Lost Dot Podcast: The Transcontinental, Trans Pyrenees, and Accursed Race.

TCRNo10 // Day 04 Day 4 on TCRNo10 and the leading pack show no sign of slowing. Race Volunteer and Control Point Manager James Vernon talks to Robin Gemperle (002) at CP2 for our first proper report from the rider who’s held the lead since Roubaix. Race Reporter Emma Cole waits for the chasing pack at the top of the Bjelašnica on Parcours 2, recording insights from Omar Di Felice (016) and Christoph Strasser (001). Race Coordinator Andrew Phillips and Control Car 2 spend an early morning on the summit of Grossglockner. The mountains continue to mercilessly test riders and their gear, and we hear from Jaimi Wilson (004), currently second fastest woman, and from our Bursary Riders as another eventful day comes to a close Follow along with the 10th edition of the Transcontinental Race; the self-supported bicycle race across Europe. With daily episodes released, hear the stories from the road from Roubaix all the way to Istanbul. Produced by Iain Broome #BeMoreMike

TCRNo10 // Day 03 Riders are now spread across the continent from France to Bosnia. The Race is truly underway with the fastest riders across the Leaderboard completing Parcours 1 and filling in the official rankings so far. The Alps provide a stunning backdrop to the stories of the day, as riders navigate their way through the mountains. Race Reporter Hannah Larbelestier spends the afternoon interviewing the riders who have chosen to tackle the formidable Grossglockner Pass in Austria. Race Reporter Emma Cole catches up with volunteers at CP1 and Race Director David Ayre shares an update on the state of play so far. Follow along with the 10th edition of the Transcontinental Race; the self-supported bicycle race across Europe. With daily episodes released, hear the stories from the road from Roubaix all the way to Istanbul. Produced by Iain Broome #BeMoreMike

TCRNo10 // Day 02 With the majority of riders now spread across West and Central Germany, our Race Reporters are working hard to catch the moving dots across the board. This episode captures the hours ahead of the first arrival at CP1, catching up with the front of the Race as they ascend the Katschberg. We also hear from a recipient of our Low Carbon Travel Grant as well as one of our Bursary Riders. With a second major route choice imminent, the Race is once again changing shape as riders weigh up the consequences of decisions, past and future. Follow along with the 10th edition of the Transcontinental Race; the self-supported bicycle race across Europe. With daily episodes released, hear the stories from the road from Roubaix all the way to Istanbul. Produced by Iain Broome #BeMoreMike

TCRNo10 // Day 01 Following the spirited Start at Roubaix, riders have tackled the cobbled climbs of the Parcours, finishing in TCR’s spiritual home — Geraadsbergen, where we have seen their dots scatter. Spurred on by the intensity of the night before, the first rest decisions of the Race are being made and riders are already finding out where their limits lie. With the first major route split of the Race already visible, hear from our Race Reporters and riders on the road to piece together the beginning of the emerging TCRNo10 story. Follow along with the 10th edition of the Transcontinental Race; the self-supported bicycle race across Europe. With daily episodes released, hear the stories from the road from Roubaix all the way to Istanbul. Produced by Iain Broome #BeMoreMike

TCRNo10 // Start It's Registration day in Roubaix and after months of hard work, over 300 riders have converged to collect their Race caps and trackers. Each of them will shortly embark on their very own TCR journey, creating new stories and experiences along the way. Race Reporters catch up with Organisers and riders as the anticipation mounts and everyone prepares for the Race to begin. Listen in to the sounds of Race Director David Ayre setting off this year's competitors for a lap of the iconic velodrome, as bells are rung and cheers are shouted by an excited crowd of supporters. The Race has begun! Follow along with the 10th edition of the Transcontinental Race; the self-supported bicycle race across Europe. With daily episodes released, hear the stories from the road from Roubaix all the way to Istanbul. Produced by Iain Broome #BeMoreMike

TCRNo10 // Pre-Race Have a listen to our Pre-Race podcast episode, setting the scene for the undoubtedly exciting Race ahead. Hear from Race Organisers and the very riders lining up in Roubaix, getting a glimpse into the pre-Race mindset of those about to ride from northern France all the way to Istanbul. We will once again be bringing you daily Race episodes from the road, from our hard working Race Reporters straight to your ears back at home. Follow along with the 10th edition of the Transcontinental Race; the self-supported bicycle race across Europe. With daily episodes released, hear the stories from the road from Roubaix all the way to Istanbul. Produced by Iain Broome #BeMoreMike

