Accepting Failure - Ulrich Bartholmoes Reflects on Quitting the CTR and Mental Fatigue

[@CycleXplorer]

Mental fatigue is so true, of any sport (and all aspects of life). He's achieved so much in recent years so making the right decision to stop isn't a failure, if anything it's a big success. We should all learn from this, especially those of us who do it for 'fun'.

[@josemarquez1901]

Ulrich seems like a great down to earth dude; enjoy a beer mate the races and routes will always be there

[@alethearobinson8132]

Bravo. Leaving the race is NOT weakness, it is tremendous strength. In any sport and profession there is burnout. When you are not in the right headspace you make mistakes, which can be disastrous. Touring and enjoying the beautiful state of Colorado is good medicine. Thank you for a fine interview. Cheers 🌞🚴‍♀️🖖

[@7gibbens]

Brilliant. I scratched from NCT in Nice in July after 5200km, and this video totally encapsulated my feelings at the time . 🚴👍🇦🇺

[@CycleXplorer]

After 5,200km 😮 wow that is epic

[@htcltd]

NCT is a huge mental challenge because of its length. Another 2500km after Nice, and by far the hardest. Well done to get that far.

[@vernthomas207]

What a good guy! Thanks for that interview.

[@davegleason8007]

Great interview. It puts into perspective for hacks like me how incredibly hard the Triple Crown of bikepacking is. Physically for sure but maybe equally hard mentally. Thanks for your candid thoughts Ulrich.

[@chrisbailey2861]

What a great interview....great insight. I come away with even more respect for Ulrich. Thanks for putting this together Neil...well done!!!

[@wilfwilliams]

That was a fantastic insight, as Ulrich said he’s got nothing to prove to anyone, it takes a certain amount of courage to share openly like that. An insight into a world that I can barely imagine. Thanks

[@joelnichols9055]

He's clearly to the "been there done that" stage of life.

[@josediaspinto7438]

Some gold content. I was hoping to see some comments on the tyres used, as the Hutchinson Kraken and Python are considered to be a pure XC tyre and don’t have an aggressive tread.

[@slowwerthensnot]

Great interview

[@ezr168]

The Rocky mountains are sweet in the summer, Hartman rocks is a unique area, thanks for the interview

[@gaypreator8547]

1968-72’ Big years - big times in Hartman Rocks. Gunnison unique area, loved it.

[@jcmuellner]

Met Ulrich and Justinas in Platoro, CO during TD 2023. Was fun to spend time with them - those guys ate so much lasagna.

[@raymarks7430]

Just completing one of these long routes is amazing. Attempting three is super human. Btw, that fs frame pack needs to be commercialized -)

[@Jean-jk4zv]

Wondered if it was just an upside down top tube bag 😅

[@One_mole_worth]

For me, ultras are all about pushing your limits, finding the limits, pushing through those limits and amazing yourself. This pursuit of the limit leads to failure. Failure to complete doesn't mean failure to progress! I feel like this is a huge portion of growing as an ultra racer. I'm not where near as accomplished as he is but I can say that finding my limits, and pushing through them is where the fun is. Glad he found his limit and looks forward to him completing the triple crown, if he chooses to! Great interview

[@earthboymedia]

Thanks for doing this Neil and Uba! I can relate to the mental fatigue side, especially after Tour Divide, I can't imagine facing down another storm in high mountains.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks for watching, Mateo.

[@PeterisSudakovs]

This hit quite close to home 😅 Yeah - pushing yourself at some point becomes counter-productive. 100% aggree that you have to enjoy what you do - if you cannot - then taking a pause is the correct approach. Best of luck with the recovery!

[@obikedog]

I'm sad to hear Ulrich's race didn't go as planned. He sounds like a classic case of burnout. Still amazing rider and I am sure with time off he'll get his groove back! That said, as an amateur, with no expectations of success beyond the accomplishment of completing a route or beating a PR; who has won nothing, I think it's probably mentally easier for someone like me to carry on in situations like his. Every race for me is one of survival and pain! Simply overcoming adversity, not a podium spot, is what draws me to endurance racing.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I actually agree, being really fast and expecting to do well can add a lot of pressure.

[@marshalbird2480]

Good interview, having just gone thru the same thing (but fron the very back of the pack) its interesting how similar many of my thoughts are....

[@hammertime7740]

Such a cool sport. Good to take a beak. Doing the topple crown sound heavy, His set up looks awesome. I guess drop bar mountain bikes are here to stay.

[@Alaski]

Neutral grip on the hoods is the way for comfort over the long haul. ( instead of internal rotation at shoulder on flat bars)

[@samuraioodon]

His bike was like yep I needed a break too.

[@myronas]

Great video. Watching this guy in 2024 tour divide, I was wondering how these people are doing this. I can see that they are humans after all and we all have the same thoughts.

[@evetsiksatu]

Best way to cure yourself of wanting to do an ultra, is by doing an ultra. Sleep deprivation, gas station food and merciless weather seem a lot less romantic when you're experiencing them than they do when you're laying on the couch dreaming about them.

[@_msc-ds9sj]

Great interview and reflection. Seeing you riding this bike, you pedal differently-your left leg seems to push to the outside. Are your cleats correctly positioned, or do you have a different q-factor on the fully you are not used to?

[@BenjaminGelderloos]

I don't know about the bike setup. Given that the bike fell over at 9:05 maybe it should've been set up with a bigger stick or leaning against a rock. :)

[@brettfoster6786]

Starts talking about the second day and even your bike bailed out on you 😎

[@TheJoePavlik]

I am more and more convinced that ultra racing is for people who hate having fun. Glad he changed his plans and did something else.

[@htcltd]

These races are mostly Type 2 fun.

[@jonphotos8631]

Sleep deprivation don’t lie!!!

[@Alaski]

Sleep is when brains recover. Bodies can recover on the go.

[@jonphotos8631]

@@Alaski sorry not true. All body functions will not work as good when it ANS is not recharged. HGH and testosterone is what heals the body, both released when at sleep.

[@ellerybice3787]

⁠go to church... and pray to our Lord in heaven, accept Jesus as your savior.

[@ellerybice3787]

Shameful speak from the german, Taking the Lord's name in vain, all the while admiring Gods wonderful scenery. 👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾

[@LoganWatts-k8h]

Bike Camp Hail Satan!

[@ellerybice3787]

@@LoganWatts-k8hyes! He will be greeting you very warmly. Best learn to continually bask in flame, you can start practicing today. 🥵 Or turn to Jesus and have pleasant existence. 😇 🤷🏼‍♂️?

[@levinpugsley9256]

We are all god. Shame, condemnation, or dogma isn’t holiness

[@dannydecker108]

what the hell are you on, and where the hell can I get some of that drug?

[@huwleonard9261]

Ummm….shut up Karen . Here to listen about his adventures and struggles and to learn how he handles this. It is also illuminating to read peoples comments who get this. You on the other hand. Just go away with that drivel.