Description:
MBC 2023 REGISTRATION & OPENING CEREMONY
Today at the Mongolia Bike Challenge by Selle SMP 2023 was a day to remember, a memorable day. After a hiatus of three long years out of action the MBC roared back into life - and today was just the opening ceremony and first official briefing session.
Riders from around the world gathered at 5pm in a room on the ground floor of the Bayangol Hotel in UB to attend the briefing - people from Costs Rica, Taiwan, America, Australia, the UK and more. Normally such an occasion is more or less purely informational - do this, don’t do that, watch out for this, that kind of thing.
Yet today there was a buzz in the air. In what might be the last MBC, the sense that something special was about to unfold from the start line tomorrow morning at 8:30am was in the air.
When we asked the riders to turn to introduce themselves to the people sat near them, simple greetings grew into conversations that went on for minutes. The excitement was infectious. The MBC crew turned to look at each other and mouthed ‘Wow’…
The Mongolia Bike Challenge is at its core all about family. This year that is particularly true, as race founder Willy Mulonia’s son, Lucas, is here too. Beyond that it is about the crew and the riders who make the journey to come here. This is the MBC family.
Starting from tomorrow you will can follow us via IG and here in our web.
Stay Tuned!!!
Stage Gallery:
Stage Chronicle:
From the start of the stage ten riders broke clear to establish an early lead.
Before the first climb 6 riders emerges as the leaders with just 7.5 km gone. Tom Schofield (#47) took the lead but soon crashed on the descent of the first hill. Fortunately he was relatively unscathed and got up, dusted himself off and got back on the bike quickly.
Coming from behind, Colin Dixon and Jaume Silvestre linked up to join Schofield and the three worked well and began to increase their lead to the seven chasers. However with the first GPM / KOM point coming at the top of a stiff climb, Jaume Silvestre began to break free, and by the summit he had a thirty second lead.
The first women to summit the GPM was Regina Marunde (#41) who had a commanding 5 minute time gap to the second female rider, Cristina Nardin. By KM 47 Jaume Silvestre had built a considerable 4 minute lead and was riding strong solo. Behind him Fabricio Quinones and Dixon worked to limit Jaume Silvestre’s lead.
Yet the fight for the stage win amongst the men was not over yet. Quinones reached the summit of the 2nd GPM 2 minutes behind Jaume Silvestre, having cut his lead in half. After another ten kilometers, the race leader suddenly had company as Quinines joined him. Yes Jaume Silvestre was not finished and attacked almost immediately. He then rode away and won by 2:25 over Quinones with Reixach Reyes in third at 11:24. In the women’s race, Marunde has a 1:40 lead over Nardin almost another 30 minutes back. In the Team 3, the Superfuckers have 7:33 over Cat Team and 47:36 over Tamarros.
Stage Gallery:
Classifications:
| MBC 2023 STAGE 1 | MBC 2023 FEMALE |
| MBC 2023 MASTER 1 | MBC 2023 MASTER 2 |
| MBC 2023 VETERAN | MBC 2023 OVERALL |
| MBC 2023 TEAM 3 |
Description:
Start immediately into rugged mountains and cross 4 small ridge parallel to each other and continue along the southern foothill of a larger xxx ridge for 30km. This stretch runs along the north side of Tuul river. The landscape is arid steppe with short grass growing on rocky and sandy soil. Then the course turns north into the Khustai mountain range and climbs following small ravines and stream beds for 13km before descending to a group of sand dunes just before the finish lines.
- LEAVING ULN AT 8:30 AM WITH POLICE ESCORT (28KM)
- OFFICIAL START FROM KHUI DOLOO KHUNDAG (72 KM)
- WE ARE GOING TO SLEEP IN A GER CAMP.
- BED AND "HOT SHOWER"
- 3G COVERAGE
Overview
Departure: Leaving Ulaan Baatar Down Town at 8:30 am
Arrival: KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
Distance: 87Km
Daily Climb: 1700m
Difficulty
Climb Awards: 2
Technical Challenge: Medium-High
Physical Challenge: High
Race Timing
Start Time: 10:30am
Max. Allowed Time: 6h
Last Arrival Time: 4:30pm
Stage Chronicle:
Today’s stage was 117km and 990m of climbing, less metres than yesterday’s Khan stage that saw Jaume Silvestre take the overall GC lead and Regina Marunde take the lead in the female category.
From the start today Wouter van Beek take an early lead with a chase group behind that included Silvestre and 2nd placed Fabricio Quinones. Colin Dixon, who had a crash and a puncture yesterday was also in the hunt.
Van Beek, who is riding a gravel bike, was slightly slower on some technical turns, and the chasers closed the gap with 10km gone.
Towards the 2nd refueling station at 67km van Beek and Quinones were in the lead together. Race leader Silvestre was in the pack.
