The Hundredth Mile: our podcasting stories from VIA Chapter I
Podcast
We did a podcast!
The VIA race is more than just a challenge—it’s a 4,000 km journey through the heart of Europe and the soul of ultra-cycling. From the scorching start in Cartagena to the triumphant finish in Giovinazzo, riders faced relentless headwinds, grueling climbs, and the solitude of the open road. Now, for the first time ever, The Hundredth Mile podcast brings you behind the scenes of this epic race, offering a front-row seat to the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments.
🎙️ Hosted by Jon Shubert, with insights from race organizers Ian To and Ingeborg Oie, and many guests and features od riders and supporters, the podcast captures every twist of this ultra-endurance adventure. From tales of rookie ingenuity to seasoned pros strategizing their way to the finish, each episode dives deep into the human stories behind the dots on the map.
Highlights from the road
One rider, unprepared for a brutal hike-a-bike section, improvised a harness from construction-site yarn, strapping his bike to his back to scale an impossible climb. “It cut off circulation to my arms,” he admitted, “but I made it.”
Riders described the Alps as both stunning and merciless. One called it “a beautiful hell,” battling exhaustion while marveling at the surreal landscapes.
Winner Adam Bialek, who led the race almost from the start, confessed that he didn’t see another competitor after Murcia. “It’s nice to win,” he said, “but it’s also lonely not knowing where others are.”
Wayne Harrod, competing with a prosthetic limb, pushed through unimaginable pain before ultimately scratching due to an infection. His journey remains a testament to resilience and grit.
Joanna Ruminska, leading the women’s race for much of the VIA, reflected on her strategy with calm determination. “It’s about managing myself as much as the bike,” she explained. Her ability to balance effort and recovery proved vital as she tackled grueling climbs and scorching temperatures. “Every climb is a challenge, but every descent feels like freedom,” she added, showcasing the mental resilience that kept her ahead.
Meanwhile, Saz Harish, in hot pursuit of Joanna, made significant gains during the Alps. She described the battle as more mental than physical: “I kept telling myself, ‘One more climb, one more push.’” Spotting Joanna’s dot on the map was both motivating and intimidating, driving her to keep fighting through exhaustion. “This race isn’t just physical—it’s a mind game, and I’m learning to play it one pedal stroke at a time.”
For the first time in ultra-cycling history, you can experience these moments both through audio and video. Every podcast episode is available on Spotify, and the YouTube series offers visuals that bring the grit and beauty of the race to life.
From roadside camaraderie to the last-minute battles for podium positions, The Hundredth Mile podcast takes you into the heart of the action. Whether it’s the struggle for third place on the Strade Bianche, or the women’s fierce competition as Joanna Ruminska extended her lead, every story reveals the determination and human spirit behind this monumental race.
🔗 Listen on Spotify or watch the journey unfold on our YouTube channel. This is the adventure behind the adventure. Don’t just follow the dots—step into the lives of those racing on the road to greatness.
