Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Badlands 2024: A Triumph of Grit and Strategy in the Spanish Wilderness
With the Badlands 2024 event officially finished and over 200 riders completing the 791-kilometer route, Chris Tonge reports on how this year’s race played out. Find his recap alongside a stunning selection of photos by Juanan Barros here…
PUBLISHED Sep 9, 2024
Photos by Juanan Barros
The 2024 Badlands, a grueling 791-kilometre self-supported gravel bikepacking race across Southern Spain, unfolded in a thrilling display of endurance and strategy. The race, known for its challenging terrain, saw a record-breaking number of participants this year, with 346 riders from 39 countries taking on the heat, dust, and iconic landscapes of Andalusia. Alejandro Martínez, building on lessons learned from the previous year, rode a calculated race to claim overall victory, while Cara Dixon, with an awe-inspiring performance, was the first woman to finish, securing seventh place overall.
A Global Gathering in Granada
This year’s Badlands attracted the highest international participation in its history. Riders from every corner of the globe, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Namibia, Colombia, Canada, and Kenya, converged in the ancient city of Granada, highlighting the event’s growing global appeal. This year also saw a record number of women participating, with 59 riders lining up at the start line, a testament to the increasing inclusivity and representation within the sport.
The air buzzed with anticipation on Accreditation Day as riders—a mix of seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers—finalised their preparations for the challenging journey ahead. Among the competitors were several names already familiar to ultra-distance cycling enthusiasts, including Justinas Leveika, fresh off his victory at the 2024 Tour Divide, and Ulrich Bartholmoes, a consistent top performer in ultra-endurance races, both returning for another shot at the Badlands title. Amity Rockwell, known for her impressive victories in gravel events like Unbound Gravel, was also among the riders to watch.
A Challenging Course Through Diverse Landscapes
The 2024 route, while comparable in scale to previous editions, featured new sections that promised to test the riders’ physical and mental fortitude. Spanning 791 kilometres with a demanding 16,000 metres of elevation gain, the course traversed a diverse range of landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the desolate beauty of the Tabernas Desert, Europe’s only true desert.
The race kicked off with a mass start in the heart of Granada, leading riders out of the city and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. An early climb tested the legs, setting the tone for the challenges ahead. The route then took riders through the Sierra de Huétor Natural Park, a landscape of rolling hills and pine forests. Despite the cooler temperatures under the canopy, the fast gravel tracks quickly stretched out the peloton, creating divisions within the field.
Section 1: Granada and Sierra de Huétor Natural Park
This section served as an introduction to the demanding climbs and unforgiving terrain that define the Badlands.
By the time the riders reached the 79-kilometre mark, the true nature of the Badlands began to reveal itself. They encountered the Mirador del Fin del Mundo, a short but brutally steep climb averaging a 15% gradient, with sections exceeding 25%. It was here, under the scorching afternoon sun, that the riders got their first real taste of the challenges awaiting them. The leading men’s group had formed, consisting of Jake Griffin, Rick Steffan, Matthew Bird, Alejandro Martinez, and Maxime Prieur. In the women’s race, Cara Dixon, Svenja Betz, and Nathalie Schneitter set a strong early pace.
Section 2: Granada Geopark and Gorafe Desert
Riders traversed the otherworldly landscapes of the Granada Geopark, with its dramatic ravines and unique geological formations, before entering the Gorafe Desert. This section, known for its minimal light pollution, offered riders a glimpse of the Milky Way in its full glory. The winding ridgeline roads became synonymous with the Badlands, etched into the memories of those who dared to take them on.
As the day progressed, the gruelling conditions of the Gorafe Desert reshuffled the leaderboard. Alejandro Martínez established himself as the race leader, followed by Jake Steffan, Kenneth Karaya, Sascha Hubbert, and Benjamin Koch. Cara Dixon led the women’s race, with Nathalie Baillon and Svenja Betz in hot pursuit.
Tragically, the Gorafe Desert also claimed two riders from the lead group. Both Rick Steffan and Matthew Bird were forced to withdraw after separate crashes. The unforgiving terrain, coupled with the accumulating fatigue, served as a constant reminder of the challenges inherent in ultra-distance racing.
Section 3: Sierra de Baza and Sierra de los Filabres
This section took the riders to the highest point of the race, the Calar Alto Observatory, perched at 2,168 metres. The climb offered breathtaking views and tested the riders’ limits as they battled the thinning air. The subsequent descent down the iconic Alto de Velefique switchbacks provided a much-needed adrenaline rush.
As day one drew to a close, riders began to arrive in the town of Gor, a welcome sight after the relentless challenges of the Gorafe Desert. Many prioritised replenishing water and seeking respite from the intense heat. Some riders, however, fuelled by sheer determination, chose to push on through the night, their lights cutting through the darkness as they ascended towards Calar Alto, hoping to gain an advantage in the cooler nighttime temperatures.
