You have to be quick when the Brit Nelson Trees discovers a route and declares it a brand-new “The Mountain Race” course. You would have had to submit your application for the inaugural ultra-bikepacking race through the Turkish Taurus Mountains by 16 January 2026 to be entered into the draw for the 150 starting places. However, it was really tough in this case, as such an exotic route is bound to catch the attention of the ultra-elite worldwide.
The Taurus Mountains are considered to be largely undeveloped, remote and rugged. After the recce, Nelson Trees remarked that it would be better to tackle this terrain on a mountain bike with plenty of tread. Thin gravel tyres would only offer advantages on the few sections where you have to carry your bike, and perhaps also during those portage sections due to their lighter weight. Otherwise, on this extremely rough terrain, you need tyres that can really grip the ground. It is likely to be difficult to source replacement parts on this route.
1,460 kilometres and 36,000 metres of elevation gain
If you were to cycle from the Turkish tourist hotspot of Antalya to Mersin along the Mediterranean coastal road, it would be 480 kilometres, but the race routes of “The Mountain Race” – such as Silkroad, Atlas and Hellenic – are, as we all know, never the most direct route to the finish. This format for ultra-distance racers is all about discovering remote mountainous landscapes and managing entirely without support. Whether as a solo rider or in a team of two. This new route, too, veers off as quickly as possible from the civilisation of the Turkish Mediterranean coast into the western Taurus Mountains. The final total is set to be 1,460 kilometres and just under 36,000 metres of elevation gain.
The mountain ranges here soar to over 3,000 metres. At first, there are still forests in the valley and high valleys with wild horses, but the further you venture into the mountains, the more rugged, dusty and rocky the landscape becomes. Salamanders, tortoises and scorpions bask on the rocks here, as do the venomous Berber vipers – creatures you wouldn’t want in your sleeping bag at night. There’s talk of wild goats scaling the rocks, as well as wolves and jackals. In that respect, it’s perhaps not a bad thing at all that, for the inaugural edition of the race, it’s the survival professionals who are lining up at the start.
International elite on the starting line-up: Carson and Gemperle
Cynthia Carson has already entered. The American is currently one of the world’s strongest ultra-runners. She has already won the Atlas Mountain Race and the Hellenic Mountain Race this year and has her sights set on the overall series victory with the Taurus Race. The same goes for the Swiss rider Robin Gemperle, who already has the Atlas and Silk Road titles under his belt this year.
All the other starting places have also long since been allocated. However, the names of the participants will only be published shortly before the race. You’ll then be able to track them interactively on the map again using Racetracker. If you’re thinking of applying for the next Taurus Mountain Race, here’s what you need to do:
The race takes place in extremely remote terrain. Every participant must know how to look after themselves in an emergency. Registration is therefore preceded by a selection process. The following criteria are taken into account:
- Bikepacking experience and self-assessment: The organiser asks applicants detailed questions about the tours they have undertaken to date.
- Race Manual Quiz: There is an official ‘Race Manual’ setting out strict rules on safety and fairness. It is essential to study this thoroughly, as there are test questions included in the application process.
- Draw: Following a successful qualifying round, the 100 to 150 starting places available for this inaugural race will ultimately be decided by a draw.
The Rules of the Mountain Race
The race adheres to the strict Code of Compliance for unsupported races:
- Route & Checkpoints: You will receive the GPX route from the organiser and must follow this route exactly. Along the way, there are three manned checkpoints where you must have your control card (Brevet Card) stamped.
- No assistance from third parties: Any form of support from one’s own team, family or private accommodation is prohibited. Participants may carry food, water and equipment with them and purchase these from establishments open to the public (shops, hotels).
- No slipstreaming: Participants are not permitted to draft – except for the registered pairs.
- Pure muscle power: All travel along the route must be undertaken entirely under one’s own steam.
- Leave No Trace: No rubbish must be left behind, and the natural environment must be respected.
- Sponsorship fee: An additional 60 euros is charged if a participant has official sponsors and wishes to tag or promote them on social media during the race.
Information about the Taurus Mountain Race 2026
- Route: from Antalya to Mersin
- Length: 1,460 kilometres
- Ascent: 36,000 metres of elevation gain
- Start: 14 October 2026, 9 am
- Entry fee: approx. 420 euros
- Apply for a starting place at: themountainraces.eventrac.co.uk, race@silkroadmountainrace.cc
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor