Self-catering race from Bayreuth to the Black Sea

Adrian Kaether

 · 21.02.2018

Self-catering race from Bayreuth to the Black Sea
Self-catering race from Bayreuth to the Black Sea
2900 kilometres, 47500 metres in altitude, 27 mountain ranges: The Transost Challenge self-supported race from Bayreuth to the Black Sea is a tough one. A self-supported race in a class of its own.

Almost 3000 kilometres, almost 50,000 metres in altitude from the Festspielhaus in Bayreuth to Constanta in Romania, all the way to the Black Sea. Through Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and the Ukraine to Romania. Six countries, 27 mountain ranges, countless primeval forests, picturesque landscapes and a partly endless and untouched wilderness in which a few shy bears, wolves and lynxes have found refuge from civilisation. All this and more can be found at the Transost Challenge, one of the first real gravel races in Europe, which will be held for the first time this July. The setting is set and should provide enough material for adventurous stories. Which is why there will even be a film about the first Transost Challenge.

  The route: from Germany to the Romanian border.Photo: Veranstalter The route: from Germany to the Romanian border.

Self-catering race: Start on 1 July 2018


In theory, anyone can take part. However, you should be equipped with a basic level of bikepacking experience. And have the confidence to tackle 85 kilometres (!) every day for five weeks in sometimes inhospitable terrain. You also need a passport for Ukraine, outside help is not allowed and the fastest rider wins. But the Transost Challenge wants to be more than just a race: an adventure. If you already have some experience with social media and enough followers, you can apply for a sponsorship package with a video as an influencer. All the information here on the Transost Challenge website.

  In a self-catering race, you are completely on your own.Photo: Veranstalter In a self-catering race, you are completely on your own.

But even those who don't have the time or don't feel confident enough to tackle the route can stay tuned. A film about the self-supported race is planned, which will accompany the sponsored riders on their adventure and will be released in cinemas in spring 2019.

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All information about the race can be found on the Transost Challenge website.

Adrian Kaether's favourite thing to do is ride mountain bikes on bumpy enduro trails. The tech expert and bike tester knows all about Newton metres and watt hours, high and low-speed damping. As test manager at MYBIKE, Adrian also likes to think outside the box and tests cargo bikes and step-through bikes as well as the latest (e-)MTBs.

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