In this podcast Jesse Carlsson speaks to three incredible ultra-endurance athletes from the Curve Squad in the lead up to the first edition of the Rhino Run, a new 2,750 km solo, unsupported bikepacking race from Plettenberg Bay, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia. The race also supports the Masaka Cycling Club (www.masakacyclingclub.com) and its inspiring work to uncover and nurture raw cycling talent in Uganda.

Join Abdullah Zeinab, Sarah Hammond and Stephen Lane as they each share their thoughts one week out from lining up against possibly the strongest start list in ultra-endurance cycling history. They were in the middle of packing their bikes at Curve HQ in Melbourne and making final pack-list checks immediately before heading to the airport. We discuss their preparation, bike selection, thoughts on how the race will pan out with all the hitters involved, the mental rollercoaster of long distance cycling, the stomach-stretching properties of broccoli and much, much more including Jesse's extreme overuse of the phrase "looking forward to seeing how it all to unfolds" (I counted at least 12 times).

Each of these talented athletes has a shot at wining the Rhino Run and we wish them all the best. We can't wait to see it all play out when the race begins on 21 October 2022. Check www.rhinorun.cc for all the details on how to follow the race.