At 33, Nicky Clarke, former Muc-Off crew member and full-time 9-to-5 warrior, is diving headfirst into an epic cycling challenge: qualifying to rep Great Britain at the 2025 Gravel Cycling World Championships. To snag a spot on Team GB, he'll need to crush it by finishing in the top 25% at a brutal qualifier race in Scotland this May.

Sure, he's stepping way outside his comfort zone, and there are tons of unknowns. But one thing's for sure, Nicky is going all-in. He's committed to meticulous prep, because, as every Muc-Off fan knows, half-hearted effort gets half-hearted results.

Expect sweat, grit, and plenty of chaos, Nicky's journey promises to push him physically, mentally, and emotionally. He’s ready to document it all, the good, the bad, and the downright messy.

One of his training rides is the Traka in Girona, so here's Nicky's two cents on how to achieve the 200 miler. 

Tips for Smashing the Traka 200k:

  • Keep Your Cool Early: It's super tempting to blast off with everyone else at the start, especially with all that adrenaline pumping. But remember, 200k is a beast, so settle down into your own pace early and save that fire for when you'll really need it later.

  • Fuel Smart & Consistently: Aim for about 60-90 grams of carbs every hour—but only if you've trained with it and your body is ready. Test your nutrition plan on long rides beforehand to avoid any mid-ride stomach dramas.

  • Trust Your Rubber: Go with tyres you've ridden extensively and trust fully. Grip, durability, and puncture protection will matter way more out there than shaving off a couple of watts. Save yourself the stress and stick to what you know.

  • Gear Up Right: Those climbs can get seriously steep and loose out there, so having a wide-range cassette that'll let you spin comfortably instead of grinding it out could be your secret weapon. Your legs will thank you at kilometer 150.

  • Sort Your Kit Properly: Your kit matters big-time. Go for bib shorts you can chill in all day without discomfort, layers you can peel off easily as temperatures rise, and gloves to keep your hands happy. Expect chilly starts and blazing finishes, and make sure your gear can handle both.

  • Know the Route Inside-Out: Load that course onto your head unit and get strategic. Mark down feed zones, tricky climbs, and descents. Knowing exactly when to push hard and when to back off will help you pace like a pro.

  • Stay Present: Thinking too far ahead can psych you out—200k sounds overwhelming. Break it down mentally into manageable chunks. Stay focused on the immediate section you're riding, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the ride.

  • Ride Your Own Race: It's easy to get sucked into someone else’s pace or tactics, especially early on. Stick to your plan, trust your prep, and avoid burning matches chasing wheels that don't align with your goals—especially in the first 50k.

  • Bike TLC: A fresh chain, meticulously clean drivetrain, and bolts torqued correctly can mean the difference between an epic ride and a mechanical nightmare. Take the extra time for a pre-race tune-up—it'll be worth it.

  • Embrace the Madness: It's gonna be dusty, hot, tough, and brutally epic. That's exactly why you're here, right? Embrace the chaos, enjoy the challenge, and let yourself have fun with every gritty moment of it.

Ready to follow the madness, chaos, and epic achievement firsthand? Nicky Clarke isn't just chasing a spot on Team GB, he's chasing an adventure that promises to test every limit he's got. From dusty climbs to adrenaline-fueled descents, follow every gritty moment, every high, every low, and every pedal stroke toward glory. Cheer him on, support his journey, and watch history unfold as Nicky pushes past boundaries and redefines what's possible.

Don't miss out on this incredible ride, follow Nicky's journey to greatness on Instagram at @__nickthegreek__!

Other Articles

05.02.25 Read Time: 1 min

James Hillier

When you think of the toughest, most badass races in motorsport, the Isle...

Read More