When Millie Gibbons joined the Standert Family earlier this year, we knew “strong cyclist” was an understatement, but we had no idea just how much so. As the first woman to finish the Kromvojoj Ultra-Race, she rode her PFADFINDER for four days and five hours, covering a mind-boggling 1.400 km and climbing 28.000 meters. Now, she’s sharing her story: from the highs and lows of Kromvojoj, the importance of sunscreen, and whether mini donuts were the right choice or not.
Tell us a bit about you, your background and what initially drew you to ultra-distance cycling and bikepacking events like Kromvojoj?
I went on my first bike packing trip ten years ago and loved everything about it, being outside, the feeling that time slows down, and just being present in the moment. As I did more riding, the rides got longer, and I started riding through sunrises and sunsets and then throughout the night. I found out other people liked this type of riding too, so I entered my first ultra race in 2023 and since then I have done at least one race a year. These have been a mixture of gravel and road, over 1000km and of course, always with a lot of climbing. Every edition of Kromvojoj has had a cool route in Catalunya, and this one was set to have a lot of climbing - sometimes you see a race and you are just so excited to ride it - this was one of those races!
How did you approach the preparation for this adventure and for your gear?
I just ride a lot, a few bike packing trips and longer rides. I rested well, physically and mentally, and was just really excited to be on my bike for a really long time.
The kit is what I’ve curated over the years to be my favourite. Striking the balance between lightweight and functional. There was nothing I wish I had or I wish I didn't take, luckily this time the waterproof trousers weren’t needed, but I have learnt the hard way, so will now always carry them just in case!
What was your favorite and least favorite snack during Kromvojoj?
Favourite snacks are always Fuel Plus gels, I took as many as I could fit in my pockets. And saved some for the final days when the extra energy boost was much needed.
My least favourite snack has got to be a bag of mini donuts that I bought.
They were so dry and quite frankly not very palatable! I didn’t have space to carry the whole bag so I ate maybe two, stuffed three in my pockets and took the rest of the bag back inside the shop. The cashier lady said to me ‘you don’t like them?!’ to which I replied ‘they are delicious but they are for you!’
If you had to reduce your gear to three things, what would you take?
I’m assuming here the bike doesn’t count. So, a warm jacket, a navigation device and for this race in particular, sun cream.
What was your most challenging moment and any special moments?
The biggest challenge for me during this race was the heat, I got very sunburnt on the first day. A headwind masked the intensity of the sun! Preventing the sunburn from getting any worse was key. To do this I decided to wear my black merino arm sleeves inside out when I was in the mountains. Whilst this helped to protect my arms from the sun it was obviously incredibly hot, so to stay cool I would wet them every chance I could. In water fountains, tiny mountain streams…anything I could find!
When I reached the hottest valley ever, the arm sleeves were no longer an option, I was so conscious of my sunburn that I was applying suncream as often as I was drinking or eating something! I’d be sure to reapply every 30mins or so whilst still pedalling.
The relentless climbing in the Pyrenees will always be so special for me. I love the mountains and the rhythm you get climbing and descending all day.
The sunrises and the sunsets were incredible, and we were fortunate this time to be riding under a full moon. I saw it just peaking out over the mountains as I climbed the Tourmalet.
Which, for the second time now, I have climbed in the dark! The first time was whilst riding the Transpyrenees Race, so two out of two ascents of the Tourmalet and it’s been at night time… both times equally as magical.
And that is why I really love a race, you do things you wouldn’t necessarily choose to do if you were on your own adventure. These are always the moments that stick in your memory.
You mentioned the ascent to Mont Caro as a highlight, what made that climb so special?
Mont Caro the hardest and the hottest climb of the route. It was already over 30 degrees and it was only 10am.
Even though I was still 200km from the end as it was the last big climb, it was at this point that I started to feel as if I was very much on the home stretch, which can always be a risky feeling, especially as in this race the last section included some gravel….
But for the first time all race I took a pause at the top.
Maybe as it is an out and back climb (and I wasn’t quickly putting a jacket on to continue on the road), I stopped at the viewpoint and just paused. Taking time to reflect on all I had achieved.
It was a truly beautiful moment with the most amazing views after a brutal steep ascent in the heat.
What did you learn about such adventures but also about yourself throughout this race?
That you really can do anything you put your mind to. You can set yourself big goals and you will achieve them. I had set myself the ambitious target to finish in the early hours of Thursday morning. So when I finished ahead of my goal, on Wednesday evening, in 4 days and 5 hours, I felt particularly proud.
I had a plan that I knew would work for me - ride efficiently, and consistently and rest every day. And I made sure to stick to it, especially during the first night when most people I spoke to were riding through, but I didn’t let this sway me, I stuck to my plan and took the time to rest.
Your number one thing to do and not to do before and/or during the race?
Rest well before the race and rest well after the race, it was my birthday on the Friday after and maybe the first birthday in forever I didn’t ride my bike.
Don’t change anything really before or during the race, keep doing what you always do.
As the first woman to cross the finish line, what does that achievement mean to you, and what are your thoughts on how we can inspire and support more women in ultra-cycling?
It means a lot. For me it is all about exceeding my own expectations that I set for myself. Completing the challenge faster than I had imagined, achieving my personal goals, and of course enjoying every moment of it all.
A passing rider told me in the last 100 km that I didn’t need to push now, there was a big gap behind us to the next riders. I replied, ‘but that’s not the point; the point is to do the best I can possibly do, and that means staying focused and riding my race right until the finish line!’
I think me placing so high overall just highlights that pure power doesn’t get you to the end fastest. It is understanding the race as a whole - having calculated logic, problem solving, staying consistent and having fun whilst you are doing it.
For me, the coolest thing about ultra cycling is that you can play to your own strengths and what you enjoy the most. I know my great strength is riding steady, and efficiently, whilst stopping as little as possible.
What would your number one advice be for other women who would like to try out ultra cycling events?
I really think ultra cycling is the most empowering thing women can do, you gain such confidence from being self-sufficient and achieving your own amazing personal adventure.
My advice would be to go and do it. You can work everything out on the road, and solving problems is what makes it fun! Go bike packing as much as you can so you and your bike are one. And just love riding your bike and being outside - taking comfort in knowing that it doesn’t always go to plan but you have the ability to always work it out.
Kromvojoj have an amazing initiative, Sponsoreco, that promotes diversity and encourages the participation of new riders. This year, they helped five women get to the start line, more races should do initiatives like this!
As women, we sometimes need that bit more encouragement to get to the start. But if we just focused on the adventure and the beauty that is about to be experienced, then women are unstoppable!
