15,000 calories burned, three toilet stops, one faint – Maddy Nutt breaks down her remarkable debut victory at Traka 560

Maddy Nutt delivered a stunning performance in her debut at the Traka 560, an ultra-distance gravel race spanning 560 kilometres. She not only secured victory but also shattered the women’s course record by nearly two and a half hours. The race, which took place in the challenging terrain near the Pyrenees, tested riders with a mix of technical climbs and long stretches of monotonous gravel roads. Despite the physical and mental demands, Nutt’s determination and strategic approach propelled her to a remarkable win after more than 24 hours of continuous riding. Nutt described the race as a mental battle, particularly during a long 60-kilometre flat section where the monotony almost broke her focus. The start was chaotic, with many riders beginning en masse despite rules discouraging drafting, which forced her to push harder than planned early on. However, around the 210-kilometre mark, she found a second wind and was able to maintain strong power output for the remainder of the race. Her decision to commit to winning came halfway through the event, although she only became confident of victory with about 60 kilometres remaining, due to the unpredictable nature of ultra racing and limited information on competitors’ positions. Preparation played a critical role in Nutt’s success. She meticulously reconnoitred large portions of the course beforehand, identifying reliable water sources and planning her nutrition and hydration strategy carefully. This foresight proved invaluable when an expected resupply point was unexpectedly closed due to a national holiday. Despite the grueling effort, she limited herself to just three toilet breaks, firmly rejecting the common ultra-racing practice of urinating on the move. Her nutrition primarily relied on energy gels, and she emphasised the importance of sticking to her plan to avoid running out of water or energy. Nutt’s victory at the Traka 560 not only highlights her physical endurance but also her mental resilience and tactical acumen in ultra-distance gravel racing. Her performance signals a promising future in the ultra-endurance discipline, where preparation and psychological strength are as crucial as raw power. As ultra gravel events continue to grow in popularity, Nutt’s approach and success provide a valuable blueprint for aspiring racers aiming to tackle these demanding challenges.