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. Experience the sounds and voices of the final day of The Accursed Race, from a busy market street in an Albanian city. As the cut off time looms, honorary congratulations are delivered to our deserving riders. Hear from those adventurers who arrived back in Shkodër just as TARNo1 came to a close. Thanks for following along! Reflect on our TARNo1 Race Journals here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. The last days in the Accursed Mountains have come. Catch up with the latest rider arrivals on the penultimate day of TARNo1. The Media Team head out on the remaining sections of the route before Shkodër to catch riders pushing through their final kilometres. The Finish line is abuzz, as TAR adventurers are welcomed back to where they started just ten days ago. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and Race Journals here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. Catch up on day nine of The Accursed, from all different perspectives, starting with an interview with Lissa Breugelmans (02), describing the struggles of continuing on outside of the General Classification. Hear the sounds of the very thunderstorms that have been looming over riders and impeding progress, as our Race Reporters set the scene and interview riders in their final kilometres before sweet victory. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and Race Journals here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. Opening with words from third place Finisher Josh Ibbett, this episode covering day eight of The Accursed Race, starts at the Finish. From here listeners are guided back through the rest of the Race, hearing different voices and stories through the field. Tune into the sounds and tales of TARNo1 as exhaustion sets in during the final push to Shkodër. This episode ends with a special ‘5 minutes with…’ segment brought to you by Race partner POC as we interview Damian Phillips from the Swedish brand leading in cycling protection and safety. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and Race Journals here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. It’s been a week of rider resilience in the Accursed Mountains as we continue to bring you the stories and voices from the ground in the Balkans. Hear from those who have completed their journeys, fresh off of the Finish line in Shkodër, and those pushing to join them where they started just seven days ago. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and Race Journals here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. Come along for the ride as we recap the events leading up to Alex Kopp's (27) strong TAR win. With one Control Car covering the story at the front as it unfolds, and the other back near CP2 getting the scoop. Race Director Andrew also catches up with an old friend along the way. Catch the sounds and voices of the Race from different angles in this day six episode. This episode ends with a special ‘5 minutes with…’ segment brought to you by Race partner Quirk Cycles and none other than Rob Quirk himself. We discuss what makes a bike a good choice for a race like The Accursed, and how he's found dot-watching the Race. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and Race Journals here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. Join us for episode six as we get closer to the action and examine the impressively close race unfolding between Adrien Liechti (12) and Alex Kopp (27), who, until now, has held the leading position. Dive into the strategic dynamics of racing in Pairs, and personal challenges faced by the competitors, including mechanical issues and the physical toll of the Race. The episode emphasises the importance of the Media Team remaining discrete to preserve the natural experience for the racers, and underscores the Race's ethos of self-support. This episode ends with a special ‘5 minutes with…’ segment brought to yo by Peak Design, as we interview Peak Design ambassador Boru McCullagh while on his tour around the world, currently in mid Australia. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and Race Journals here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. Join us as we unpack this crucial mid point in the Race, and the front of the pack fly through CP1 in Berene on the fourth day of The Accursed. Tune in to hear from Josh Ibbett (29) as he moves through the Control Point, and a CP Volunteer sets the scene for us on the ground. Leading Pairs riders Julien Gravaud (40a) and Simon Taulelle (40b) are continuing to stay stocked up on good vibes, and current fastest woman, Weronika Szalas (08), continues to press on in fifth place overall. This episode ends with a special ‘5 minutes with…’ segment brought to you by Albion as we interview Albion ambassador and producer of the Detours podcast, Mel Webb. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and coverage here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. In this episode we catch up with all riders in the Pairs pursuit, including hearing from fun-loving leading Pairs riders Julien Gravaud (40a) and Simon Taulelle (40b). Current fastest woman Weronika Szalas (08) tells us of her bear tracks sighting and TAR Race Reporters walk us through the developments out on course and interviews with more riders including front runners Alex Kopp (27) and Adrien Liechti (12). A dog bite incident is handled by Race Organisers and the TAR Race Medic. This episode ends with a special ‘5 minutes with…’ segment brought to you by komoot as we interview komoot Global Community Manager Jonathan Kambskard-Bennett. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and coverage here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. Tune in as riders continue on their Balkan journeys, and the TAR Race Reporters paint a picture of life on The Accursed and day 2 of the Race. Bats, mountain huts, leaky ceilings, wet sleeping bags, and treasured hostel stays, riders are needing to solve problems on the fly and sumon their resourcefulness to keep themselves moving forward. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and coverage here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. Catch up with rider stories from yesterday’s Start, and the first day of riding in the Balkans. Our Race Reporters help to tell the stories between the dots, as they catch up with riders where they can, and offer insight into the dynamics playing out on the trails. Tune in to hear from riders as they find their rhythms in the Accursed Mountains. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and coverage here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. In our first episode we hear from riders aboard The Accursed Express; the bus arranged to aid TAR riders with their overland travel from Zagreb to Shkodër for this #no-fly race. Race Reporters Ross and Tom interview folks at TAR registration, as anticipation builds and the Start grows nearer. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 tracking and coverage here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome.

