Navigating Recovery in the Hellenic Mountain Race

IMAGES: Lloyd Wright / Gavin Kaps

TEXT: chatting with Manu Cattrysse

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IMAGES: Lloyd Wright / Gavin Kaps

TEXT: chatting with Manu Cattrysse

SCROLL

Ultra-cyclist and PEdALED athlete Manu Cattrysse recently competed in and completed the Hellenic Mountain Race as part of the pairs category alongside partner Katrien De Smet. For the duo, the race provided a unique opportunity to experience the wild, remote landscapes of Northern Greece by bike. For Manu, the event also acted as a re-introduction to the world of ultra-distance competition following an accident last year that left him with a fractured tibia plateau. We caught up with Manu after the race to learn more about his experience, and you can read the full interview below.

Can you tell us about the Hellenic Mountain Race? How was it?

Absolutely stunning, to begin with. The idea of participating in the Hellenic Mountain Race came from my partner, Katrien, who tried to convince me last December. At that time, I was mostly confined to my sofa or the physio, living in uncertainty and doubting whether it was a foolish idea to even consider racing in May. However, the thought of this race became a possible goal—a light at the end of the rehab tunnel. Fast forward a few months, and we found ourselves in Kalambaka, the starting point of the race. Race day arrived swiftly, and we set off from Meteora along with 75 other riders in sunny weather, ready to tackle the first steep climbs and explore our beautiful surroundings. We rode our bikes for five days and ten hours until we crossed the finish line.

Along the way, we encountered some of the most beautiful terrain we've ever ridden. Greece rewards the hard work of tackling long, steep, and challenging climbs with breathtaking views. Many of these views were among the best we’ve experienced on our bikes.

Was it the first race after your accident?

Yes, it was my first event after eight months of rehab and about nine months since my last race, the Silk Road Mountain Race. Those were not the easiest months, and a lot happened in that period, but I am grateful that Katrien encouraged me to race this one as a pair. It was the perfect way to get back into racing gently. When racing as a pair, I know I will be riding slower and will be able to let my body recover a bit more—push it less to its limits.

What’s a memory that stands out from the race? And what was the actual riding like?

One memorable moment was hiking our bikes up Mount Smolikas for a few kilometers to witness a stunning sunset from a mountain pass—it was tough but magical.

A significant part of the track felt wild and remote. Aside from the riders ahead of us, we didn't see many signs of the trails being regularly used by people. We did see plenty of bear tracks, but unfortunately never crossed paths with one. There was a good mix of fast descending on tarmac or good gravel and very rough and rocky downhills, making it sometimes preferable to walk to avoid trouble and mechanical issues. Fortunately, we managed to get through without any mechanical problems. The race featured three checkpoints, with the first two located in beautiful spots and staffed by great people who understood what riders need when arriving in the middle of the night: a warm meal and a bed minutes later. We slept about four hours each night, which was the perfect amount for us to keep enjoying the race.

Can you tell us about your racing kit?

I was wearing the Odyssey jersey and bib shorts paired with arm and leg warmers when needed. I am a big fan of merino socks and would never race without them. I had an Element Alpha® vest that I wore a lot and an Alpha® neck warmer that added a lot of extra warmth. I also used that as a hat while sleeping. The Odyssey Shell Jacket kept me dry during the crazy downpours we had on the first night and the thunderstorms later that week. I also took waterproof shorts with me. I used the Odyssey Elastic Interface Gloves; they are the first gloves I’ve ever owned that still look like new after an ultra.

How did you train for the event?

I think what brought me this far, was not having any expectations for myself. I knew the track was going to be pretty tough, so I did the work that needed to be done, but I also realized there was no point in overshooting myself to meet expectations that were still out of reach. I started commuting again about three times a week, which is about 37 Km one way. This was perfect to get myself in some routine again and to regain some base conditioning. Twice a week, I went to the physio to work on my strength and mobility with exercises. I felt by doing this combination that my base-level was rising quicker than expected, which felt like a big step in the right direction.

I set a small goal in April to work towards, some sort of test, to see what my body was already capable off. We rode from home in Belgium to Paris and back, close to 800km. My body still remembered this kind of riding and mentally that definitely gave me a boost.

After that trip, I started doing some interval training again and added intensity in my trainings where possible and when my knee allowed me to. Not every training ride was a success, not by far, but it was a matter of realizing that even a very tiny step is one forward and still better than doing nothing.

Did you like racing as a pair?

Last year, we started what seems to be becoming a habit where Katrien and I try to get out on an ultra-race together once a year. In 2023, we had a great time at the Race around Rwanda, and this year we picked HMR and absolutely loved it. We both think the race was the perfect blend of everything we like in an event in terms of scenery, the route, the terrain, and the pre- and post-race hangouts with other riders. For me, it is nice to experience a race like this in a different way compared to how I would usually do it. Our pace was slower, we took some more time to talk with locals, have some sit-down meals, and take some pictures.

The hardest part about racing as a pair was the difference in speed in the downhills. I absolutely love sending technical and rough trails, but because I had to adjust to Katrien’s pace, I had to hit the brakes much more than I normally would. This almost resulted in not enough spare brake pads.

Sometimes, we rode hours without talking, but the fact that you are sharing the experience—that you witness the same beauty, the same thunderstorms, the most challenging terrain, the steepest climbs—makes the experience so different. And although I prefer racing solo because I love the competition and the challenge so much, I can also truly appreciate racing as a pair. It’s really something else. It’s unique to find someone to do this with and even more unique to find someone to do this with more than once.

What’s the next adventure on your itinerary?

The Hellenic Mountain Race did take a lot from my knee, even though during the race it went better than expected. I will for sure try to ride in some last-minute races, but within the next few months, it won’t be anything big yet, unfortunately. My motivation is on point to get back to my pre-injury level and hopefully stronger even. I’m sure I will get there.

You can follow Manu’s ongoing recovery and adventures on Instagram at @manucattrysse and learn more about the HMR at @hellenicmountainrace.

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Navigating Recovery in the Hellenic Mountain Race

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Elastic Interface® Gloves

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Alpha® Neck Warmer

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Designed to overcome any riding challenge