One of the toughest, most infamous, and most captivating bike races in the world is about to begin: the Transcontinental Race returns tomorrow, July 27. Covering approximately 4,000 kilometers from Santiago de Compostela in Spain to Constanța, Romania, this legendary event draws not only some of the grittiest endurance cyclists on the planet – but also tens of thousands of fans eager to “dot-watch” their progress online over the next two weeks.
Now in its 11th edition, the Transcontinental Race (TCR) changes routes every year, but one thing remains consistent: the staggering distance and relentless climbing. Riders face tens of thousands of meters of elevation gain and must be prepared for an ultra-endurance test that pushes the limits of both body and mind.
This year’s route weaves through Spain, France, Italy, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and finally into Romania. Riders are given a start and finish line – with five mandatory checkpoints in between – but must chart their own course through Europe’s diverse and often unforgiving terrain. As always, the dropout rate is high.
What sets the TCR even more apart is its self-supported format. No team cars, no drafting, no external help. Riders decide when – and if – they sleep or rest, but the clock never stops. The challenge is not just physical but deeply strategic: balance speed with sustainability, risk with resilience.
Competitors have roughly two weeks to complete the journey. Miss the cutoff? It’s a DNF – no exceptions.
For live tracking, route details, and a full rider list, follow the action at the official Transcontinental Race website.
