For most riders, gravel racing is about adventure, endurance, and finding your limits. For Merlin Cycles-sponsored rider and UK National Gravel Champion, Lizzie she discovered all three in equal measure during one of the toughest events she’s ever faced – this years Traka 560!
Fresh from completing the brutal ultra-distance event in Girona, Lizzie shared the highs, lows, kit choices, and lessons learned from a race that pushed her further than ever before.
“You Start Questioning Every Life Choice at 3AM”
The Traka 560 wasn’t just another race on the calendar — it was a completely new experience.
“You go from feeling really in control to questioning every life choice you’ve ever made at 3:00 AM in the middle of nowhere,” Lizzie explained. “It’s as much a mental puzzle as a physical one.”
The challenge became even harder when nutrition plans unravelled midway through the event.
“I completely ran out of food and, with it being a bank holiday in Spain, nowhere was open. I ended up riding the last five hours on just a single can of Coke — sorry to my nutritionist, Jenny!”
Despite the setbacks, quitting was never truly an option.
“There were so many moments when the easiest thing to do was quit, but I just kept telling myself, ‘If I do quit, what would I tell people?’”
But among the suffering came unforgettable moments too.
“The highlight was definitely riding through the night. It’s something I’ve never experienced before and it felt incredible.”
Lizzie’s Traka 560 Bike Setup
For an event where reliability and comfort matter just as much as outright speed, Lizzie’s setup was carefully chosen to handle the demands of Girona’s rugged gravel terrain.
Her race bike was the Ventum GS1 paired with deep-section carbon Aero wheels from her direct sponsor and Vittoria Terreno Gravel Tyres in a 50mm width for extra grip and comfort over rough terrain.
The drivetrain featured SRAM RED AXS with a 42-tooth chainring, although after tackling some of the race’s steepest climbs, Lizzie admitted she’d probably opt for a smaller chainring next time.
Lighting proved critical through the overnight sections, with Lezyne front and helmet lights keeping the route visible in the darkness. One standout piece of kit was the Abus Taipan gravel helmet.
“The magnetic light on that was unbelievably useful,” she said.
To protect the eyes, Lizzie relied on 100% Speedcraft glasses with clear lenses helped visibility through the night.
Shoes came in the form of the Quoc Gran Tourer XC, while nutrition support came from OGT. Luggage was from Restrap.
But perhaps the most important item of all?
“My top-tube snack bag full of sweets.”
Training for Ultra Gravel Racing
Preparing for an event like The Traka 560 isn’t about explosive efforts or interval sessions alone. Instead, Lizzie focused on one thing above all else: time in the saddle.
“The training wasn’t about speed, it was all about time on the bike,” she explained. “I did a few long training rides and finished off the build with an altitude block.”
That endurance-focused preparation helped build the resilience needed for the race’s long hours and relentless terrain.
Recovery: Real Food and Easy Spins
Once the finish line was crossed, recovery became the immediate priority.
“My immediate focus is rehydration and ‘real’ food — anything that isn’t a gel,” Lizzie laughed.
Alongside proper meals, she relies heavily on recovery habits that help her body bounce back after ultra-distance racing.
“I also swear by ketones. The shots are so handy to use and they actually taste great.”
To manage swelling and fatigue, she spends the first 48 hours with her legs elevated and includes short recovery rides to keep everything moving.
What’s Next?
There’s not much downtime ahead.
Next on Lizzie’s calendar is The Gralloch in Scotland before heading to the United States for a training and racing block with Ventum.
“This level of distance is all new to me, so I’m not entirely sure how long a full recovery will take,” she admitted. “But I’m back on the bike already and feeling okay.”
Away from racing, Lizzie enjoys a slower pace of life — walking the dog, spending time with family and friends, and searching out great food and coffee stops.
“I’m a massive foodie, so I love making different meals or heading out to try new coffee and cake shops.”
Keep up with Lizzie’s racing on her Instagram!
