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Badlands – border experience in Andalusia

Paul Voß

Badlands – border experience in Andalusia

Road Cycling Collection by Paul Voß

3

Tours

38:17 h

468 mi

53,500 ft

I needed some time to let this adventure sink in.
Badlands did not disappoint.
It was hard and challenging.
The region in southern Spain is beautiful.
The riders at the start line were impressive.
It was tough to find food and water.

It was an unforgettable 750 kilometres (466 mi) ride with 16,000 metres (52,500 ft) of altitude in 60 hours and 42 minutes. It was my first event of this kind and I didn't know what I was getting myself into. It was brutally hot. The course had challenging climbs, but the descents also demanded everything from me.

I saw landscapes that I wouldn't have expected to see in Europe. I learned what my body can endure and where its limits perhaps lie. I’ve never had to push myself to my physical and mental limits as much as I did on Badlands. I've experienced a lot as a professional cyclist, but nothing compares to this. Also, I was also prouder of my performance after this than after any other race.

I didn't win, I didn't manage to do the whole distance at once without sleeping, but I still feel happy.

My respect goes to all the participants because they are all winners. I now know why this type of event has a different vibe than road races – it's about pushing your personal limits and reaching your own goals. I've enjoyed racing and competing with some of the best athletes in this segment.

Gravel is really anything you want it to be!

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Badlands Full Tour

467 mi

50,775 ft

48,225 ft

Last updated: December 3, 2021

Tours & Highlights

  • 1. Tag Badlands

    12:21
    157 mi
    12.7 mph
    18,625 ft
    18,300 ft

    As soon as I was at the start of the race, it was clear: This is something special! The atmosphere was just brilliant and the first kilometers out of town were accompanied by the rising sun with magical light. Everything together made for a little too much motivation, so that I tackled the race too quickly

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    by Paul Voß

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  • 13:05
    166 mi
    12.7 mph
    15,825 ft
    18,725 ft

    Although I was pretty exhausted yesterday evening, I felt amazingly good on the bike today. In addition, the route today was extremely varied, so that I could really enjoy the day. It felt like I was slow the whole time. Apparently I wasn't, because I was able to catch up with a lot of athletes. Although

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    by Paul Voß

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  • 12:51
    146 mi
    11.3 mph
    19,050 ft
    14,475 ft

    After a short night's rest, I drove on. The route led along a beautiful coastal road - at least that's what I assumed. Unfortunately, I couldn't see much of it, after all, it was still dark. At least I made good progress, which was also due to the fact that the route was almost flat. But that was soon

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    by Paul Voß

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Questions and Comments

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Collection Stats

  • Tours
    3
  • Distance
    468 mi
  • Duration
    38:17 h
  • Elevation
    53,500 ft

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