo, Oscar Silva Lozano(36) is 40km passed the CP2 Redux checkpoint. He from what I’m told only took up cycling a year ago, and is loving every moment of this event. Wishing him the best as he tackles the next 290km to the finish.

There are three riders(redux) about to roll into the arid plains of Lleida. Where, Maria Dolors Vilalta Olle (33), Maria Dolors Alabau Bach-Esteve(37) and Delphine Morel de Westgaver (12) might run into some potential headwind.

Similarly the riders dropping off of Mont Caro on the long route will be encountering that wind coming in from the east. Jordi Cantal Avellaneda (97) isn’t worrying about that anymore as he is 20km from finishing – he can sense the end!

Riders on both routes are bunching up in the Sierra de Prades just north west of Reus. This lower lying mountain range will take them all into the finish at Castellvell del Camp for beers and celebrations.

There are 18 riders left riding the long route, with I’m guessing around 8-9 of them finishing by this evening. On the redux we only have 8 riders left, with about half of them no doubt arriving over the next couple hours.

To all the riders, dotwatchers and organisers, have a great day. Greg

Good afternoon. The sands of time are slipping away faster and faster as we approach the end of Kromvojoj 2025. As an observer to this event all I can say is, it has looked epic. The landscape providing a sublime back drop to the cycling itself. Both working in synchronicity to create something unique.

But, before we get lost in the dramatic power of nature and swirled up in some kind of wanderlust, let us not forget that there are a few riders still out there; turning the pedals – stroke by stroke closer to the end of their journey.

Maria Dolors Vilalta Olle(33) is near the end of her adventure. With 57km to go this 62 year old has been riding this route with a smile on her face throughout. I’m sure she will receive a warm welcome at the finish.

Another Maria is also out there. Maria Dolors Alabau Bach-Esteve(37) with 35km and just a bit more climbing to do will be home soon.

My man Oscar Silva Lozano(36), who I was rooting for unfortunately scratched at the 830km mark. He might have taken a spill by the looks of his bibs. Hoping all is well with him.

On the 1445km route we have Josep Ramon Curto Calbet(34). He has 193km left to ride! If all goes smoothly he should be there for the party, which I heard is kicking off at 1900. Just one last push Josep! Think of it like a 200km Audax, don’t think about the 1245km you have already done.. Everybody give him a cheer!

That’s it for the minute. I will get a final post out around the official cut-off or perhaps a bit later with a party picture or two… Greg

As the end of the event phases out and the dots have cleared off of the map, I just wanted to say “Ĝis la revido”. A big thank you to all the riders and the organisers for providing an enthralling event to dotwatch.

This is Greg Nay signing off..