A man from Brixen in the toughest race in the world: “Just don’t sleep for seconds”

Martin Bergmeister, your name is familiar to many in local football, cross-country skiing and cycling. Tell us briefly about your sporting career?

Martin Bergmeister: “I was extremely passionate about sports when I was a child and, like so many people in the country, started out as a youth footballer. As a goalkeeper I was reasonably talented, so I later made it to Serie C as a professional ( Martina Franca and Trento, note d. Red. ) managed, later I was between the posts at SSV Brixen and SV Vahrn. At some point I had enough of football and started to devote myself to cross-country skiing, where I even became national champion before I discovered cycling. At first I only cycled in the summer as training for the cross-country skiing season, but I quickly developed a real passion that led me to long distances.”

“At some point I had enough of football” On June 11th you will be starting the Race Across America for the second time. For many, the race is considered inhumane. Why are you putting yourself through this strain?

“Firstly, I love doing sports outdoors. The route, the different landscapes in the USA, that's something. But the real appeal is the fight against yourself. You need extreme discipline, iron will and self-control to cope with the physical challenge and the need for sleep. But if you manage to push your own boundaries, it releases great feelings of happiness.”

“I want to drive through the first 30 hours” You mention the lack of sleep. How does the body manage to sit in the saddle almost non-stop for 12 days?

“I want to drive for the first 30 hours, then I will sleep 2 to 3 hours a night. With this I hope to reduce the risk of micro-sleep on the bike. But I also need the support of my support vehicle to keep me awake and be there in an emergency. However, the lack of sleep is not the only difficulty. Keep in mind that we first cross the California desert in temperatures of around 45 degrees before heading into the Rocky Mountains. There, at 3500 meters, things are heading towards freezing point. After that, the long, monotonous expanses inland await, which require particularly mental strength and concentration.”

How do you feel physically?

“I have covered 11.500 kilometers since January and spent weeks driving the area around Brixen and Bolzano all the way down to Lake Garda. I mentally prepared myself for the feat. I would say: I’m ready!” Profile of Martin Bergmeister Date of birth: September 27, 1962 Size: 1,80 meters Weight: 71 kg Location: Brixens Family: Married, 2 sons Job: Official in the Ministry of Health Food: Italian and Tyrolean cuisine of regional origin Hobbies: Endurance sports, hiking, gardening

_________________ SportNews will follow Martin Bergmeister up close at RAAM from June 11th and report on his “hellish ride” through the USA.

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A man from Brixen in the toughest race in the world: “Just don’t sleep for seconds”

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