The 9th edition of the komoot Women's Rally starts on 26 April and leads through Montenegro until 3 May 2025. Under the motto "Montenegro Madness", cycling world record holder Lael Wilcox and komoot have put together a challenging route for 60 female bikepackers. The route covers 680 kilometres and 13,500 metres in altitude. It leads from the mountains of Montenegro through vast landscapes down to the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The start and finish point is the capital Podgorica. Interested female bikers can apply to take part from 17 to 24 February. A lottery procedure will then decide on the allocation of places.
The komoot Women's Rally is aimed at women, trans and non-binary cyclists. The aim of the event series is to encourage participants to experience extraordinary bikepacking routes and build a community. Professional Lael Wilcox emphasises the motivation behind the event:
They (participants) return home, organise cycling groups and share their experiences with their community. They plan further trips, invite friends, take their families with them and sometimes sign up for a race. All these stories are incredibly motivating, they give me drive for new things. - Lael Wilcox, pro bikepacker
Komoot Women's Rally: Local scouting for authentic experiences
A special feature of this year's edition is the local scouting of the route. The Italian Beatrice Mezzene Lona, known as Bea for short, has scouted the route for the group. Her route is based on personal experiences during a bikepacking tour through Montenegro. Lael Wilcox praises Bea's expertise: "Bea has the unique combination of passion and precision that makes for a great route planner and event organiser. She takes care of every piece of the puzzle - the details, requirements and logistics are important, but so is the history, romance and beauty of the country."
The route
The route of the komoot Women's Montenegro Madness Rally 2025 promises varied landscapes and impressive nature experiences. Bea describes her route with enthusiasm:
Five years ago, I rode the mountains of Montenegro for the first time on a Balkan bikepacking trip and often think back to them. I love the tranquillity of the Montenegrin highlands, the hospitality of the people and their pure enthusiasm for the mountains. This route is one of my favourites - remote, pristine and full of surprises. Here, the landscapes open up in a vastness that makes you feel very small. - Beatrice Mezzene Lona, komoot Local Scout
Highlights of the route
A variety of scenic highlights await the participants. Bea particularly emphasises the Komovi Nature Park: "You will love the landscapes of the Komovi Nature Park: Great expanses, varied views and the feeling of being in another world." The highlands of Kolašin are reminiscent of the wilderness of Mongolia and mark the highest sections of the route. Other stops include the gorges of the River Tara and Durmitor National Park. The route concludes with a stage along the Adriatic coast.
Technical requirements and route profile
The route is designed for gravel and mountain bikes. It leads over tarmac roads and off-road trails. With a total length of 680 kilometres and 13,500 metres in altitude, the route places high demands on the fitness and riding technique of the participants. The organisers recommend careful preparation and appropriate equipment for the changing conditions between the high mountains and the coast.
Application and participation
In order to ensure a personal atmosphere and not overburden small communities along the route, the number of participants is limited to 60. Applications for the rally will be open from 17 February until 24 February at 23:59 (CET). Selection will be by lottery. The successful applicants will be notified by email on 28 February. Detailed information about the route and the application process can be found here atleta.cc/e/nP6OynR8ZAGt or in the komoot Collection for the event.
The komoot Women's Rally at a glance
- Event date: 26 April to 03 May 2025
- Route length: 680 kilometres
- Altitude metres: 13,500 metres
- Suitable bike types: Gravel or mountain bike
- Route profile: Paved and unpaved paths
- Starting and finishing point: Podgorica, Montenegro
- Number of participants: 60 people
- Application period: 17 February to 24 February 2025, 23:59 (CET)
Development of the komoot Women's Rally
The komoot Women's Rally looks back on a successful history. Since the first event in 2021, more than 400 women from over 23 countries aged between 21 and 68 have taken part. Previous events have travelled well-known bikepacking routes in Italy, France, Spain and the Canary Islands. The Montenegro Madness Rally 2025 marks a special milestone: for the first time, the event will follow a route designed by a member of the bikepacking community. The second komoot Womens Rally this year will also take place in Europe. More information is not yet available.
Marc Strucken
Editor