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. In our pre-Race episode we hear from Race Director Andrew Phillips and Race Coordinator Hannah Larbalestier as well as Race Reporters Ross Brannigan and Tom Probert about life in the Control Car, the magic of no-fly, and what’s in store for the inaugural edition of The Accursed. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 starts at 10:00CEST on 14th May, 2024. Tracking here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome and Taylor Doyle

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans. Join us as we retell the legend of The Accursed Mountains and the origin story of the Race's name. We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily Race Journal, and on The Accursed Instagram. TARNo1 starts at 10:00CEST on 14th May, 2024. Tracking here: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno1 Produced by Iain Broome and Taylor Doyle

A special series spotlighting the women in Lost Dot races. Listen as Taylor sits down with British endurance cyclist, FKT enthusiast, and TPRNo3 rider Molly Weaver. We get deep in this one, exploring the emotional rewards and transferable life skills that racing can bring. Applications for TPRNo4 have been reopened and extended, and after listening to this episode, you may just be persuaded to register yourself! Produced by Iain Broome and Taylor Doyle Music by Yessica Woahneil: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1QGkIoZ2AdjTPKip4Osiim?si=BpADWFOMRraJxKK5Xv58Pg Applications for Trans Pyrenees Race No4: https://www.lostdot.cc/tpr Molly Weaver: https://www.instagram.com/mollyweaver94/?hl=en Reach Taylor at: [email protected]

A special series spotlighting the women in Lost Dot races. Listen as we sit down with three TCR experienced women: Gail Brown, Cara Dixon, and Katie Moss, each with unique perspectives and stories from their personal experiences of the Race. Listen to part two as we get some insightful stories from the road, and hear what they'd say to someone who's on the fence about signing up. Produced by Iain Broome and Taylor Doyle Music by Yessica Woahneil: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1QGkIoZ2AdjTPKip4Osiim TCRNo10 applications (including to volunteer): https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tcrno10 Gail Brown | https://www.instagram.com/g.h.brown/ Cara Dixon | https://www.instagram.com/_caradixon/ Katie Moss | https://www.instagram.com/katiejanemoss/ Mentioned resources: https://ridefar.info/ https://www.audax.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/Transcontinental.en

A special series spotlighting the women in Lost Dot races. Listen as we sit down with three TCR experienced women: Gail Brown, Cara Dixon, and Katie Moss, each with unique perspectives and stories from their personal experiences of the Race. Listen to part one of their dynamic and insightful conversation, diving deep into the emotional and physical landscape of pre, post, and on-race realities. Produced by Iain Broome and Taylor Doyle Music by Yessica Woahneil: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1QGkIoZ2AdjTPKip4Osiim TCRNo10 applications (including to volunteer): https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tcrno10 Gail Brown | https://www.instagram.com/g.h.brown/ Cara Dixon | https://www.instagram.com/_caradixon/ Katie Moss | https://www.instagram.com/katiejanemoss/ Mentioned resources: https://ridefar.info/ https://www.audax.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/Transcontinental.en

A special series spotlighting the women in Lost Dot races. Listen to 2023 Mike Hall Bursary rider Han Lu (she/her) as she recounts her experience of TCRNo9, holding the Lanterne Rouge flame, and her journey into racing bicycles. Produced by Iain Broome and Taylor DoyleMusic by Yessica Woahneil: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1QGkIoZ2AdjTPKip4OsiimMike Hall Bursary info: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tcrno10-mike-hall-bursaryTCRNo10 info: https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tcrno10

