Gravel Cycling at Its Best: Documenting The Rift Iceland 2023 Race

The Rift is a 203 km gravel race with 1950 m of elevation through the dark lava fields in the highlands of Iceland – taking place on the tectonic split between North America and Eurasia. An ever-growing battlefield that grows an inch every year. The battlefield sculpted by volcanic eruptions is vast, rugged and unpredictable – making the Rift a challenge of endurance, mental fortitude and most likely the bare elements. And in the end – a gravel battle between the continents!

aerial view of Lava-sculpted landscape of Iceland's Highlands
the route of the Rift Iceland gravel race uploaded to a garmin cycling computer

In January 2023, I started to document the journey of Christoph Döttelmayer from training in the cold winter Alps to the finish line at The Rift in July. Chris is an enthusiastic amateur cyclist from Austria who loves everything he's doing and still he needs to find time for training and racing next to his full time job.

at the startline of the Rift Iceland gravel cycling race
at the startline of the Rift Iceland gravel cycling race
The Rift Iceland Gravel cycling race: Stunning views of rugged volcanic terrain

Here are few words by Chris about his experiences out there:

“
I crossed the finish line after 08:48 with a 27th spot from 420 riders. What a feeling. Personal goal achieved. Totally f’d. I have never been so destroyed after a race. I have I never looked so much forward to stop and die next to my wife, meet with her and my brother from another mother Gabor. Happy.
More than anything in the world.’​​​​​​​​​​​​​​”
— Chris
Gravel Cyclist navigating the challenging Rift Iceland race terrain
Gravel Cyclist navigating the challenging Rift Iceland race terrain
Gravel Cyclist navigating the challenging Rift Iceland race terrain
The Rift Iceland race: Stunning views of rugged volcanic terrain
Thrilling gravel race through Iceland's highlands
Iceland's dramatic dark lava fields along The Rift race route
Gravel cyclists drifting thorugh the Lava-sculpted landscape of the Highlands of Iceland
Iceland's dramatic dark lava fields and volcano crater lakes along The Rift race route
Battered but not beaten: Cyclist Chris after completing The Rift Iceland
Raw emotion at the finish: gravel Cyclist Chris, worn and accomplished
Finish line fatigue: gravel Cyclist Chris Döttelmayer conquers The Rift in true grit
The grit of victory: gavel Cyclist Chris at the finish line of the Rift Iceland, weary and proud
The Rift Iceland finish line glory: gravel Cyclist Chris, a portrait of exhaustion and achievement
The Rift Iceland Finish line glory: Gravel Cyclist Chris, a portrait of exhaustion and achievement
Gravel Cyclist Chris Döttelmayer exhausted but victorious after The Rift Iceland Race
1OF1 G1 carbon gravel bike after the action at The Rift Iceland race
1OF1 G1 carbon gravel bike after the action at The Rift Iceland race
Finish line fatigue: Gravel Cyclist Chris Döttelmayer conquers The Rift Iceland in true grit
1OF1 G1 carbon gravel bike after the action at The Rift Iceland race
Beyond the finish line at The Rift Iceland: The aftermath of gravel cyclist's relentless race effort
Battered but not beaten: Gravel Cyclist after completing The Rift Iceland
Battered but not beaten: Gravel Cyclist after completing The Rift Iceland
Battered but not beaten: Gravel Cyclist after completing The Rift Iceland
Battered but not beaten: Gravel Cyclist after completing The Rift Iceland

And a few Behind-The-Scenes images from the production filled with lots of smiles, friends and familiar faces all around the race.

Aerial perspectives: DJI drone capturing the adventure from above

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