Cristina Narund, 2nd on the women’s GC, was leading on the approach to the 2nd feed station.
At KM76 van Beek managed to bridge the gap to Quinones with a strong effort, however Quinones then moved on and again established a lead, that grew out to 1:45 at feed zone 3, over van Beek, Ivan Rosell and Tom Schofield.
Rosell however put in a huge dig to catch the leader and came in to the finish neck and neck. Quinones though managed to win a thrilling sprint to win Stage 2. Schofield came in 2:30 down.
In the women’s race Cristina Nardin took the win by ten minutes over Iolanda Lopez. In third was Regina Marunde almost 27 minutes down.
Stage 2 Results
Men:
1. Fabricio Quinones
2. Ivan Rosell
3. Tom Schofield
Women:
1. Cristina Nardin
2. Iolanda Lopez
3. Regina Marunde
Overall Men:
1. Fabricio Quinones
2. Jaume Silvestre
3. Sergei Reixach
Overall Women
1. Christine Nardin
2. Regina Marunde
3. Iolanda Lopez
Team 3
1. Superfuckers
2. Cat Tean
3. Tamarros Team
Stage Gallery:
Classifications:
| MBC 2023 STAGE 2 | MBC 2023 FEMALE |
| MBC 2023 MASTER 1 | MBC 2023 MASTER 2 |
| MBC 2023 VETERAN | MBC 2023 OVERALL |
| MBC 2023 OVERALL FEMALE | MBC 2023 TEAM 3 |
Description:
This stage is fast and fluid. It is a long and spectacular loop that starts and finishes in our Ger Camp. You start climbing for the first few kilometres and then head down into the valley on a long descent. After a flat stretch, you are faced with a long and steep climb of almost 20 kilometres. The last part of the stage is full of small climbs and descents.
Overview
Departure: KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
Arrival: KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
Distance: 117Km
Daily Climb: 990m
Difficulty
Climb Awards: 1
Technical Challenge: Medium
Physical Challenge: Medium
Race Timing
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Max. Allowed Time: 8h
Last Arrival Time: 5:00 PM
Stage Chronicle:
From the very start of a beautiful Stage 3 of the Mongolia Bike Challenge 2023 the action got under way quickly, with a group of Jaume Silvestre, winner of Stage 1, attacking and opening up a gap from the chase group, which contained the usual suspects!
It was all back together quite soon though as the others caught Silvestre.
At KM 20 Colin Dixon bridged up to the front group to make it 19 riders in the lead. They were working well and sharing the effort in a pace line.
At the first feeding zone Colin Dixon and Wouter van Beek came up the hill first, with ten others stretched out behind them.
At the GPM we had Konrad Kowara, Fabricio Quinones, Tom Schofield, Rossell, Silvestre and Sergii Reixach coming to the peak more or less together.
Sylvester took the 30 second GPM bonus, with Kowara 2nd, and Rosell 3rd.
By the 2nd Feed station at KM 65, the order was similar, with the front 6 riders riding to somewhat of a truce after a hard day yesterday and another tomorrow, and the same was true at the third refuellling station at KM 97.
In the finale we had another close sprint with 5 riders competing for the win, Fabricio Quinines, Ivan Rossell, Jaume Silvestre, Sergii Reixach and Tom Schofield.
Eventually Quninones, the race leader, edged out Rossell by half a bike length, and third was Jaaume Silvestre. The other two came in neck and neck.
In the Women’s category, Cristina Nardin and Regina Marunde put on a great display of camaraderie and crossed the line in equal first, hand in hand. Third across the line was Iolanda Lopez.
Top 3 GC Overall:
1. Fabricio Quinones 12:48:57
2. Jaume Silvestre at 6:22
3. Sergii Reixach at 19:49
Time 3 Women’s GC
1. Cristina Nardin 13:44:13
2. Regina Marunde at 24:46
3. Iolanda Lopez at 46:46
Stage Gallery:
Classifications:
| MBC 2023 STAGE 3 | MBC 2023 FEMALE |
| MBC 2023 MASTER 1 | MBC 2023 MASTER 2 |
| MBC 2023 VETERAN | MBC 2023 OVERALL |
| MBC 2023 OVERALL FEMALE | MBC 2023 TEAM 3 |
Description:
First half of today’s distance is on mountainous terrain with the race course (distinct car tracks) running on rugged slopes. The profile is marked with frequent ups and downs until reaching the day’s highest point at 57km. From there on it is a long descent. Mountain valleys and with small streams are dry beds eventually give way to a wide open grassland, the Tuul river valley. We cross a concrete bridge and pedal along the lush riverside to finish point.
- WE ARE GOING TO SLEEP IN A GER CAMP.
