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 Taurus Mountains in Turkey 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 global ultra-elite.
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 deep-tread tyres. Thin gravel tyres would only be advantageous on the few bridging sections, and perhaps also on the sections where you have to carry your bike, due to their lighter weight. Otherwise, on this extremely rough terrain, you need tyres that can really grip. It is likely to be difficult to source replacement parts on this route.
Turtles, snakes and wild horses
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 as we all know, the routes of “The Mountain Race” – such as Silkroad, Atlas and Hellenic – never take the direct route to the finish. This format for ultra-distance racers is all about discovering remote mountainous landscapes and managing entirely without support – whether riding solo or in a team of two. Consequently, this new route also branches off as quickly as possible from the civilisation of the Turkish Mediterranean coast into the western Taurus Mountains.
The mountain ranges here rise 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 to find in your sleeping bag at night. There are reports of wild goats climbing 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’ll be lining up at the start.
Favourites on the starting line: Carson and Gemperle
Cynthia Carson has already entered. The American is currently one of the strongest female ultra-runners in the world. 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 to take part in 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 completed to date.
- Race Manual Quiz: There is an official ‘Race Manual’ setting out strict rules on safety and fair play. It is essential to study this thoroughly, as the application process includes a series of test questions.
- Draw: Following a successful qualifying round, the 100 to 150 starting places available for the inaugural race will ultimately be decided by a draw.
The strict rules during the 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 your own team, family or private accommodation is prohibited. You may carry food, water and equipment with you, and purchase these from establishments open to the public (shops, hotels).
- No slipstreaming: Participants are not permitted to ride in the slipstream – except for the registered pairs.
- Pure muscle power: All movement along the route must be achieved entirely under one’s own power.
- 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