As a female cyclist, I have always been drawn to the challenge of endurance sports. The grit and determination required to push through pain and exhaustion have always inspired me, and I’ve made it my mission to push myself to new limits in the world of cycling. That’s why I was thrilled to participate in the Race Around the Netherlands 2022, and even more thrilled to finish as the first female across the line in my first unsupported bikepacking race.
The Race Around the Netherlands is no joke. The course covers over 1,950 km of varied terrain, including urban areas, rural countryside, and everything in between. Riders must carry all of their own gear, food, and water, and are not allowed any outside support during the race. It’s a true test of endurance and self-sufficiency, and I knew that I was up for the challenge.
Day 1 & 2
The race began on a early morning on Sunday 30th of April , and I was excited to get started. I had trained for months leading up to this race, and I was ready to push myself to the limit. The first few days were a blur of riding, eating, and sleeping, as I tried to keep up a relentless pace while also taking care of my body. I was riding for up 750 km without sleep.The fatigue was intense, but I kept pushing through probably the most difficult part of the course, the Sheep Dyke (as I like to call it).A long open strech with no many resupplies that test your abilities to avoid sheep and push heavy doors.
The second night I decided to book a hotel on Booking last minute in small hotel near Stavoren where they allowed me to bring my bike into the room and I had a good night sleep, food and a nice shower before heading to the bike shop the day after to repair the tear on the wall of my rear tyre.
Minute 8.05 Youtube video
Day 3
One of the most challenging aspects of the race was navigating the course. The route took me through some incredibly beautiful areas of the Netherlands, but it also some difficult terrain. I had to be constantly aware of my surroundings, as well as my own physical limits. The mental toughness required to keep going was almost as challenging as the physical toughness.
After 9H of sleep I decided to make the most out of the day and recover some of time lost going to the bike shop and sleeping. Saw the most beautiful sunset cycling next to Tulip fields on my way to Den Helder, one of the most epic moments of the race.On that day I felt like flying and once I arrived to the coast I decided to ride through the night again.
The 3rd night was even tougher than the 1st one as I noticed that I started to have edema in my hands and face.Its was also very cold by the coast because of the cold wind and humidity coming from the see, I had to use my emergency blanket and deep winter gloves. As the race wore on, I found myself pushing through pain and exhaustion that I didn’t think was possible. But I also found myself constantly inspired by my fellow riders also pushing to complete the event.
Day 4
Finally the sunrise! Is incredible how you can feel at your lowest at night, feeling like you can not keep on riding and then the sun rises and you feel alive again, nothing compares to this magical moments.
On this day I set my self the objective of ride the whole coast and reach south of the Netherlands by the end of the day 680 km. I knew I had tailwind the whole day and decided to use it to the max. Time for a time trail!
I only stopped to sleep twice in the 1408km to Goes. Wanted to keep on riding at night but because I spent all day in the aerobars was hit with an unexpected complication, Shermer’s neck.
After some rest at hotel, I decided to keep on riding and see if my neck and edema will improve. Was a very difficult day as I had pain everywhere but managed to get near the foot of the Cauberg and treat my self to a nice hotel with a good bed to recover to push it to the finish line the next morning before hitting the Limberg climbs.
Day 5
“Five days, 13 hours, and 50 minutes after leaving De Proloog on Saturday morning, and 1957km later, Sherry Cardona (cap 43) arrived back where she started” Dotwatcher.cc
When I finally crossed the finish line, I was overcome with emotion. The sense of accomplishment and pride was indescribable. I had finished in 30th place overall and first female rider to cross the line. It was an incredible moment, and one that I will never forget.
The Race Around the Netherlands 2022 was an incredible experience, and one that I will always be grateful for.
If you want to read the full race report check Dotwatcher.cc RATN 2022
Sources Dotwacher.cc & Adventure bike racing
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