Finding the Right Balance with Hannah Ghazi-Idrissi

IMAGES: Enrica Pontin; Stephan Wieser

TEXT: Hannah with Pedaled

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IMAGES: Enrica Pontin; Stephan Wieser

TEXT: Hannah with Pedaled

SCROLL

Finding the Right Balance with Hannah Ghazi-Idrissi

Get to know our newest PEdALED athlete, Hannah Ghazi-Idrissi. Living in the Austrian Alps, Hannah splits her time between working in the local hospital, studying, exploring, and competing in adventure races around Europe. We caught up with Hannah to learn about her evolution as an athlete—and how she balances the demands of ultra-cycling against a busy and challenging career.

Can you briefly tell us about yourself?

Hi! I’m Hannah, 28 years old. I moved from central Germany to Innsbruck, right in the heart of the Alps, about eight years ago to study medicine. Back then, I was all about horses, a full-on horse girl. Once I moved here, I got completely pulled into the outdoor and endurance sports bubble—like almost everyone here does, sooner or later.

I started doing triathlon and did quite a few races with my beloved super cheap rim-brake aluminum bike (r.i.p. blacky). Pretty soon, I realized that cycling was what I enjoyed most. And then I discovered bikepacking, which I instantly fell in love with. I’ve now finished med school and work as a junior doctor at the university hospital, and I am also doing a Clinical PhD in neuroradiology.

Being a doctor is typically associated with a lack of free time. How do you balance your profession with your passion for cycling?

I am still figuring out the balance. On workdays, I like riding early in the morning; those calm hours really help me start the day grounded before things get hectic. The best part is that cycling and seeing friends often go hand in hand, so I don’t have to choose between the two. And in summer, long evening rides after work are the best, especially since here in Innsbruck it only takes minutes to get from the city into the mountains. But for sure, the long adventures have to wait until the weekend or the off day after a 24-hour shift.

Cycling helps me switch off and recharge. It clears my mind, relieves stress, and just feels like a reset—the perfect counterbalance.

How did you get into ultra-cycling and what fascinates you about this type of competition?

Over time, my rides got longer and I enjoyed testing where my limit might be. 150k, 200k, 300k... all went fine, despite all my worries. Then came my first bikepacking trip with my flat mates: from Innsbruck all the way to the northern tip of Germany, with tents, camping chairs, and a stove. I absolutely loved it.

A few more adventures followed: a multi-stage race simulation down to Croatia, where we spent a relaxed vacation on an island, before cycling back home. Then came my first solo trip through Switzerland.

At some point, I read about an ultra-race. I hesitated, kept wondering if I could really do something like that. All alone? Eventually, I flipped the question: why shouldn’t I be able to? I couldn’t find a reason so I signed up. Turned out: it was doable. And just like that, I was hooked.

I really enjoy figuring out how to get better: what makes me faster; where can I optimize? These challenges are not just about fitness, but about a thousand small things: route planning, pacing, strategy, gear, mindset. So many tiny screws to turn. During the races, what I value most is the independence. I make all the decisions myself, carry everything I need to handle almost any situation. And of course: the peace that comes with being alone out in nature.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your cycling career? Biggest wins?

For me, the biggest challenge is always finding the right balance. When I’m into something, I tend to go all in. But progress only happens with rest: a lesson I keep learning. Same goes for things like fueling properly, listening to my body, and not chasing numbers all the time. And of course, taking care of my mind as much as I care about fitness and recovery.

Key moments in ultra-cycling so far:

The first race: realizing I can actually do this.
The second race: realizing I can do this fast, and if I take care of myself and enjoy it, even faster.
The seventh race: realizing I can do this even without showers (well, for five days at least).

Tell us about how you came to join the PEdALED crew.

Long story short: I once headed to a race straight after work… and forgot all my kit at home. Luckily, I found someone who had a brand-new kit in my size and was willing to sell it to me. So, I bought it and rode 500KM in this PEdALED kit, right away. No issues, felt great. The rest is history. I’m super happy and honestly honored to be part of the PEdALED crew—alongside some of the big guns in the ultra scene, people I look up to and who inspire me.

What are your plans—and hopes—for this racing season?

After things didn’t quite go to plan at The Traka (though I learned a lot about myself), I’m taking a small step back and asking: how do I race in a way that feels good and fun again? I’m confident that with that mindset, the speed will come back, too.

With that in mind, I’m heading to Race Through Poland this weekend. After that, some one-day gravel races, maybe another go at qualifying for the UCI Gravel World Championships like last year, and the Transibérica Ultra Race across Europe. I’m also on the lookout for another gravel ultra; I really enjoy technical trails and long days without seeing a single car. Between all that, I try to squeeze in as many micro-adventures as possible to explore the mountains around Innsbruck, while working on my professional career and trying to grow as a doctor.

You can follow Hannah on Instagram @hey.hannanah — Welcome to our team.