Ep. 213 ~ Maddy Nutt, Traka 560 FKT

In this episode of Bikes or Death, host Patrick interviews Maddie Nutt, the newly crowned champion of the 560km Traka ultra cycling race, marking her first-ever ultra endurance event. Nutt shares her journey from being an underdog with no prior ultra experience to shattering the previous record by over two hours, finishing in 26 hours and 30 minutes. She details her meticulous preparation—pre-reconning the course, carrying a heavily stocked bike, and using a structured stop plan—while also revealing her mental approach: balancing a Type A mindset with a laid-back, joyful attitude toward the sport. Despite a traumatic crash the previous year with a torn AC ligament, she found motivation in the 560’s non-drafting format and used her physical endurance and mental resilience to dominate. She reflects on the race’s emotional highs, the surreal experience of winning without knowing her position until the finish, and the personal sacrifices made to prioritize her athletic career. Looking ahead, Nutt remains undecided about competing in Unbound XL or the 200km race, weighing fatigue, aero bar training, and her long-term health and life balance. She emphasizes that cycling is a career, not a lifestyle sacrifice, and values sustainability, sleep, and well-being as essential to longevity in the sport.