Laurens ten Dam wins 700-kilometer-long gravel despite losing map with 50 kms to go: "At half past six in the morning I rang the doorbells of houses for help"

Laurens ten Dam is a rider who does not shy away from a challenge. Whether it is a lengthy trek through the mountains or a prestigious gravel competition such as Unbound Gravel: Ten Dam stands his ground and takes the plunge. Last week, the 42-year-old Dutchman made an appearance in Further Scotland, a 700 kilometer journey through the Scottish Highlands. And that was a hell of a job even for mileage eater Ten Dam...

The ex-Rabobank rider ultimately managed to win the so-called hike-a-bike race (together with Neil Philips), although this did not go smoothly. "What a rollercoaster this was. I made a few rookie mistakes and therefore no longer knew the route with fifty kilometers to go," Ten Dam says in a message on Instagram.

"At half past six in the morning I rang the doorbells of houses for help, but without success. Then I waited in a telephone booth for the number two in the race to guide me to the finish," he then refers to 37-year-old Philips.

"So Neil and I actually won together," he continues his story. "It was nice riding with you! But I've also learned that I enjoy riding alone through nature (no offense, Neil). I felt wonderfully comfortable. Mistakes are meant to be made. I have to do something about my sore back after two days of non-stop gravel racing through Scotland, in view of the other events I still want to do."