Meet the Mike Hall Bursary Riders

Words by Stuart Downie

Photos by Liz Seabrook

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It is Lost Dot’s belief that the differentiator in adventure racing should be the aptitude, athleticism and attitude of the individuals, not their budget. To that end, Lost Dot’s Mike Hall Bursary has been introduced, giving recipients financial aid for race-related costs, cycling kit and equipment from Lost Dot’s Race partners, and support from an experienced mentor in the run up to the Race.

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This year, Lost Dot welcomes Judit Ertl (048) and Maksym Matvieiev (030) to TPRNo4 – both newcomers to the Race, and riders on our Green Leaderboard.

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“I found myself on the bike,” Judit tells us. “When I get on a bike I feel not only freedom but also equality. I think cycling can bring people together without prejudice. We are members of the cycling community. On the bike, it doesn't matter what a person looks like.”

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While this is Judit’s first TPR, it’s not her first experience riding long distance, having completed the infamous 1,200km audax Paris–Brest–Paris. Held every four years, the goal is to complete the ride in 90 hours – it is not a race. And it is very different to this Race. Here there are no aid stations, no support.

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“Now I want to challenge myself, rely entirely on my own resources. The Transcontinental Race would be tough for me, but I feel that with thorough preparation I can complete TPRNo4.”

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And what is Judit’s goal?

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“I want to show you that nothing is impossible. If you were born with a disorder you might carry that visibly, but in your thoughts – on the bike – it's gone. I want to motivate everyone.”

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Judit will be joined by Ukrainian rider Maksym Matvieiev.

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“This is my first time in the Pyrenees,” Maksym tells us on Registration day. “I've never been to Spain or France in general, especially not on a bicycle. I have only participated in brevets before, the maximum distance being 1,200 km – half of which was in the mountains.”

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Starting out as a commuter – as so many cyclists do – what is it that draws Makysm to ultra cycling in particular?

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“I like to socialise during the race with like-minded people. Or vice versa, to take a break from everyday life. To be alone with the road and the bike. Besides – every ride is a test of one's body for fitness. In general, I believe that if a person wants something very badly, he will still try to do it. As the saying goes: I see the goal, I don't see the obstacles.”

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As a Green Leaderboard rider, Maksym has travelled to the Race overland – but he wasn’t able to find a way to travel with his bike. At the time of writing, at Registration, his bike is still in transit, its last known location somewhere in Germany.

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“I mailed the bike unassembled by DHL. The post office promised me that the package would arrive in 3-4 days from the date of shipment – I really hope this turns out to be true.”

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So do we, Maksym – look to the goal, not the obstacles.

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