Inside The Traka

I left on Wednesday for The Traka, the most important gravel race in Europe, with a mix of excitement and curiosity in my heart. I arrived in the evening and, almost without realizing it, I found myself already on the bike, riding through what I can only describe as a small gravel paradise. Even those first few kilometers felt special.

The following day, I had the chance to dive deeper into the course, experiencing some sections of the race that would be waiting for me on Sunday. Every road, every landscape, seemed to tell a story.

That’s where the magic of The Traka lies: not only in the incredible level of the athletes or the beauty of the surroundings, but also in the freedom to choose your own journey. Three distances, three different experiences: 360 km, 200 km, and 100 km. I chose the 100 km—my way of living this adventure.

It was beautiful to watch the Friday and Saturday races, to breathe in that unique atmosphere… but nothing compares to the moment when it’s your turn to start.

The alarm went off early, at 05:30. It was a race I had carried within me for a year—one of those where you simply want to give everything you have.

It wasn’t an easy day, I’ll admit that. But, with kindness toward myself, I can say I gave everything I had. And that’s enough for me. I have no regrets.

There were more than 266 women at the start, and with a sense of calm, I’m happy with my 16th place and 3rd in the U23 category.

I came into this race after some difficult days, with the flu and a forced break. Maybe that made everything even more meaningful: I did what I could, with what I had, trying to live every moment fully, without holding back.

I take with me a deep sense of gratitude. For being there, for what I experienced, for the people who stand by my side. And for my coach, who with patience and presence supports me on this journey, helping me to give my best every single day.

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