Follow the third edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1700KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from the Bay of Biscay to the Balearic Sea and back again with the TPRNo3 Podcast from Lost Dot. We present to you the final podcast to round out TPRNo3. Hear from riders in their final hours before the Finish, and stories from the last day on the road as the Raid delivers persevering cyclists back to the west coast and to the Finisher’s Party. Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome

Follow the third edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1700KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from the Bay of Biscay to the Balearic Sea and back again with the TPRNo3 Podcast from Lost Dot. If you’ve enjoyed following along with this year’s Race, you’re not going to want to miss this episode filled with insightful Race interviews. From moments with riders leading up to the Finish, to reflections from those who have already got there, get an in-depth glimpse into TPRNo3. Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome

Follow the third edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1700KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from the Bay of Biscay to the Balearic Sea and back again with the TPRNo3 Podcast from Lost Dot. In this day 06 episode we hear from our valuable volunteers, riders who have just crossed the line, those who are in varying states of recovery, and those who are so close they can taste it (or maybe they just need to brush their teeth). Join us for this action-packed episode as we continue cover #TPRNo3 from the inside. Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome

Follow the third edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1700KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from the Bay of Biscay to the Balearic Sea and back again with the TPRNo3 Podcast from Lost Dot. The sun has set on another day of the Trans Pyrenees Race. Get your earfuls of daily rider accounts, and hear the very sounds and voices of the Race itself, via our Race Reporters and rider recordings on day 05, covering everything from special moments at the lighthouse at the end of Parcours 4 to roadside power naps all the way to SJdL. Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome

Follow the third edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1700KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from the Bay of Biscay to the Balearic Sea and back again with the TPRNo3 Podcast from Lost Dot. Join us for our day 04 podcast, catching up with riders from the coastal roads of Costa Brava to the leading riders on the fabled Raid Pyrénéen. Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome

Covering the gravel of Cadí-Moixeró, to the waters of Costa Brava, and of course, to the iconic Raid Parcours route – the road home – or the road to Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Finish, if you’re not Julien Gravaud (066). This episode welcomes riders to CP3, and raises the mic on Parcours 4 to hear first-hand the experience of riders at this key intermediate point in the Race. Listen to the sound of their journeys with our daily TPRNo3 podcast. Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome

Follow the third edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1700KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from the Bay of Biscay to the Balearic Sea and back again with the TPRNo3 Podcast from Lost Dot. This episode is chalk-full of rider interviews, giving voices to the dots from the gravel and the asphalt, and animating them further with real-life descriptions and experiences – painting an authentic picture of life on the Trans Pyrenees Race. Listen now via the link in bio or through our pages on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. This is one not to miss. Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome

Follow the third edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1700KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from the Bay of Biscay to the Balearic Sea and back again with the TPRNo3 Podcast from Lost Dot. Join us for our podcast coverage of the first day of the Race, hearing from riders on and off-road, recorded straight from the cols and tracks running between the French-Spanish borders. If you listen hard enough, you may even catch the melodic mountain cowbells that score the Pyrenean landscape where riders are pedalling/pushing. Every rider's story is different, and the TPR podcast gives generous and insightful snippets into the TPR experience and journey. Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome

Follow the third edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1700KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from the Bay of Biscay to the Balearic Sea and back again with the TPRNo3 Podcast from Lost Dot. Race Reporters catch up with organisers and riders at registration yesterday as the anticipation mounts and everyone prepares for the Race to begin. Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome

Follow the third edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1700KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from the Bay of Biscay to the Balearic Sea and back again with the TPRNo3 Podcast from Lost Dot. Join us for our pre-Race episode where we get a breakdown from TPR organisers, volunteers, and the riders themselves, to paint a picture of TPRNo3 with its unique challenges and routing choices waiting for riders in the coming week. The Race is just getting started and you’re not going to want to miss this insightful overview and window into the Race. Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome

In this final TCRNo9 episode we hear from more Race finishers after they've completed their journeys at the Finish in Thessaloniki. Friends and family wait with the volunteers and other riders at the Finish CP as our Race Reporters interview those who are reflecting on their time on the road. We hear from Pairs Teresa Shiflett (339b) and Paul Toigo (339a), as well as second-place Pairs riders Kris Wright (330a) and Mark Anderson (330b) on their unique experiences and challenges. On the final day before the Finishers Party, Race Coordinator David Ayre, sets the scene on the Parcours as we wait to see who pushes to make the General Classification time cut and, of course, for the TCRNo9 Lanterne Rouge. Race Director Andrew Phillips addresses the crowd of Finishers, volunteers and loved ones next to the Aegean Sea on the coast of Thessaloniki. Until next year, thanks for listening.

