Christoph Strasser wants to win the Transcontinental Race 2025

On 27 July 2025, the Transcontinental Race (TCR), the largest unsupported cycling race in the world according to the organisers, will start in Santiago de Compostela. Austrian ultra cyclist Christoph Strasser is about to take part in this competition for the fourth time. After two victories and a second place in previous years, the 38-year-old is aiming for his third triumph. The route covers around 4,800 kilometres from Spain to the Black Sea in Romania. In contrast to organised ultra-distance races such as the Race Across America, the participants in the TCR have to manage without support. Catering, route planning and repairs are carried out independently.

New routing for 2025

The route of the TCR 2025 has been completely redesigned. After the start in Santiago de Compostela, all riders first complete a compulsory course along the coast of Fisterra. Participants are then free to choose their route, but must pass five predetermined checkpoints. The first is in the Picos de Europa National Park south of Santander. This is followed by stations in the Pyrenees at the Col de Tourmalet at an altitude of 2,000 metres and in the Italian Alps near Sestriere. Here the cyclists have to ride over the gravel section of the Strada dell'Assietta to the Col del Finestre. The fourth checkpoint is in Tuscany and leads along the original route of the Strade Bianche near Siena.

Challenges in Southeast Europe

After the first four checkpoints, the ferry crossing from Bari to Durres in Albania poses a logistical challenge. "If you just miss the ferry there, you have a problem because you could quickly lose a day," explains Strasser. On some days of the week, there is only one ferry per day. The fifth and final checkpoint is in the mountains of Albania. The final destination is in Constanta, Romania, on the Black Sea. According to Strasser, there are many route options along the entire route, which can be decisive over the distance of 4,800 kilometres.

Christoph Strasser relies on aero-optimisation

To increase his chances of a third victory, Christoph Strasser dedicated himself to intensive testing in the run-up to the race. One focus was on aerodynamics in order to waste as little energy as possible. "I tested different panniers this year to get the best out of them," reports the Austrian. This year, for example, he is attaching his front pannier under the handlebars, which saves valuable watts. Nevertheless, according to Strasser, many imponderables remain, such as possible breakdowns, stray dogs in south-east Europe or challenges with navigation and supplies.

Competition for Christoph Strasser

Strasser will be joined at the start by other strong riders. The German Jana Kesenheimerwinner of the TCR 2024, is taking part again. Palestinian Abdullah Zeinab, who came fourth last year, is also taking part again. The organisers are expecting a total of around 400 participants from numerous nations.

History and format of the TCR

The Transcontinental Race was launched in 2013 by the late Mike Hall, a legend of the ultra-distance cycling scene. It is a stage race across Europe in which the cyclists cover around 4,000 kilometres in self-supported mode. This means that they are not allowed to make use of any external support. The exact route varies from year to year, with the start and finish locations and checkpoints being predetermined.