Search
shop

WATCH: Punctures and starlight as Alistair Brownlee does Badlands

Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

“And there I was, Alistair Brownlee, in the middle of the desert, trying to repair my seventh or eighth puncture”.

This was not the normal day for an elite triathlete more used to competing in short-course events with Olympic gold medals on the line. Instead Brownlee was in the midst of one of his greatest ever challenges – Spain’s iconic Badlands gravel race.

Advertisement

Brownlee Badlands video

Now, his 57-hour journey through 750km of rugged Spanish terrain has been captured for ever in a short video, and it is available to view (just click on the embed below).

The terrific footage shows Brownlee recount how he went through all the emotions back in September – the sleepless exhaustion, the frustration (punctures) and the joy of cycling alone through the night. One moment, indeed a full night, stood out.

Beautiful solitude

“It had been about 40 hours since I set off, and a whole night of non-stop cycling awaited me. As strange as it might sound, these were some of my favourite hours of the race.

“There’s something special about cycling at night in a place like this – there’s the solitude, the silence, me and my bike under the stars. My thoughts and nothing else.”

When Brownlee finally completed his marathon journey, he was clearly in awe of the challenge and the experience it had provided. He has already talked of taking on more races like this, and his Badlands verdict was honest and reflective.

“The mental fatigue, combined with the technical difficulties, were very challenging. On reflection, I think there are highs and lows in any ultra cycling event. That can’t be any more true of Badlands.”

Written by
Editor
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Para Triathlon World Championships 2025: Legend Dave Ellis hungry for more as he seeks fifth title in a row
World Triathlon Para Championships 2024 Torremolinos - Henry Urand
Para Triathlon World Championships 2025: Why Henry Urand felt like an ‘imposter’ and the desire to prove title win was no fluke
Richelle Hill wins u23 race wtcs wollongong 2025
‘Holy moly’ – epic sprint finish snatches U23 title for Aussie star Richelle Hill
Oliver Conway wins u23 race wtcs wollongong 2025
British phenom bags incredible solo victory to win U23 world title in Wollongong
Beth Potter wins WTCS Weihai 2025
Beth Potter primed for Wollongong world title showdown with Cassandre Beaugrand
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
247 Endurance

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...