Catch up with riders fresh off the Finish line in Thessaloniki as the excitement is high and stories from the road are still raw. The Finish CP is now full of riders recounting their adventures as they get ready for the Finishes Party. Tomorrow we bring you the final episode of this year's podcast covering the ninth edition of the Transcontinental Race. Produced by Iain Broome Music: Joe Skinner

In this episode we hear from the fastest women of this year’s Race; Jaimi Wilson (004) and Marei Moldenhauer (191). Maria Holdcroft (041) tells us how she’s feeling and healing up after a crash left her with a bandaged knee, but her positive attitude intact. Patrick Doupe (026) tells us the story of his missing cassette on the 4th Parcours and Race Reporter Ross Brannigan catches up with more riders at the Finish who reflect upon their Race. Produced by Iain Broome Music: Joe Skinner

On day 11 of the #TCRNo9 Podcast, Control Car 2 is stationed at CP4 and the stretch towards Thessaloniki, catching riders after they’ve experienced the majesty of Meteora and as they set their sights on a finish. We look back at when the Race was getting close between Jaimi Wilson (004) and Maria Holdcroft (041). Josie Allchin, the Community lead at Apidura – our Finish CP sponsor – tells us what it’s like to volunteer at the Finish, and about Apidura’s long standing relationship with the Transcontinental Race. We then hear from recent finishers Christian Dupraz (153), Kilian Wagner (180), and Pairs winners Sherry Cardona (334a) and Gereon Tewes (334b), brevet cards full and freshly stamped. Produced by Iain BroomeMusic: Joe Skinner

Join us for day 10 on the ground in Thessaloniki, where we hear from our very first winner of the Green Leaderboard, Tim De Witte (024). He tells us why sustainable transport matters to him and reflects upon his Race. We hear from Will Vousden (119) fresh off of the finish line, talking of how good it feels to finish after an unfortunate and unexpected scratch at TCRNo8. Further back we catch up with Jaimi Wilson (004) who wants to ride her own Race and stay focused on herself. Near Theodoriana the Control Car 2 team are waiting for riders ahead of Parcours 4b when they get a chance to speak with a local who has been watching #TCRNo9 unfold in his village over the last few days. What does he make of the TCR? Produced by Iain Broome Music: Joe Skinner

On the ninth day of the #TCRNo9, we had our first and second finishers triumph in Thessaloniki. Join us as we hear the accounts of TCRNo9 winner Christoph Strasser (001) and second-place Robin Gemperle (003), from the finish line; 4000km, and entire countries and mountain ranges away from the cobbles of Belgium. In this episode we also hear from leading pairs riders Sherry Cardona (334a) and Gereon Tewes (334b), and their peculiar déjà vu experience out on the fourth Parcours. Pawel Milkowski (110) tells us of the trials and tribulations of pushing his bike uphill for hours, and we hear the individual scratch stories of Ben Chadourne (049) and Katharina Siegel (133). With over 200 resilient riders continuing their battles to the Aegean Sea, the Race is still far from over for many. Produced by Iain Broome Music: Joe Skinner

This episode takes us through the nail-biting lead up to the first to finish in Thessaloniki – a battle between lead riders Cristoph Strasser (001) and Robin Gemperle (003). A true showdown of route choice, preparation, resourcefulness, and sheer determination. Race Reporter, Hannah Larbalestier, is waiting for them at CP4 with the rest of her team and gives us some insight on the ground before we hear from the lead riders themselves. Further back, the mixed emotions that come with riding the TCR are on full display, from TCR veterans to riders having their first ever race. Canadian Lisa Nemetz (095) tells us of racing to CP2 before closure, and Joanna Ruminska-Pietrzyk (099) and Nicky Shaw (142) are loving the Balkans, while Robert Müller (197) is still not feeling himself. Lisa Pfeiffer (183) offers us insight into the mental strength it takes to continue riding outside of General Classification, and overcoming disappointment.The contrasting highs and lows of the Race are in full expression. Produced by Iain Broome Music: Joe Skinner