By the time the sun rose on day two, the race had truly begun to take shape. Alejandro Martínez and Kenneth Karaya established themselves as the frontrunners in the men’s race. They were pursued by a chase group consisting of Benjamin Koch, Geron Tewes, Maxime Prieur, Sascha Hubert, Cara Dixon, and Jake Griffin, all vying for a podium position. Cara Dixon continued to impress in the women’s race.
Section 4: Cabo de Gata and Costa de Almería
The route took riders through the breathtaking Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, Europe’s largest protected coastal area. This section contrasted the earlier desert landscapes with its dramatic volcanic formations, fossil beaches, and towering cliffs. Riders also caught glimpses of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea as they traversed famous beaches like Los Genoveses and Mónsul.
Section 5: Sierra Alhamilla
The arid Sierra Alhamilla mountain range, a designated Special Protection Area for Birds, presented another challenge. This starkly beautiful landscape, home to a surprising diversity of species, demanded every ounce of the riders’ strength as they tackled the challenging Collado Colativí climb.
The relentless heat continued to play a significant role in the race, forcing riders to adapt their strategies and prioritise hydration and rest. Some opted to rest during the hottest parts of the day, seeking shade under the sparse vegetation, while others pushed on, their bodies acclimatising to the demanding conditions.
Section 6: Tabernas Desert
The heat reached its peak as riders entered the Tabernas Desert, a landscape often described as a European version of the American West. Its unique badlands terrain, formed over millennia of erosion, presented a different challenge, with loose, sandy sections requiring riders to dismount and hike-a-bike. This section, frequently used as a filming location for movies and TV shows, provided a surreal backdrop for the riders’ efforts.
Section 7: La Alpujarra
As the riders entered the final section of the race, they faced what was arguably the toughest challenge yet, La Alpujarra. This mountainous region, steeped in history and dotted with picturesque villages, demanded one final push from weary legs. The steep climbs, packed into a relatively short distance, tested even the most seasoned competitors.
Alex Martinez and Kenneth Karaya continued a back-and-forth affair throughout, and the tide only turned on the long climb up from Instinción. Karaya held a slight advantage going into this climb. However, as dusk settled in Laujar de Andarax at kilometre 690, Martinez seized the opportunity, overtaking a tiring Karaya, who was struggling to maintain the pace. This overtake proved decisive. Drawing on his experience from the previous year, where he had faded in the latter stages to finish fifth, Martinez pressed his advantage, pushing on relentlessly towards the finish line in Capileira.
At the Finish Line
Alex Martinez, riding for Reverb Cycling, clinched the victory, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 1 day, 18 hours, and 18 minutes. He shared his reflections on his previous Badlands experience, saying, “It was my first ultra… I’ve learned a lot from my mistakes”. This year, he focused on a more strategic approach, carefully planning his stops and even familiarising himself with the route’s final leg in the days leading up to the race.
Approximately 40 minutes after Martinez’s victory, Kenneth Karaya, representing Team Amani, secured second place. Benjamin Koch followed an hour later to claim third.
Despite a puncture scare in the final kilometres, Cara Dixon emerged as the first woman to conquer the challenging course, finishing seventh overall with a remarkable time of 2 days, 1 hour, and 24 minutes. Her incredible endurance was a key factor to this victory, plus it’s also worth noting that her tracker data suggested she only paused for a little over an hour throughout the entire race. Svenja Betz secured second among the women, finishing five hours behind Dixon. Anna Kofler claimed the third spot on the women’s podium.
The dynamic duo of Danielle Shrosbree and Bradley Shenton dominated the pairs category, crossing the finish line with a time of 2 days, 5 hours, and 30 minutes.
A Celebration of Human Endeavour
As the last riders trickled across the finish line, the village of Capileira transformed into a scene of celebration and camaraderie. The 2024 Badlands, once again, had tested the limits of human endurance and resilience. It was a race won on physical strength, meticulous planning, strategic pacing, and a healthy dose of grit and determination.
Beyond the individual victories, the Badlands represented something more profound: a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and find joy in the pursuit of extraordinary challenges. It was a reminder that the true rewards lie not just in reaching the finish line but also in the journey itself, the landscapes traversed, the lessons learned, and the friendships forged along the way. As the dust settled on another edition of the Badlands, one thing was certain: the allure of this unique and unforgiving race would continue to captivate the hearts and minds of ultra-distance cyclists for years to come.
Check out the Badlands 2024 Tracker page to follow along on the live tracking map, watch for ongoing race updates, and tune in for more event coverage. Find it here.
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