- BED AND "HOT SHOWER"
- 3G COVERAGE
Overview
Departure: KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
Arrival: TUUL OVOOT
Distance: 108Km
Daily Climb: 1100m
Difficulty
Climb Awards: 1
Technical Challenge: Medium
Physical Challenge: Medium
Race Timing
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Max. Allowed Time: 8h
Last Arrival Time: 5:00 PM
Stage Chronicle:
Stage 4 130km / 1020m
Today was a hard day. The riders set out under grey but dry skies from Undurshireet Riverside Camp, a get camp in a beautiful setting by a meandering river frequented by hundreds of horses through the day.
The rain soon began to lash the participants of the Mongolia Bike Challenge 2023 by Selle SMP, with the heavens opening 90 minutes after the start. What was slated as perhaps the most beautiful stage of the race this year turned into a slug fest for all but the strongest, as the trails turned to rivers of mud.
From the start, Tom Schofield and Wouter van Beek breaking free of the GC contenders. It seemed that race leader Fabricio Quinones was content to see Schofield build a gap and focus rather on his nearest contender, Jaume Silvestre.
The lead pair soon had a minute lead. At the first feed zone at 33km Schofield and van Beek had a 3 minute gap to the chasing pack.
At the second feed zone at KM 68 the leaders had build a lead of 5 minutes. In the women’s race, Cristina Nardin looked set to increase her lead in the GC as she arrived 7 minutes ahead of Iolanda Lopez.
Unfortunately for the 2nd placed female at the start of the day, Regina Marunde, had to drop out due to illness.
By KM 90 race leader was 9 minutes behind the leader on the day, Schofield. He was 6 minutes ahead of chaser van Beek.
The Brit Schofield pushed on ahead, forging his was through deep mud and soggy sand to take his first stage at the MBC 2023, and Cristina Nardine gained more time to make her lead in the Women’s GC look unbeatable, as Hannah Johnston moved into 3rd . However, tomorrow the riders will tackle the Queen’s Stage, which is 143km with 1340m of climbing. This race is not over yet.
Stage Gallery:
Classifications:
| MBC 2023 STAGE 4 | MBC 2023 FEMALE |
| MBC 2023 MASTER 1 | MBC 2023 MASTER 2 |
| MBC 2023 VETERAN | MBC 2023 OVERALL |
| MBC 2023 TEAM 3 |
Description:
This is the second longest stage of the MBC 2023. 130 incredible kilometres without hard climbs or complicated descents in which you are going to add 900 metres of positive vertical drop, and where you are going to reach almost 1500 metres above sea level. The scenery on this day is (even more) endless and the terrain invites you to ride very fast. The end of the stage is at our Ger Camp.
Overview
Departure: TUUL OVOOT
Arrival: TUUL OVOOT
Distance: 130Km
Daily Climb: 1000m
Difficulty
Climb Awards: 1
Technical Challenge: Medium
Physical Challenge: Medium-High
Race Timing
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Max. Allowed Time: 9H
Last Arrival Time: 6:00 PM
Stage Chronicle:
Today’s stage was another mix of beauty and a little bit of hurt, as the riders tacked the Khatan (Queen) stage, featuring 142km and 1340m of elevation.
Hard as that may sound, no one had factored in a wind that seemed to blow directly from the front or from the side all day - and rarely from behind.
Another well earned round of applause for all finishers.
The action began from the gun, as per usual, with yesterday’s winner Tom Schofield, Wouter van Beek, Jon Sturman, Fabricio Quinones, Sergii Reixach, Ivan Rossell and Jaume Silvestre breaking clear.
At KM 50 the situation was unchanged, with the front guys working together well and swapping off. In the Women’s race, Cristina Nardin was well in the lead of Iolanda Lopez by a good 7 minutes.
At refuelling 2, at 65km, the leaders did not stop and flew by.
At km 75 a fierce headwind appeared, switching from the side as it was previously. At the GPM Sergii Reixach gained a 30 second bonus over Silvestre, with the last spot going to Rossell.
After the GPM, van Beek, Tom Schofield and Sturman lost contact with the leaders.
In the final sprint Reixach beat out Tossell and Jaume for the top podium spot.
Stage Gallery:
Classifications:
| MBC 2023 STAGE 5 | MBC 2023 FEMALE |
| MBC 2023 MASTER 1 | MBC 2023 MASTER 2 |
| MBC 2023 VETERAN | MBC 2023 OVERALL |
| MBC 2023 TEAM 3 |
Description:
Grasslands of Central Mongolia with 360 views of distant mountain ranges. A series of granite ranges with dramatic rock formations lie alongside the race course. Although arid the grassland is lush enough for hundreds and thousands of traditional livestock to subsist including horses, sheep, goats, camels and cattle of which you will see plenty. Their owners - curious nomadic herders who will come to wave you and their mushroom like houses will be a common sight today. The race course is smooth with packed soils prevailing. However, after completing 3/4 of the distance massive sand dunes will come into your sight and you will finish upon reaching them. Last few km will be sandy though.
