The Transcontinental Race is a challenging self-supported ultra-distance bikepacking event where riders navigate their own routes, pass through mandatory checkpoints, and complete technical parkours while managing food, water, and sleep. This blog provides essential information from route planning to key tips for success.
Check out the full race video below and follow the timestamps matching route names for complete insights!
What is the Transcontinental Race?
The Transcontinental Race (TCR) is a self-supported race, which means participants cannot rely on external support during the event. Riders must carry all their own gear, food, and water and must navigate their own way across Europe, while passing through several control points and parcours (predefined sections of the race that must be completed). The race typically starts in Western Europe and finishes in Istanbul, Turkey, but the checkpoints and parcours change every year.
Route Planning: The Key to Success
One of the most critical aspects of the Transcontinental Race is route planning. While there are mandatory control points and parcours along the way, riders are free to choose their own route between these locations. However, there are several factors to consider:
Banned Roads: There are certain roads that are off-limits, so it’s essential to check these in advance.
Border Crossings: Riders must only use approved border crossings, so plan accordingly.
Resupplies and Sleep Stops: Planning where to resupply food and water and where to sleep is vital for a successful race.
For my route, I spent months using Komoot to map out the best path. I relied on Komoot's Trailview and Google Street View to evaluate road surfaces and chose the fastest and safest routes.
The Start: Roubaix to Belgium
The race kicked off in the famous Vélodrome of Roubaix, France. The first parcours led us through Belgium, tackling the iconic cobble climbs of Flanders, a tough start to the race. From there, riders had the freedom to choose their own route toward the first checkpoint in Slovenia. I opted for a path through Luxembourg, France, and Germany, focusing on quiet, smooth roads.
Slovenia to Bosnia: Mangart Pass and More
Checkpoint 1 was located in Slovenia, at the top of the Mangart Pass, which offered spectacular views. The second parcours started from there, featuring cobbled climbs at the Vršič Pass. From Slovenia, we crossed into Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This section was particularly challenging due to the many banned roads, and we had to navigate carefully to avoid them. The parcours itself was remote, with gravel roads and technical descents, testing both our physical and mental limits.
Bosnia to Kosovo: Remote Roads and Mountain Passes
After completing the second checkpoint, we faced a tough decision: climb back up the parcours or take an alternative gravel route, which turned out to be even harder than expected.
Crossing into Kosovo was one of the highlights of the race. The roads were in excellent condition, with beautiful gorges and smooth tarmac, a welcome change from the previous rough terrain. Despite its underrepresentation in the cycling world, Kosovo offered some of the best infrastructure we experienced.
Greece to Turkey: Approaching the Finish Line
Crossing from North Macedonia into Greece, we felt a shift toward the final stretch of the race. However, the heat in Greece posed a new challenge, with temperatures soaring as we rode along the coastal roads toward Turkey.
The dog incident slowed us down, but soon we reached the Ipsala border crossing into Turkey. From there, we had to navigate mostly countryside gravel roads, which were beautiful but extremely tough. The Gelibolu ferry crossing was another unique aspect of this route, offering a brief moment to relax before tackling the fourth parkour in Turkey.
Istanbul: The Final Stretch
The last parkour led us along the coast, featuring some unexpected gravel sections. Despite this, we managed to avoid major issues until the very end, where we had our only puncture. Arriving in Istanbul was an emotional moment after thousands of kilometers of grueling effort. The finish line felt surreal after days of navigating unfamiliar roads, weather changes, and physical exhaustion.
Key Tips for the Transcontinental Race
Planning for the Transcontinental Race requires a lot of attention to detail. Below are some tips to keep in mind:
Route Planning:
Use Komoot or similar software to plan your route, checking for banned roads and approved border crossings. Ensure you evaluate road surfaces to optimize speed and safety.
Resupply and Sleep:
Plan where to stock up on food and water. Sleeping in hotels can offer better recovery than bivvying outside, especially in unpredictable weather.
Gear and Tires:
Consider larger tires (32mm or more) to handle gravel sections. Ensure you have high-quality lights and visibility gear for night riding.
Weather and Clothing:
Be prepared for all types of weather, especially rain. A good rain jacket is essential.
Fuel:
Keep fueling yourself with calorie-dense foods. Precision with hydration and nutrition is key to avoiding energy dips.
Navigation Tools:
Have backup GPS devices or phone apps to ensure you can stay on track, especially in remote areas with poor signal.
Comfort:
Consider using a suspension stem to reduce hand fatigue during long stretches of rough terrain.
"Dare to Dream, Dare to Ride"
Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? The Transcontinental Race beckons—will you answer the call?
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