In this episode of Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I have the chance to sit back and talk with Justinas Leveika. A Lithuanian cyclist living in Norway, Justinas shares about his experience participating in and setting a new fastest known time (FKT) for the Bikepacking Triple Crown. Justinas talks about his background as a nurse who moved to Norway for work and details his journey into cycling, beginning with his childhood in Lithuania.

Justinas discusses the unique challenges and experiences of the three major races that make up the Triple Crown: the Tour Divide, the Colorado Trail Race, and the Arizona Trail Race. He highlights the technical difficulties, varying climates, and the physical and mental endurance required for each race. Justinas also recounts his strategies, including the importance of comfort for speed, his use of full suspension bikes, and the significance of proper gear and training. Throughout the conversation, he touches on the camaraderie within the bikepacking community, the challenges of self-supported races, and his hopes for the future. Despite some setbacks and controversies, Justinas's story is one of resilience and passion for the sport.