Fragments - A Tour Divide Film Robin Gemperle
01 September 2025
Tour Divide, the Queen race of ultradistance mountain biking, is a self-supported race that follows the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, stretching from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells in New Mexico. There are no entry fees nor prizes, the only indication of an occurring race is the constantly ticking clock.
Robin Gemperle is known for being fast and eager to break course records. When lining up for Tour Divide, he came fresh from a podium position at Unbound XL and was well warmed up and ready to take on this challenging ultra. He was fast and strong, but due to wildfire-related rerouting it deviated from the original one and the previous record still stands. However, finishing 2,745 rough miles in 11 days, 19 hours, and 14 minutes is an achievement well worth honour and respect.
Tour Divide is a race that challenges and tests the physical and mental capabilities in every pedal stroke. It's not solely regarding the considerable length of it, but also when you're doing it alone, the remoteness of the route will challenge how to handle the headspace and the fact that you are your only company for the coming 2,745 miles.
For Robin during a race like the Tour Divide, it's important that he looks after his mental space, and continue to push himself. This is more difficult in ultras, where you don't have that same closeness with spectators, support, and sometimes not even competition close by.
How does Robin continues to push his limits in a race as Tour Divide, without pushing them too far? Watch the film about Robin's 2025 Tour Divide journey, and learn from his experience in ultra racing.
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