Emma Bateup is no stranger to the deep end. Whether it's tossing her bike across a flooded river or screaming into the Scottish mountains during a low moment, she’s all in. Just a couple of years into ultra racing, Emma already has a resume that includes wins in the women's race at Tour te Waipounamu, a fourth overall at the Great Southern Brevet, and now a breakout performance at the 2024 Highland Trail 550—where she won the women’s race and placed 7th overall.

In this episode, Emma shares the story behind that ride, from chasing records to losing her multi-tool in a creek and navigating Scotland’s notorious river crossings. We talk about fuelling mistakes (pro tip: never skip a resupply), what happened when her chafing hit code red, and how close competition can unlock your best performance, even if your rival’s rain jacket is way too easy to spot.

We also get into her journey into bikepacking, how ultra racing compares to enduro and XC racing, and why she thinks crying is a superpower. Emma’s energy is contagious, and this conversation is full of laughs, honest reflections, and the kind of type-two stories that make you want to grab your bike and go.

Topics include:

• Emma’s 2024 Highland Trail 550 win (and the chaos along the way)
• Racing head-to-head with Kerry MacPhee
• River crossings, hail storms, and a tragic lost multi-tool
• Her first ultra at Tour Te Waipounamu and what she’s learned since
• The trade-offs of ambition, joy, and full-time racing
• Coaching kids, racing XC, and what’s next

Follow Emma's adventures on Instagram: @em_b8up

Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb

Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscycling

Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

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