Betti Bögel wins Shardana Bikeventure 2025

Sardinia – A True Grand Tour Experience

Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean and belongs to Italy. The island is known for its breathtaking coastlines, turquoise waters, unspoiled nature, and rich history. In addition to its picturesque beaches, Sardinia also offers impressive mountain landscapes and archaeological sites. With its unique mix of nature, culture, and traditional cuisine, Sardinia is a popular destination for both those seeking relaxation and adventure.

Day 1 — 245 km – 18.4 km/h – 3,830 m elevation – 13:17 hrs riding time

The start signal was given at 8:40 AM in Olbia – and right on cue, the rain began. However, it wasn’t unpleasant; with the already warm temperatures on the island, it was actually a welcome refreshment. You could sense the nervous energy within the group – the tension was palpable. As soon as the police escort cleared the route, the pace quickly picked up.
The first part of the route featured steep, rocky climbs with gradients up to 15% – quite a challenging start to the tour. But the weather soon changed: the sun broke through the clouds, accompanied by wind, which made the following asphalt sections more demanding – but also helped to keep the pace high.
On the long stretches of road, I was able to improve my average speed significantly. Checkpoints popped up regularly – often near scenic spots that invited a quick break. Bars were also frequently along the way, ideal for refilling drinks and grabbing a snack. Unfortunately, I missed out on a hot meal. My plan was to eat in Porto Torres – but the route didn’t pass through the town as expected, so I had to keep going.
At around 10:50 PM, I finally reached a pizzeria – luckily, it was open until 11:00 PM. A real lifesaver! Well-nourished, I continued on and found a dreamlike sleeping spot right on the beach – the perfect end to a long, memorable day on Sardinia.

Day 2 — 274 km – 16.7 km/h – 3,500 m elevation – 16:24 hrs riding time

After a good three and a half hours of sleep, I was back on the bike at 5:15 AM. The cool morning air and the view of the awakening coastline made the early start worth it. But breakfast was still a long way off – my stomach had to be satisfied with some bars for now.
The day started off promisingly, and I made good progress. But the further I rode, the more challenging the terrain became. Deep sand, rough gravel, and tall grass that obscured the trail significantly slowed me down. Riding fast here was hardly possible – but the effort was rewarded with stunning views. Around 4:00 PM, the route veered away from the coast – time for a quick snack before heading back toward the sea, where a gorgeous sunset over the dunes awaited me.
I had a fixed goal for the day because I knew a good sleeping spot was waiting. But the evening dragged on longer than expected. The route became mountainous again, river crossings required extra energy, and deer darting across the path made descending in the dark tricky.

Music kept me company through the night – singalong songs kept me awake until 3:30 AM.
My chosen sleeping spot – a sturdy stone table – seemed ideal at first. But when the rain set in, I had to improvise and take shelter under a bench. Not exactly cozy, but at least dry.

Day 3 — 165 km – 14.9 km/h – 2,324 m elevation – 11:05 hrs riding time

Just two and a half hours later, the alarm rang. Still tired but determined, I started the day with a quick teeth-brushing and packed my things – the goal: make it to the next checkpoint in time for breakfast.
Once there, I took things surprisingly easy. Maybe a bit too easy. Eating, washing my cycling shorts, chatting, and just sitting in the sun – all this made the time fly by.
The route now led northward, straight into the next mountain range. Navigation became more difficult as the path wasn’t always clearly visible. The sun beat down, the heat was now oppressive, and any bars or refueling points were a long time coming.
A short but steep climb demanded everything from me – but what came next more than made up for it: a dreamlike stretch of perfect gravel through the Giara di Gesturi nature park – a true highlight of the entire route. Riding through this landscape by bike was simply breathtaking.
After a steep descent, the route continued with rolling hills until the next serious mountain approached toward evening. The climb reached over 1,000 meters – and suddenly, it got cold.
After the descent into the valley, a warm meal was just what I needed. I was warmly welcomed at a small restaurant. The hostess was incredibly friendly, let me dry my clothes, and even gave me a tip for an unusual but practical sleeping spot: an old bus stop with lockable doors – almost like a little glamping site. Thanks to that outlook, I decided to go to bed early and get some valuable rest.

Day 4 — 178 km – 16.9 km/h – 2,703 m elevation – 10:28 hrs riding time

At 1:50 AM, I was back on the road – in the middle of the night, alone in the stillness of the mountains. The darkness wrapped everything in silence, and only the beam of my lamp and the rhythm of my breath accompanied me.
The seemingly endless climbs on the road passed quickly – in the lamplight, the end of the incline was invisible, so I simply kept pedaling.
Eventually, I stopped at a small bar for a quick breakfast. My goal was clear: reach the finish line, as soon as possible. But the climbs just wouldn’t stop.
25 kilometers of continuous uphill, with an average gradient of 5%. It was rolling – but never-ending. My legs worked, my mind stayed focused.
The next national park eventually revealed the view of Olbia – the goal now within reach, but still a good distance away. The trail dragged on. The terrain turned sandy again, dogs barked and startled me on the final kilometers. It was as if Sardinia wanted to throw everything at me one last time.
Then, at 1:45 PM, it finally happened: after 863 kilometers and 12,357 meters of climbing, I crossed the finish line – as the first woman.