TCR No.12

July 19, 2026 · Trondheim (NO) → Uddevalla (SE)

Sofia took on the Transcontinental Race 2026 — one of the most demanding self-supported ultracycling races in the world. From north to south of Europe, from Norway to Greece, via the Tatras, Sarajevo and Albania. A look back at her race.

≈ 1260 km · 14 400 m D+
Distance / Elev.
6 days
Time

The race

On July 19, 2026, Sofia set off from Trondheim for her first Transcontinental Race — fully self-supported, heading south across a Norway that gave her nothing for free.

In just a few days she crossed the whole of Norway: ≈ 1,260 km, a colossal amount of climbing, and above all the first checkpoint (CP1) validated — one of the hardest of the race. Then, having reached Sweden, the carbon frame of her bike cracked (the aftermath of a crash two weeks earlier, worsened by miles of loaded gravel), to the point of becoming dangerous on the descents.

A replacement bike in hand but plans now impossible — nearly 400 km a day for three to four days to restart by the rules — Sofia made the hardest choice: to stop. Not for lack of legs, but out of clear-headedness. She headed back to Geneva with her head held high and at peace: failure is part of the endurance game.

She leaves this TCR No.12 with one checkpoint, a personal distance record and a new red bike — and a conviction she carries within her: sometimes it takes more courage to give up than to carry on. Bravo Sofia. 🚀

Stage by stage

DateStartFinishDistanceClimbingTime
Jul 19Trondheim (NO)Sør-Fron (NO)401 km4,430 m17h18
Jul 21Sør-Fron (NO)Aurland (NO) · CP1 ✅314 km5,272 m19h02
Jul 23Aurland (NO)Flesberg (NO)238 km2,765 m11h34
Jul 24Flesberg (NO)Tanums kommun (SE)238 km1,364 m13h02
Jul 25Tanums kommun (SE)Uddevalla (SE)68 km554 m4h17

Bike out of action, Sofia then took the train to Göteborg — the final full stop of this TCR No.12.

FAQ

What is the Transcontinentale?

The Transcontinental Race (TCR) is a fully self-supported cycling race across Europe. No support, no stages — each rider chooses their own route between mandatory checkpoints and rides day and night.

What is the route in 2026?

The 12th edition starts from Trondheim (Norway) on July 19, 2026 and reaches Kalamata (Greece) over 4000 to 5000 km. Four mandatory checkpoints: Flåm (Norway), the Tatras (Slovakia), Sarajevo (Bosnia), and Leskovik (Albania). Between these CPs, each rider plots their own route.

How long does it take?

The fastest finish in 7-9 days. Most finish in 12-15 days. The most stubborn can ride for up to 3 weeks.

How did she prepare? (3411 km · 53732 m D+)

Here is an overview of her biggest training rides, the ones that build the foundation for ultra-distance.

DateRouteDistanceElev.Time
July 8, 2026Col du Tourmalet5622563h39
July 3, 2026Setup Test — loaded Lake Geneva loop (15 kg)17416595h51
June 27, 2026Switzerland Wonderland #2 — Switzerland sub 48 h275337613h18
June 26, 2026Switzerland Wonderland #1 — TCR climbing warm-up183562911h46
June 21, 2026La Classique Genevoise 2026 (QOM)739752h21
June 13, 2026Strade Provinciali — Castelli Romani568962h31
June 12, 2026Monte Terminillo9324504h16
June 7, 2026Lake Geneva — Lausanne11512874h10
June 6, 2026Col de la Colombière & Mont-Saxonnex7321663h32
May 31, 2026Lavaux1078113h48
May 21, 2026Lake Geneva shore11011623h39
May 17, 2026Jura vaudois11822314h46
May 2, 2026Mont Ventoux5718193h23
May 1, 2026Geneva — Malaucène362441616h03
April 12, 2026Rhône Valley1226755h50
April 11, 2026Gorges de l'Ardèche, Drôme, Vaucluse225195910h00
April 10, 2026Ardèche, Meygal, Le Puy213381210h30
April 9, 2026Massif du Pilat16733078h32
April 6, 2026Val-de-Travers & Vue des Alpes11924565h57
March 20, 2026Col du Marchairuz14020435h49
February 21, 2026Massif des Bauges217359510h21
January 29, 2026Marseille — Nice356475217h59

Cyclist : Sofia

An ultra-distance enthusiast, Sofia trains intensively to take on one of cycling’s greatest self-supported challenges: the Transcontinental Race.

Bike: Trek Madone SL 5 Gen 8

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