A cyclist hailing from Kelowna has set a new women’s record at the renowned Tour Divide, known as the ultimate offroad ultra-distance bike race. Meaghan Hackinen completed the journey from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, in 14 days, 10 hours, and two minutes, finishing her ride around 4 p.m. PT on Friday. She claimed the title of the first woman to finish the race and secured the eighth position overall.
Despite facing challenging conditions, Hackinen surpassed the women’s Tour Divide record by over a day, achieving the fastest-known time for a woman on this route. Mike Martin, a cyclist from Vancouver who participated in the Tour Divide last year, expressed his belief that Hackinen’s record is likely to endure for a significant period.
Hackinen’s progress was closely monitored by thousands of individuals worldwide who tracked her GPS dot during the 4,400-kilometre expedition along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Participants in the race confront tough conditions such as rain, snow, steep elevations, muddy terrain, demoralizing winds, and scorching heat.
Hackinen, who was unavailable for an interview post-race, shared daily updates on social media throughout her challenging 14-day journey. She emphasized the rugged and demanding nature of the conditions she encountered.
During the race, Hackinen devoted approximately 18 hours each day to cycling, with brief stops only for essential tasks like purchasing food, refilling supplies, sleeping, and tending to her well-being and bike. Unlike her male competitors in the top 10, Hackinen employed a strategy of continuous riding with fewer breaks, enabling her to spend more time on the bike.
The Tour Divide, a prime example of offroad racing spirit, requires no registration fee, lacks official race organizers and prize money. Participants must register and carry a GPS tracker at all times, allowing global fans to track their progress along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Racers operate on a self-supported basis, acquiring resources available to all competitors and adhering to a set of informal rules.
The course presents numerous challenges, including extended stretches of more than 400 kilometers without access to facilities between towns. Racers must handle mechanical issues independently or seek solutions that are equally available to all participants. Mental fortitude is crucial for racers, with Hackinen standing out for her ability to endure long hours of rigorous cycling and maintain a resilient attitude in the face of challenges.