The Transcontinental Race is a self-supported solo race from Belgium to Greece (3990km and 40.000m D+). The idea came from world cyclist Mike Hall who has won similar races in the US and worldwide. The concept is simple: the clock starts on top of the Muur of Geraardsbergen (Belgium), and you just get your ass to Meteora (Greece) as fast as possible with no help from the outside.
On the road, there are 4 obligatory Checkpoints where you must validate your race card with a stamp. All of these Checkpoints (CP) are mythical places:
- CP1: Schloss Lichtenstein, south of Stuttgart.
- CP2: Monte Grappa, near Treviso.
- CP3: the High Tatras Mountains, between Poland and Slovakia
- CP4: Transfagarasan Highway in the Karpat mountains of Romania
The arrival is nothing less than the Monastery of Meteora (Greece): an iconic spot located on top of strange rock formations.
After « dotwatching » this race for two editions I have finally decided to register for it. There are about 1000 candidates for only 350 entries.
(In my next article I will explain how I passed the registration procedure)
Sebi Cicleta 