Race report by Natalie
It’s hard to put into words everything I experienced at Sahara Gravel. I travelled alone to a new continent, a new country, a new culture. I knew it would be an adventure, and beyond having a strong and joyful start to the season, one of my goals was simple: to connect. Because I so often travel and race on my own.
Sahara Gravel was everything I hoped for, and more.
In the days leading up to the race, I felt that familiar mix of nerves and deep gratitude. That feeling of this is my job — and truly, it’s the best job in the world. Then, two days before the race, everything shifted.
During a recon ride, as I reached down to put my bottle back, I missed a bump and went straight over the bars. I hit my head hard and landed on my shoulder and chest. Thank you POC, that helmet did its job. My head was protected. But I immediately felt something wasn’t right with my chest. Breathing was painful, the desert sun was setting, I had no coverage and I was alone — so I got back to the hotel as fast as I could.
The next day at the hospital in Ouarzazate they took an X-ray, looked at it for a second and said, “Nothing is broken.” Relief. And doubt. (Turns out 3 ribs were broken).
The morning after, I decided to start. With a lot of painkillers, I somehow made it through the first stage. I cried at the finish line - from pain, but also from relief. Stage by stage, I kept going. The pain was brutal, but during the race I could (almost) handle it. What carried me through wasn’t just medication, it was the energy, the love and the support from the incredible people I met along the way 🥰
I came home with three stage podiums and one stage win, a very broken-down body, seven bleeding and infected blisters on my hands, a mechanical, more wrong turns than I’d like to admit, and three crashes (the last two in the sand on the final stage — would recommend, very soft landing 😉). High on happiness, adrenaline… and, painkillers.
I created memories for life, and as a bonus, brought home a beautiful trophy for winning the overall classification.
Sahara Gravel, one of the best experiences of my life. See you next year 💥
