Ultra Starts in the Mind: Mindset, Gear and Mental Strength. An interview with Bartlomiej Mucha, Winner of the 1st Edition of 7RIVERS.

This interview offers an insight into the world of ultra cycling: mental lows, long nights, technical challenges and the question of what really matters when a race lasts for many hours or even days.

How big a role does mindset play during such a long race?

In ultra, the mind plays a huge role. Everyone has a moment of crisis, fatigue or doubt, and that is exactly when your mental strength decides whether you keep riding. Legs are important, but without a strong mind it is hard to finish a truly long race.

Do you think there is such a thing as perfect preparation for an ultra?

I don’t think so. You can be excellently prepared physically and in terms of equipment, but in ultra something unexpected always happens. The most important thing is being able to react to problems and stay calm.

What do you do when a crisis or doubts appear during the ride?

When a crisis appears, I very often call my wife. She always knows how to get me back on my feet, encourage me and remind me why I am doing this. She is my mental support during races. Unfortunately, at this start it did not work, because all my charging electronics failed and I was practically left without contact.

How important is equipment to you in ultra cycling?

Equipment is very important, because in ultra everything has to work for many hours without interruption. It is not only about speed, but also about comfort and reliability. Even a small failure after several hundred kilometres can really disrupt things.

What would you never experiment with before an important race?

I would definitely not experiment with my position, saddle, shoes or nutrition. Before an important start, everything has to be tested and certain.

And where do you like to test new solutions?

I love testing new technological solutions 😁 Especially when they can improve riding comfort or reduce the risk of defects. In ultra, even small improvements can make a big difference after several hundred kilometres. I test things like that on long training rides.

What was the hardest moment of the entire race?

The hardest moment came when all my electronics failed: power banks, phones and the possibility of charging my equipment normally. I had to improvise with charging at petrol stations, farms or reception desks, and the whole time there was uncertainty in my head about whether I would manage to reach the finish at all. And of course the second night – it is always very hard physically and mentally.

What does ultra give you that you do not find in normal life?

Ultra gives me a sense of freedom and complete disconnection from everyday life. Only the road, the ride and the next kilometre matter. It is also a great lesson in character and in fighting with yourself.

What would you say to someone who dreams of their first ultra but is afraid to try?

I would say: just try it. Everyone started somewhere, and everyone had doubts before their first start. You do not have to be perfectly prepared – the most important thing is to take the first step and gain experience.


Bartlomiej Mucha: https://www.instagram.com/ultra.tataa/