2026 Trans Balkan Race Video

Words and photos by Josh Reid

Ultra-distance racing rarely goes exactly to plan. That’s part of the appeal. You can prepare for months, obsess over equipment and route choices, but once you’re out there, the race has other ideas. For me, the Trans Balkan Race wasn’t really about racing. It was about exploring a part of Europe I’d only ever passed through on tarmac roads. I wanted to experience the wild side of the Balkans with the remote gravel tracks, rugged mountains, and places I simply wouldn’t see any other way.

I’m Josh Reid, an ultra-endurance cyclist and filmmaker. Bikes have taken me to some incredible places, from riding 15,000 kilometers home from the Giant factory in Shanghai to Newcastle, to documenting adventures across continents. The Trans Balkan Race was another unforgettable journey, but it wasn’t the one I expected.

This was to be my first ultra racing as a pair. I started the race alongside Liam Yates. My approach has always been to wing it and see what happens, whereas Liam is more organized. I was looking forward to riding an ultra in a different way. Liam always made sure accommodation was booked and that we’d arrive on time. Meaning we had more rest and would therefore ride faster. This approach was also why we both went for very light setups and left most of the sleeping gear at home.

Unfortunately, on the third day, Liam decided he wasn’t enjoying riding as part of the event. Rather than continue racing, he wanted to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed ride to the finish. Of course, it was disappointing. He’s one of the best bike handlers I’ve ever ridden with, and following him down a technical descent is always something special. But despite losing my teammate, I wasn’t ready to stop. I still felt motivated to complete the route. That’s when Johanna entered the story.

We knew of each other before the race through a shared kit sponsor, Café du Cycliste, but had never met properly. Like so many friendships in ultra-endurance events, it happened naturally. We chatted briefly at sign-on, then found ourselves riding together.

You get to know someone remarkably quickly during an ultra. You see each other at your absolute lowest. Sleep-deprived, soaked, hungry, and questioning your life choices, and then a few hours later you’re laughing as if nothing happened.

I don’t remember having to make many adjustments to ride together. I was simply happy to have the company. By the end of the race, I’d gained far more than someone to ride with. I’d gained a friend.

You can see more of Josh’s work on his YouTube channel and learn more about the Trans Balkan Race at TransBalkanRace.com.

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