Yesterday, Emil Carr-Ross, the director at Dynamo Glasgow and a mechanic at Bicycles for Refugees in Glasgow, Scotland, finished the 2023 L’Esperit de Girona event as the first woman, bringing the event to a close. Only six riders finished the route this year, up from zero in 2022. Emil Carr-Ross was the only woman to finish this year’s event, managing her body, mind, and bike through what looked like a seriously challenging ride in incredibly tough conditions.

Here’s what the organizers had to say about Emil’s finish: “We are somewhat lost for words with her performance. This is Emil’s first bikepacking event, made possible with a last-minute entry and support from the Tailfin bursary. She has blown us away with her tenacity and spirit. This is the defining performance of the event. Overcoming brutal thunderstorms, sweltering heat, and a continuously testing route, never giving up.”

Emil’s final time was 8 days, 11 hours, 10 minutes. She placed sixth overall and first for the women’s category, shortly behind fifth-place finisher Mark Courtier. Ulrich Bartholmoes took first place at the event with a time of 3 days, 14 hours, and 10 minutes. Congrats to everyone who participated!

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