Michal Ozogan

Hellenic Mountain Race 2025

Map of track Hellenic Mountain Race 2025
883km
Distance
27,620m
Elevation
Download GPX

A race where you don’t count kilometres, but vertical metres. With 27,000 meters of climbing, it is one of the vertical kings of bikepacking races. Not only did I have to deal with aggressive dogs, but I rode through rain, mud and storms. It was so warm in places that I could barely ride, but at night I couldn’t avoid freezing temperatures.

A large group of approximately 15 cyclists, mostly men and a few women, are gathered outdoors with their fully loaded bikepacking bikes on what appears to be a paved road or a wide trail, flanked by trees and greenery in the background. In the foreground, a man in a red cycling jersey, brown cycling shorts, white helmet, and glasses is smiling at the camera, holding his bike. Everyone is dressed in cycling gear, with helmets, backpacks, and various bags attached to their bikes, suggesting they are either preparing for or taking a break from a long cycling trip. The atmosphere seems relaxed, with some individuals chatting or looking at their phones, while others stand next to their bikes.

Day #1 and #2 How I became a bad person

I didn’t have much time to acclimatize, so I was just getting acquainted with the local environment. In the first encounter with the dogs I completely failed, but the next days I at least knew how to do it. The first 38 hours of the race and I was trying to find the right rhythm. Read more

    A high-angle, wide shot reveals a majestic mountain landscape, likely taken during a bikepacking trip. In the foreground, a steep, light-colored rocky slope covered in sparse green vegetation descends into a valley. The middle ground features a lush green basin with winding dirt tracks, suggesting a trail for bikes. Beyond the valley, towering mountains with dramatic, heavily forested slopes rise under a clear blue sky, emphasizing the vast and rugged terrain.

    Day #3 How I became pastafarian

    As soon as the rains stopped, I started complaining about the heat. The sun had its advantages. The views were worth. I visited enough hills to enjoy them thoroughly. There weren't many opportunities to replenish my supplies, and I had no choice but to eat spaghetti in bulk. Read more

      A tired-looking male cyclist with a dark beard and dirty face, wearing a maroon "VAN RYSEL" shirt, sits on the ground with his legs bent. He has scrapes and dirt on his knees, and his hair is messy. He's smiling directly at the camera. Behind him are parts of a heavily equipped bikepacking bike, including the front wheel, frame with water bottles, and the rear wheel with its cassette, suggesting a challenging journey.

      Day #4 How I exploited a german tourist

      For those brutal climbs, I needed strength I simply didn’t have anymore. I was so hungry, a single gas station wasn’t going to cut it. And with just an hour of sleep per night, I was in such a state I started chatting with random strangers just to stay awake. I was pushing on with one goal in mind — reaching CP3 before the supermarket closed. Read more

        An expansive mountain landscape at twilight or dawn, with a dramatic sky. The upper half of the image features a cloudy sky, transitioning from warm yellows and oranges on the horizon to deep blues and purples overhead. Sun rays pierce through the clouds on the left, illuminating the side of a large, grassy mountain slope that dominates the left foreground. In the midground and background, numerous mountain ranges stretch into the distance, appearing increasingly hazy and blue, creating a sense of depth and vastness, typical of scenes encountered during bikepacking adventures.

        Day #5 How one climb changed my race

        The last day of the race didn’t go without twists. I was catching up sleep using power naps. A piece of my pedal broke off. I got caught in a thunderstorm with lightning. And until the final kilometre, I was fighting for position. It was intense. And those views at the end… the best ending to an adventure I’ve ever experienced. Read more