Hardest Detour Ever

Season recap, May 2026. 162 km planned in the Black Forest. At kilometre 88, with 850 metres of climbing nearly done, the road was closed after an accident. The police said at least an hour and a half.

Waiting with cold legs was not an option, so the detour it was: 27 extra kilometres and a lot of extra climbing. 189.5 km and 3,048 m in the end, 7:46 hours out there.

The lessons for long rides in 2027: always carry more food than the plan says, know a plan B route, and remember that the hardest days often make the best training. That day paid off in August at the Ötztaler.