Deus Swank On Ice Rally

BIKE PREPERATION

With the race a week away, I had to prepare my Triumph Rickman Metisse for the ice track. Taking the wheels off, I fitted each tire knob with carefully placed screws, hoping they would give me the grip I needed on the ice. Unlike sand tracks which have a stable surface with a slippery top layer, snow is an unstable surface altogether. Front tyres float, meaning you need to use more of your bodyweight to steer. With this in mind, I stripped parts down the swing arm, front fork, and chain, making sure every piece of the bike was ready for the terrain.

RIDING PREPERATION

For the race, I focused heavily on training vintage motocross, sand riding with the Metisse, and flat track with my other Triumph. From the last Swank On Ice I attended, I learned that controlling the slide through corners was key. That’s where the flat track and sand training really came into play.

The drive to Andorra from Belgium was an 11-hour journey. Together with Charlotte and Wannes, we took the road south. It was a beautiful journey, giving us a real taste of the countryside. We stayed in a beautiful cottage in Saint-Maurice-la-Souterraine and later took the mountain roads as we got closer to the Pyrenees.

Taking the road to Andorra, tucked between the French and Spanish Pyrenees, I set out in search of the thrill of ice. My Triumph Metisse was loaded and ready, its tires now armed with spikes, every detail checked one last time before departure.

FRIDAY

On Friday we arrived in Andorra and reunited with a mix of old friends and new faces at DEUS SWANK ON ICE. The paddock buzzed with energy as everyone unloaded their bikes, fueled up, and made final adjustments ahead of the technical checks. The track looked promising, the sun was shining, and anticipation was high. Once the bikes were dialed in, we gathered for the briefing, all of us eager for what lay ahead.

That evening was well spent over a great dinner, sharing stories of past races and dreams of those to come. Laughter filled the room as we speculated about the track conditions and how our bikes would perform on the ice. Eventually, we turned in, wrapping ourselves in warm sheets, knowing that the next day would test both rider and machine.

SATURDAY- RACE DAY

Saturday morning came early. At 8 a.m., we gathered at Circuit Andorra – Pas de la Casa. After a final briefing on weather and track conditions, engines roared to life. Extra layers went on to fight the cold, and soon we were out on the ice. Saturday brought heavier weather, snowfall and temperatures dropping to -6°C, feeling closer to -16°C. But spirits stayed high. We were there for the raw joy of ice racing, whatever conditions came with it.

Hitting the ice for the first time felt almost unreal. But the moment you start trusting the bike and push it into a corner, everything clicks. It begins to feel like riding a freshly prepped flat track just colder, faster, and far less forgiving.

We had two hours to get familiar with the track, fine-tuning the bikes, warming up between runs, and watching everyone carve through the ice with huge smiles. From the very first laps, it was clear: memories were already being made.

Just before midday, things shifted gears. We took on ice buggies and competed in a custom motorcycle time challenge. There were crashes, some minor, some less so, but also faster laps, high-fives, and nonstop laughter amid sprays of snow and sideways slides. One of the highlights of the day was riding alongside Pol Tarres, whose skill on the bike was something else entirely. Watching him flow through corners and trying to keep up was both humbling and inspiring. There were close battles, elbows out at times, but always with mutual respect and a shared passion for the ride.

As daylight faded, the track opened fully for night racing. Under the lights, with goggles on and engines revving, we pushed ourselves even further. Each lap meant deeper slides, more throttle, and the constant pursuit of a better time.

Vintage motorcycles, ice racing, and riders from all over the world combine all that, and you get something truly special. The kind of experience that stays with you long after the ice melts.

Already looking forward to the next one.