The Janmart brothers took on Europe's biggest and most prestigious race: all 200km of The Traka.
The French twins are no strangers to long distances and plenty of elevation gain. Coming from the Basque Country, going up and down is in their DNA. So much so they tackled the Transyrenee No3 last summer (1880km, 35,000m). A true feat of grit and determination.
A 200km race would surely be a walk in the park for the two Frenchmen.
"I was cramping for the whole second half of the race"
-Tristan
A distance 200km and an elevation gain of 2500m awaited the two brothers, lined up beside another one thousand riders, all eager to get into it. A brutal climb awaited the riders right off the start line. Fighting their way up the hill, the riders had to navigate through the puddles and the rough conditions of the day's route. The morning chill was soon forgotten and gave way to a scorching Spanish sun.
Arm warmers were put away in jersey pockets and the brothers got into the thick of things. The route was unforgiving and remained challenging due to the rainfall hitting Girona during the days leading up to the race. Cramps and tiredness never got the better of them and the two borthers finished, their faces marked from the effort.
Taking on the challenge of racing a shorter race was no easy task for the ultra racing twins, but a reminder that racing, although in its shorter form, can be at its most brutal. Maybe ultra racing is easier after all.
"One race, two hearts, countless adventures"
-Tristan & Clement