On this sweltering day 7 episode, the bulk of #TCRNo9 riders are on their way south to Control Point 3 in Albania. Race Coordinator, David Ayre, is in Control Car 2 waiting for riders to pass through Nikšić, Montenegro and gives us an update on weather and resupply before catching riders David Brinkman (057) and Jaimi Wilson (004). Pairs rider Sarah Ruggins (337a) talks to us about gratitude for being on the Race and messages from home. We get a new perspective from Control Car 1, as photographer Liz Seabrook shares about how she came across the TCR and the unique experience of capturing riders across multiple countries and terrain. We hear from more riders breaking into the Balkans, right through to the very front of the Race where we hear from #TCRNo9 leader Christoph Strasser. This is not one to miss as the action ramps up and the race to Thessaloniki is on! Produced by Iain Broome Music: Joe Skinner

In this #TCRNo9 episode we get a glimpse into the minds of the two leaders of the Race – Christoph Strasser (001) and Robin Gemperle (003) – after they each arrive at CP3, 5H apart. Gravel challenges and route choice spell the future from here, as the two race towards the coming off-road sections on Parcours 3 and 4. Amrei Khun, a Bursary rider from TCRNo8 is volunteering at CP3 this year and tells us of the program’s impact on her life. Race Coordinator David Ayre talks us through the transition from the Alps into the TCR heartlands – the Balkans, and explains the role of the Control Cars on the Race. We also hear from Will Vousden (119) – the man who diverged from all other riders in Slovenia and took a lonesome course through Croatia where he had to overcome self-doubt and sharp climbs. Produced by Iain Broome Music: Joe Skinner

On this day 5 episode, front riders have already broken into the Balkans and Race Director Andrew Phillips gives us an overview of what we can expect from this TCR-classic region. At CP2 riders are still regularly passing through and the energy is alive. We hear from the CP Manager there and a few riders upon their arrival. Mike Hall Bursary rider Patrick Suuk (317) made it to CP1 right before the time cut and tells us of his battle to make up for lost time. Tyre failures, and route and kit choices feature heavily in this episode, as riders share their trials and tribulations on the road. Race Coordinator, David Ayre, talks us through the Race beyond the second Parcours, through Croatia and into Bosnia and Herzegovina. We catch up with riders along the way, including second place holder Robin Gemperle (003) after a full tyre swap in Sarajevo. Produced by Iain Broome Music: Joe Skinner

This episode sets the scene starting on day 3. Those riders who have gone through CP1 in Italy are now well on their way to CP2 in Northern Slovenia as we catch up with them on the road. With the Parcours and CP out of the way, we see riders taking choices between gravel, road, and hike-a-bike, as they aim for the most efficient route. In the early hours of day 4, the team in Control Car 2 are ready to welcome and interview lead riders, Christoph Strasser (001) and Robin Gemperle (003), at CP2 in Slovenia. We then catch up with the fastest in the Green Leaderboard classification, Marin de Saint-Exupéry (002), who arrived 4th at CP2 in the early afternoon. Out on the CP2 Parcours we speak with Anatole Naimi (232) who has an appetite for steep gradients. Produced by Iain Broome Music: Joe Skinner

This episode picks up the action on day 2, when the first riders are expected to reach CP1 by the late evening. We hear from Race Coordinator David Ayre in Control Car 2 near Lucerne with a general update on rider movements. Matthias Wojtynek (068) tells us of how he was inspired by Fiona Kolbinger in 2019 and is enjoying his very first race. We get a recap of the lead rider battle on the Parcours between Christophe (001), Robin Gemperle (003) and Florian Moreau (067) and hear from Race Director Andrew Phillips at CP1 before hearing from some of the riders themselves. Into day 3 we catch up with: Marin de Saint-Exupéry (002) after a brief sleep; experienced CP Manager Norbert Münch; Maria Holdcroft (041); Robert Müller (197); and Leighn Chambers (321) after having to start the Race without his partner. We close with a few words from Sarah Ruggins (337a) on what is giving her strength right now and being inspired by the other women in the Race. Produced by Iain Broome Music: Joe Skinner