It’s that time of year again! This Sunday 27th July, Transcontinental No11 starts from Santiago, Spain to Constanta, Romania. A mission around 5000km faces all the riders, with the fastest riders likely to be finishing in about 10days. We’re thrilled to be a sponsor of Transcontinental this year, as well as having a number of riders competing in this prestigious race on their Belgies! 

The Transcontinental Race is “the definitive self-supported bicycle race across Europe. At the sharp end it is a beautifully hard bicycle race, simple in design but complex in execution. Factors of self reliance, logistics, navigation and judgement burden racers’ minds as well as their physiques.” Each rider painstakingly plans their own route, taking in a number of mandatory checkpoints. This year there are five checkpoints spread across Europe the riders will be crossing through. 

Checkpoint number two is extra special for us this year! Not only will the European Curve Chevrons be there to cheer on riders, but it is at the summit of the infamous Col Du Tourmalet. Used in this year's Tour de France and steeped in cycling history, this 19km climb reaches up to 2115m with an average gradient of 7.5%. A huge challenge in itself, let alone with around 4000km still to ride. 

Here is a run down on a few of the Curves that will be racing across Europe! From the Dream Factory, we wish all the riders of TCRNo11 the best of luck and safety on the road!

April's Belgie Ultra V2 - Cap 20

Her first road race, April is no stranger to the Australian outback and big days (and nights) in the saddle, this is her idea of a European summer holiday! With maybe the most thoroughly planned route in the race, we can’t wait to hear all of April’s stories from the road.

Full Specs:

Bike:
Curve Cycling Belgie Ultra V2 prototype, Curve Cycling G5T prototype wheelset with dynamo hub, Curve Cycling carbon walmer bars. SRAM Force AXS with XPLR 13 speed T-Type derailleur with 10/46 cassette and a 38T chainring up front. 40mm Pirelli Cinturato Velo Evo tyres.  

Key items of kit: 
VAP Butterfly long aerobars, K-lite Ultra race dynamo lights & charging kit, well loved Revelate Spinelock 10L saddle pack, Revelate Mountain feed bags and a Tailfin top tube bag. Anticipating lots of wild camping I’ve packed a luxurious sleep set up; a Terra Nova Moonlite bivi bag, a torso length Thermarest Neoair X-lite mat & Montbell down pants. Other luxuries include, a tiny little speaker to keep the good times rolling, an enormous tool kit for peace of mind & my Patagonia micro puff vest because I rarely leave home without it. 

Abdullah's Belgie Disc - Cap 4

Back for revenge, Abdullah returns to TCR after his last year's fourth place finish, where he covered 300km more than the winner. Expect him to be riding in anger and is certainly one to watch for the overall victory. Expect him to carry light and be putting in some HUGE days in the saddle.

Full Specs:

Bike:
Curve Cycling Belgie Disc, Curve G4T carbon wheels with Son Dynamo, KLites, SRAM Red AXS 12spd, 30mm Contiental GP5000 4S, Profile Design Aerobars

Key items of kit:
Expect MINIMAL - Abdullah does not sleep.

Jenna's Belgie Ultra - Cap 52

Taking on her first ever Ultra race! We’re so proud to have Jenna as part of the Curve community here in Melbourne and her inspiring journey to get to the start line in Santiago. Her brand new Belgie Ultra is going to have a lot of stories to tell after this one!

Full Specs:

Bike:
Curve Cycling Belgie Ultra, Sram Rival AXS, Curve Cycling G4T Carbon Wheels with Continental GP5000 4S, Curve Cycling Walmer Bars

Key items of kit:
Profile Design Aerobars, Klite Dynamo Light, Revelate Saddle Bag, Apidura Frame and Top Tube Bags, Revelate Bar Roll and dual Revelate Feed Bags.

David's Belgie Ultra - Cap 170

Back for redemption after just missing the time cut in 2024, David is staple of the local community here in Melbourne and is never seen without a fully loaded bike. We've even seen him riding his Ultra on some pretty rough Curve rides. Always ready for adventure!

SEEEEAL DAWG

Full Specs:

Bike:
Curve Belgie Ultra, SRAM Force AXS (43x30, 10x36), Curve G4T carbon wheels, Saddle Specialised, Time Atac xc pedals, Pirelli Race TLR 32mm Tyres

Key items of kit:
Lights by K-Lite, Dynamo Son Deluxe, Profile design aero bars, Tailfin Aeropack, Apidura racing top tube bag, Apidura expedition frame bag, Sea to Summit Nano backpack, Speedfil water bottle2, Cumulus 4deg sleeping bag, Thermarest neoair xlite sleeping mat, MLD Event Soul bivvy, Enlightened Equipment (synthetic) puffer jacket, along with regular mechanical spares and hygiene equipment.

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