- TONIGHT WE ARE GOING TO SLEEP IN A GER CAMP.
- BED AND "HOT SHOWER"
Overview
Departure: TUUL OVOOT
Arrival: LITTLE GOBI
Distance: 143Km
Daily Climb: 1700m
Difficulty
Climb Awards: 1
Technical Challenge: Medium-High
Physical Challenge: Very High
Race Timing
Start Time: 8:30am
Max. Allowed Time: 10H
Last Arrival Time: 6:30 PM
Stage Chronicle:
Today was the last and final day of an epic 2023 Mongolia Bike Challenge by Selle SMP!
Today’s stage was shorter than all previous stages at 90km but still presented some hurdles, notably a very sandy and twisty 10km that the riders had to deal with just after the start, and two climbs of roughly 5km.
However their mood today was one of joy and happiness, defined by a sense of achievement from those who knew they would be receiving a much coveted MBC Finisher’s Shirt at tonight’s awards ceremony!
Wouter van Beek decided to heat things up on this chilly but sunny morning and attack early on. Behind him Sergii Reixach, Konrad Kowara, Ivan Rossell, race leader Fabricio Quinones and Jaume Silvestre gave chase.
By the second Refuelling Station at 55km van Beek had a two minute lead and took the 30 seconds on offer at the day’s GPM. Quinones took 2nd and Silvestre 3rd.
In the Women’s category, 2nd on the GC Iolanda Lopez was well ahead of 1st placed Cristina Nardin, by a good 5 minutes. Hannah Johnston, 3rd on GC, came in at 12 minutes down.
The group joined up to van Beek on the descent and powered on.
Van Beek lost contact with the others on the run in and left them, to battle it out for the final stage win.
In 3rd was SIlvestre, 2nd was Quinones and Rossell was 1st.
In the women’s category, Johnston was 3rd, Nardin 2nd and Lopez 1st, taking her first stage win.
In the overall, Quinones took the MBC 2023 title, with 8:37 over Silvestre and 22:19 over Reixach.
In the Women’s, Nardin won the title, with Lopez over an hour and 20 minutes back, and Johnston in 3rd.
It was a great week, a great day… and a superb Mongolia Bike Challenge by Selle SMP
Stage Gallery:
Classifications:
| MBC 2023 STAGE 5 | MBC 2023 FEMALE |
| MBC 2023 MASTER 1 | MBC 2023 MASTER 2 |
| MBC 2023 VETERAN | MBC 2023 TEAM 3 |
| MBC 2023 OVERALL |
Description:
The first 12 kilometres of the stage are the same on the outward and return legs, as they lead to a point where you have to cross the road. Watch out for cars! The police will be on hand to help, but as always, be careful when crossing. After 40 kilometres into the mountains, the climb begins. 12 tough kilometres and a Grand Prix de la Montagne await you. Spectacular rocky scenery and a steep descent bring you back to the valley. All that remains is to continue to the road junction and retrace the first part until you reach the finish line, and the end of the MBC 2023.
Overview
Departure: LITTLE GOBI
Arrival: LITTLE GOBI
Distance: 98Km
Daily Climb: 780m
Difficulty
Climb Awards: 1
Technical Challenge: Low
Physical Challenge: Low
Race Timing
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Max. Allowed Time: 6:30 H
Last Arrival Time: 3:30 PM
Description:
That which was once merely an idea has become a symbol of passion and courage.
‘Be brave’, he said.
And they listened.
When Valentina stood up at the final awards ceremony of the 2023 Mongolia Bike Challenge by Selle SMP last night, after a fantastic Stage 6, she recalled the time she and her then boyfriend Alessandro heard the MBC founder, Willy Mulonia, speak at a book signing.
Moved by the testimony of his life and of the journey of the MBC, Valentina approached Willy.
“Some day I want to do something like you do, but I don’t know if I can.”
“One day you will find the courage. Be brave,” he said.
And she did.
For their honeymoon they decided to come to Mongolia and participate in the Mongolia Bike Challenge.
That takes some bravery!
At the ceremony yesterday, medals were handed out. Commemorative t-shirts went to those who finished all stages. Commiserations went to those who did not.
Yet this event does not live in metal and ribbon, nor does it reside in the fabric of a shirt or jersey.
It lives in the heart.
Simply and purely.
Right there.
And that room last night was full of heart.
“There is a difference in effectivity and affectivity,” Willy said in his closing speech.
“If we arrive at our goal and have only been effective, there is little meaning. But if we are affective - affecting the people who accompany us on our journey, touching them in some way, with positivity - that is everything. In this there is meaning.”
We have said this before and we will undoubtedly say it again:
This is the MBC.
See you next year
Stage Gallery:
