MELONS, TRUCKS & ANGRY DOGS
GOING AWOL ON THE TRANSCONTINENTAL RACE
Follow Recep Yesil and Erik Nohlin of Specialized’s Team AWOL as they conquer the European Continent during the Transcontinental Race, known as the longest and toughest un-supported race in Europe. London to Istanbul within two weeks, overcoming more than 3100km, 30.000m of altitude gain and crossing 14 european borders.
Unsupported, following a route of their choice, day and night, rain or shine, crossing the European continent: The Transcontinental Race.
Team AWOL on the Transcontinental Race is Recep Yesil of Turkey and Erik Nohlin of Sweden. Both are a part of the developing team of the AWOL
RECEP YESIL
R is like a cargo ship, not the fastest but very stable and reliable. Just like the cargo ship, R will arrive on his destination as planned. Background of R is 8 years / 7 winters as a bike messenger in Germany and a lifelong passion for the ride. R knows exactly what long hours and hard riding means, it’s in his DNA. He has been dreaming of a ride “home” to Istanbul for almost 20 years. To him, this is a dream that comes true. Besides that, drinking Turkish tee and listening to psychedelic Turkish rock is on the agenda before and after his 30 k bicycle commute to Specialized where he develops bicycles.
ERIK NOHLIN
E is a motor yacht with enough power to go full speed ahead while looking as if he is up chilling on the sundeck. Background of E is a multiple Super Randonneur (unsupported rides of 200, 300, 400, 600, 1000 km) 75 hour finisher of the 1230 kilometer Paris-Brest-Paris in 2011. A six month unsupported ride across the US in 2012 and several 1000 km Audax rides. Besides that, drinking hairy Imperial Stouts and listening to black metal is on the agenda before and after his 30 k bicycle commute to Specialized where he designs bicycles.
The Race
The Transcontinental Race (TCR) runs for the first time this year. TCR is Europe’s longest single stage unsupported bike race. Riders will cover a minimum of 2000 miles / 3200 km and a mountain checkpoint will take you high into the Alps. We are looking at about 35.000m of altitude in 14 days. One stage, a start and finish line and two check points, the rest is up to you. You choose where, when and if you sleep as well as the route in between. There’s no maximum or minimum times. You will ride alone and you will be reliant only on what you can carry. No pre-arranged support and no dedicated assistance, however there is a party in Istanbull on the 17th.
You will ride alone and you will be reliant only on what you can carry with you or can find in publicly available services. No pre-arranged support and no dedicated assistance.
Unconstrained
One stage, a start and finish line and two checkpoints, the rest is up to you. You choose where, when and if you sleep and the route in between. There’s no maximum or minimum times.
Unmatched
This is Europe’s longest single stage unsupported bike race. Riders will cover a minimum of 2000 miles and a mountain checkpoint will take you high into the Alps.
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