Endurance cycling is a sport that demands not only physical strength but also mental resilience. Few stories encapsulate this better than Maddy Nutt’s astonishing performance at the 2024 Traka 360, where she rode 260km with a torn ligament to secure seventh place in the women’s category.
The Traka 360 is one of the toughest gravel races in the world, covering 360 kilometers through the challenging terrain of Girona, Spain. Nutt’s journey—marked by a crash, injury, and sheer determination—has become an inspiration for cyclists everywhere.
In this blog, we’ll dive into:
The background of Traka 360 and its brutal demands
Maddy Nutt’s crash and injury mid-race
How she pushed through pain to finish strong
The mental and physical resilience required in ultra-endurance cycling
Lessons for amateur and pro cyclists facing adversity
Before delving into Nutt’s incredible ride, it’s essential to understand the Traka 360’s reputation.
Distance: 360km (with shorter options like 200km and 100km)
Elevation: Over 4,000m of climbing
Terrain: Rough gravel, steep climbs, technical descents, and unpredictable weather
Field: Attracts elite gravel racers from around the world
This race is not for the faint-hearted. Many riders drop out due to mechanical issues, exhaustion, or injuries. Finishing is an achievement—doing so in the top 10 after a major crash is extraordinary.
Nutt, a seasoned endurance rider, started strong. She was well-positioned in the lead group, managing the pace and terrain effectively. However, cycling is unpredictable.
Around 100km in, Nutt crashed hard on a technical descent.
She immediately felt pain in her knee and shoulder but remounted quickly.
Initially, she thought it was just bruising—common in gravel racing.
As she continued, the pain worsened.
By 150km, her knee was swelling, and pedaling became excruciating.
She later discovered she had torn a ligament in the crash.
Most riders would DNF (Did Not Finish) at this point—but Nutt kept going.
Endurance racing is as much about mental strength as physical ability.
Nutt adjusted her riding style, favoring her uninjured leg.
She focused on nutrition and hydration to avoid further issues.
The thought of quitting crossed her mind, but her determination prevailed.
Despite the injury, Nutt crossed the line in 7th place—an incredible feat given the circumstances.
Her average speed dropped, but her persistence paid off.
Many riders and spectators were in awe of her resilience.
Nutt’s performance raises a key question: How do elite cyclists endure extreme pain and keep going?
Ultra-endurance athletes train their minds as much as their bodies.
Techniques like visualization, positive self-talk, and breaking the race into segments help manage suffering.
Nutt has competed in multi-day bikepacking races, where discomfort is constant.
Familiarity with pain makes it easier to push through.
Elite athletes hate quitting more than they hate pain.
The desire to finish what they started often overrides physical limits.
Even in solo events, fellow riders, event staff, and personal crews provide motivation.
Knowing others believe in you can be a powerful mental boost.
Nutt’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s educational. Here’s what cyclists can learn:
Some pain is normal; sharp, worsening pain may require stopping.
Nutt assessed her injury and decided she could continue without long-term damage.
If injured, adjust your effort (e.g., spinning lightly instead of mashing pedals).
Nutt shifted her weight to reduce strain on her injured knee.
Practice riding through discomfort in training.
Develop coping strategies (e.g., counting pedal strokes, focusing on scenery).
While Nutt’s ride was heroic, not every injury should be ignored.
Risking permanent damage isn’t worth a finish line.
Maddy Nutt’s 260km ride with a torn ligament at Traka 360 is a story of courage, perseverance, and sheer willpower. It reminds us that while cycling is physical, the biggest battles are often mental.
For amateur riders, her performance is a motivational lesson in pushing limits—while also respecting the body’s warnings. For elite athletes, it’s a testament to what’s possible with the right mindset.
As Nutt herself said after the race:
“There were moments I wanted to stop, but I just kept thinking—one more kilometer, one more climb. Before I knew it, I was at the finish.”
That’s the essence of endurance cycling. One pedal stroke at a time.
