From Racing Bike to Camera Lens: A Shift in Perspective After a Derailed Dream

The TRAKA, right on his doorstep in his adopted home of Girona, was meant to be Uba's first race of the 2025 season – but life had other plans. Nevertheless, it became a story worth telling.

Even with the best preparation, sometimes a season start doesn't go as planned – but this is precisely how a completely new kind of freedom can emerge.

Dear Uba, what does The TRAKA mean to you – beyond the race?

This year I had planned to ride the Traka Adventure – 560 kilometers and over 10,000 meters of elevation through the breathtaking landscapes surrounding my home in Girona. The course is magnificent: from the Mediterranean coast to the high Pyrenees and back, through Cap de Creus, Cadaqués and the Empordà region. I know every corner of the route. For me, it's not just a race – it's an opportunity to share the beauty of this region with the world.

Your race cancellation just before the start: What exactly happened and how do you deal with such a setback?

My preparation began in November and was going perfectly – long base rides, slowly increasing intensity, I felt well-prepared. But then life got in the way: business trips, lack of sleep, and finally a flu-like infection around Easter. One week completely off-bike, then a week of laborious recovery. I hopefully assembled my race setup – but my body wasn't ready. Sometimes the braver decision is not to participate. Instead of starting half-fit and taking a long-term risk, I made the difficult but right decision not to compete this year.

From Rider to Photographer: How does the view of the race change?

Before and during the race, I was able to find good spots to photograph the race action with my camera – I followed the leaders, captured many special moments, and absorbed the atmosphere from a completely different perspective.

What remains after the race cancellation?

It still turned out to be an intense and inspiring day outdoors in the wonderful nature of Catalonia. The pleasant weather and the many familiar faces made it easy for me to enjoy it. And amidst all the hustle and bustle, I even found a few quiet minutes to photograph together with my friend and photographer Nils Laengner.

What motivates you to keep going – even when things don't go according to plan?

Now it's about rebuilding form step by step and refocusing. Setbacks are part of the journey. The mountains will still be there. And so will the next adventure. For example, at the end of August I'll be taking on BADLANDS again.

The TRAKA was different than planned – and that's exactly why it was a valuable experience!

Photos: Nils Laengner / Ulrich Bartholmoes