Let's start with a little context, what the hell is the Transcontinental Race anyway?

Legend says that the TCR is the definitive self-supported bicycle race across Europe.

At the sharp end it is a beautifully hard bicycle race, simple in design but complex in execution. Factors of self-reliance, logistics, navigation, and judgement burden racers' minds as well as their physiques. The strongest excel and redefine what we think possible, while many riders target only a finish.

The Transcontinental is a single stage race in which the clock never stops. Riders plan, research and navigate their own course and choose when and where to rest. They will take only what they can carry and consume only what they can find. Four mandatory control points guide their route and ensure a healthy amount of climbing to reach some of cycling's most beautiful and historic monuments. They cannot receive outside support.

Robin Gemperle raced the TCR for the first time last year and it left him with a bittersweet taste. This year he comes back refreshed and most importantly with a plan.

In 2023, Robin has already won the Atlas Mountain Race and the Hope 1000, two other very important unsupported long distance races. Expectations, but also nerves were high going into the TCR. However, Robin seemed to remain unfazed, sporting his characteristic chill attitude and demeanor ahead of the race.

Pre-Race strategy

Robin's approach combines a mix of sensible sleep planning and creative route mapping.

His initial goal to be as fresh as possible in CP2 was accomplished by riding as hard and long as possible during the day and sleeping at least 5 hours the first couple of nights.

With this he found himself in the lead, or at any point quite close to it, in the early stages of the race.

But an untimely puncture in the first days and a failed plug, forced him to think on his feet, and with a little bit of luck, he was able to secure a new set of tires in Sarajevo and continue on his way. This meant that Christoph, the closest rider to Robin, was able to secure a larger lead at this point in the race. Robin, however kept his spirits high as he was confident in his ability to manage his effort and to draw his wild card - the unexpected route.

While others chose a more conservative albeit longer route to the final checkpoints, Robin opted for the direct off-road route to Theodoriana, Greece - guess the TCR IS gravel too.

These differences in approaching the route made for some compelling dotwatching as an "anything can happen" feeling took over watchers and race organizers.

If you want to (try) and follow Robin's route you can check his collection on Komoot.

We say maybe break it down in a few more days or choose one country and do that stretch of the parcours to get a feel for what it is like to race the TCR.

The battle with Christoph