RIDER INTERVIEW – RICK STEFFEN

Rick Steffen is a firefighter, ultra cyclist, and someone who thrives on challenges. He has been riding since his youth, from the NRW state squad to 24-hour races. Today, he combines his passion for competition and adventure in ultra cycling. In this interview, Rick talks about pre-race nerves, mental strength, and why he prefers to leave his toothbrush at home.

Hi Rick, if a stranger asked you to describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

A bit young at heart, a bit of a daredevil, but still organized and structured when it comes to my races.

How did you get into the bikepacking and ultra-racing scene?

It was a gradual process. I’ve been into cycling since I was ten years old, always with a competitive focus. During my school years, I was part of the NRW state squad, racing in national and Bundesliga competitions, before starting my training as a firefighter.

Even after that, I kept riding and competed in many MTB marathons. Later, I started doing bikepacking trips and cycling tours, mostly during the winter to build my endurance. I’ve always loved adventure – heading out in the morning, arriving somewhere in the evening, camping outside with a tent and sleeping bag.

At some point, I realized there are unsupported races, the perfect combination of competition and adventure. Since my training rides were already getting longer and longer, that was the logical next step. I signed up for my first unsupported races after having done many 24-hour races, and that’s how it all started.

What fascinates you about ultra cycling?

Being alone. Facing problems that you have to solve yourself and preparing for them. I love the planning that goes into being ready for every possible scenario. But at the same time, I like that no matter how well-prepared you are, something unexpected will always happen. Then you have to improvise and find a solution.

That balance between racing and adventure is what makes it so special.

How do you prepare mentally for such a race? Do you still get nervous, or are you more relaxed by now?

I definitely still get nervous. I prepare extremely thoroughly for these kinds of races because I want to be ready for everything. My setup is always 100 percent thought out and perfectly tuned to my needs.

When you put that much time and energy into preparation, there’s a lot on the line. If you don’t finish, like at Badlands 2024, the disappointment is huge. Not because I doubt my ability, but because I know that a crash or a technical issue could end the race early.

Back when I raced MTB marathons, things were different. You’d ride for three or four hours, refill your bottles, and that was it. Ultra cycling is a whole other level – tires, pressure, aerobars, bags, nutrition, hydration – everything has to be right. It’s incredibly complex, but that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating.

How important is the right setup in an ultra race?

Very important. For me, there are three pillars: performance, mindset, and setup. They’re all equally important, each making up about one-third of the whole.

How do you handle recovery after such long races?

That’s always a bit tricky because I have a regular job. After a race, there’s usually a lot going on at work, and I have to make up for missed hours. I work as a firefighter, with night shifts, and when you have several in a row, you don’t sleep well. Recovery definitely suffers.

After Badlands, for example, there was a lot to do, so rest wasn’t really possible. When I know I have another race coming up soon, I try to take it easy and avoid overloading myself. But it’s always a balancing act between hobby and job. I’m not a professional athlete, I live a normal life, and that has to be managed carefully.

How do you balance your full-time job as a firefighter with ultra cycling?

Actually, quite well. As a firefighter, you have to stay fit anyway, so it fits perfectly. My employer supports it and likes that I’m active in sports. During shifts, we’re allowed to work out, and I make full use of that time.

But there are also nights when I barely sleep because of a big emergency. Then I come home completely exhausted, and training isn’t an option. It’s a constant juggling act, but with good organization, it works.

Do you see any parallels between your job and ultra cycling?

Definitely. During a call, you’re thrown into a problem and have to react quickly. It’s the same in ultra cycling – when you crash, have a mechanical issue, or something doesn’t go as planned, you have to stay calm and find a solution.

I’m not sure if my job directly makes me better at racing, but both require composure, focus, and good decision-making. I think I’m just the kind of person who enjoys challenges like that, which is why both the job and the sport suit me well.

Do you listen to music or podcasts while training or racing?

Definitely during training. I listen to podcasts during endurance rides and music with a good beat during hard sessions – it really pushes me.

But never during races. At Badlands, for example, I was completely focused for 36 hours straight. Music would have distracted me. I don’t need it; I’m fully in the zone.

Do you have a favorite meal the night before a race?

Sure, but probably not one that makes sense before a race. I love steak or ribs, but before the start, it’s all about functional food – rice, a bit of tomato sauce, and that’s it. Not my favorite meal, but it’s what keeps me going during the race.

And during the race – what works best for you?

Liquid nutrition works perfectly for me. At Badlands, I had around 2.3 kilograms of self-mixed maltodextrin powder. I diluted it with water along the way and drank it regularly. Later on, I added things like cola, donuts, white bread, and gummy bears.

But everything was purely functional, nothing gourmet. I only consume what keeps me moving forward.

Do you have any special equipment that you always take with you?

Nothing particularly unusual. I probably pay more attention to saddle hygiene than most, since that can easily become a problem for me. Disinfectant wipes are essential.

Otherwise, everything is optimized down to the gram. I’ve handled every single part and asked myself if I really need it. Toothbrush cut in half? No – I didn’t even take one.

Is there any gear you used to carry that you no longer bring?

Just small things – maybe an extra power bank or a sleeping bag that I ended up not using. But overall, my setup has always been consistent. I just keep refining and optimizing it over time.

How do you deal with mental lows during a race?

My low points are usually caused by fatigue or lack of energy. Then I take caffeine tablets or an extra gel, and that helps.

A mental low without any physical reason is rare for me. If I feel bad, it’s usually because something isn’t working properly. Once I fix the problem, my mind clears up again.

What advice would you give to someone new to bikepacking?

Just do it. Sign up and go. Don’t be afraid, especially not of riders who finish races in 36 hours. You don’t have to do that. You can take five days and just enjoy it. That’s totally fine.

What does a perfect day look like for you?

Crossing the finish line after a race – that’s pretty close to perfect. But outside of racing, a perfect day would be waking up well-rested, having good weather, being by the sea or in the mountains, doing some sport, and enjoying a nice meal in the evening with family, friends, and my wife. That would be a great day.

Is there a race or a region you would still like to explore?

I really enjoy bike trips. I’ve been to Africa and also to America, but I haven’t experienced Asia yet. Kyrgyzstan would be exciting – maybe a few weeks of bikepacking, it doesn’t even have to be a race.

I don’t make fixed plans for what I absolutely want to do. I just look at which races fit into my schedule and decide then.

What has been your best moment on the bike?

In ultra races, definitely reaching the finish – the last climb, the descent, that’s the best part. And during training, when I get to the top somewhere in the Alps and can enjoy the view. The destination is always the best moment.

If you want to follow Rick on his next adventures, find him on Instagram

Credits Images: badlands.cc