We Sent A Beginner Cyclist To A 100 Mile Gravel Race | This Is What Happened

We challenged GCN’s very own Naomi to take on her first-ever 100-mile (160km) century ride! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Saima Cycle Tour in Finland, Naomi faces gruelling heat, endless gravel, and the ultimate test of her "sisu." Join her as she discovers what it really takes to go the distance and whether a "commuter-only" training plan is enough to conquer the Finnish wilderness.

In association with @VisitFinland & @gosaimaa
👉 gcn.eu/visitfinland
👉 gcn.eu/gosaimaa

Chapters: ⏱️
00:00 - The 100 Mile Challenge
01:40 - Arriving in Finland
03:57 - Meeting Anna-Lena & Finding "Sisu"
06:47 - Race Day: The Grand Start
09:08 - Naomi's "Commuter" Training Strategy
14:31 - Gravel Bike Check: Naomi’s New Whip
16:59 - Reaching the Halfway Point
21:03 - Battling the 30°C Heat
24:36 - The Final 30km Push
28:09 - Crossing the Finish Line

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Naomi smashed it! 🇫🇮 We want to hear from you—what was your first-ever 100-mile ride like, and what’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone attempting their first century? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Watch more on GCN...
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🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Zambara Groove - Ritchie Everett
Back in the Sun - Rocket Jr
Belief - Roots and Recognition
Cherry Blossom - Resonant Circuits
Dauntless - Hanna Ekstrom
Earth's Orbit - Northside
Finger Pickin' Good - Sunfish Grove
Foretold - Laura Platt
J. S. Bach_ Cello Suite
Mt. Fiji - Ryan James Carr
On My Way - Aiyo
Reasons - Ryan James Carr
Sanctum - Aiyo
Small Town Talk (Instrumental Version) - Northside
Storm is Brewing - Eva Hummingbird
As Bad as They Come - The New Fools

📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sirotti Images

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