TRANS BALKAN RACE

Get ready for a captivating race in a region still percieved as remote and inaccessible. The TBR will deliver an unforgettable journey across karstic landscapes and thick forests through the history of ex-Yugoslavia.
The Trans Balkan Race presents unique challenges such as extreme temperature ranges, rough riding surfaces, scarce water availability, and distant resupply points, offering one of the toughest races worldwide.

Prepare to embrace the wild side of the Balkans!

The Ultimate Adventure

Bikepacking is the exaltation of freedom: a cycling movement centered on self-sufficiency and big-day rides. What better destination than the Balkans? In the common imagination, the Balkans represent an unfamiliar “other” Europe, simultaneously close and distant. This race proposes a fascinating adventure in a region that is still perceived as remote and inaccessible. It’s an unforgettable journey across karstic landscapes and flourishing forests through the history of ex-Yugoslavia.

The Route

We designed the race to follow the most logical way from Slovenia to Montenegro while reducing concrete segments to the minimum. However, we wanted to avoid pointless hike-a-bike sections: we like to ride as much as you do! The result is a route that doesn’t display excessive technical difficulties. The real challenge consists of the environment and the climbing. Do not underestimate potential dehydration where resupplies are spaced out.

Harsh Nature

This race develops across the Dinaric Alps through some of the most remarkable National Parks in Europe. The karstic environment is prevalent along the route, creating a lunar landscape where temperatures can range from 20 ºC in just a couple of hours. Here, also water availability is a serious concern, as the permeable terrain channels the rain to underground cavities – leaving the surface dry and rocky. These moonscapes are discontinued by flourishing forests, where paths are often muddy and slippery. Briefly, the Balkan nature doesn’t do half-measures.

Variety Of Context

The race crosses tourist and rural areas. Keep in mind that these Countries experienced the Yugoslav Wars not so long ago. Some regions still show the scars of the conflicts, both in the infrastructure and in the population’s hearts. Yet, people will warmly welcome you anywhere on the route, even when the linguistic barrier limits communication. You will race through isolated rural and mountain regions too. Here the population is mainly constituted of mountain goats and golden jackals. Also, bears and wolves visit these territories. Livestock is usually watched by shepherd dogs. They’re all fluff and fur until they’re not.

TRANS BALKAN RACE

Get ready for a captivating race in a region still percieved as remote and inaccessible. The TBR will deliver an unforgettable journey across karstic landscapes and thick forests through the history of ex-Yugoslavia.
The Trans Balkan Race presents unique challenges such as extreme temperature ranges, rough riding surfaces, scarce water availability, and distant resupply points, offering one of the toughest races worldwide.

Prepare to embrace the wild side of the Balkan

The Ultimate Adventure

Bikepacking is the exaltation of freedom: a cycling movement centered on self-sufficiency and big-day rides. What better destination than the Balkans? In the common imagination, the Balkans represent an unfamiliar “other” Europe, simultaneously close and distant. This race proposes a fascinating adventure in a region that is still perceived as remote and inaccessible. It’s an unforgettable journey across karstic landscapes and flourishing forests through the history of ex-Yugoslavia.

The Route

We designed the race to follow the most logical way from Slovenia to Montenegro while reducing concrete segments to the minimum. However, we wanted to avoid pointless hike-a-bike sections: we like to ride as much as you do! The result is a route that doesn’t display excessive technical difficulties. The real challenge consists of the environment and the climbing. Do not underestimate potential dehydration where resupplies are spaced out.

Harsh Nature

This race develops across the Dinaric Alps through some of the most remarkable National Parks in Europe. The karstic environment is prevalent along the route, creating a lunar landscape where temperatures can range from 20 ºC in just a couple of hours. Here, also water availability is a serious concern, as the permeable terrain channels the rain to underground cavities – leaving the surface dry and rocky. These moonscapes are discontinued by flourishing forests, where paths are often muddy and slippery. Briefly, the Balkan nature doesn’t do half-measures.

Variety Of Context

The race crosses tourist and rural areas. Keep in mind that these Countries experienced the Yugoslav Wars not so long ago. Some regions still show the scars of the conflicts, both in the infrastructure and in the population’s hearts. Yet, people will warmly welcome you anywhere on the route, even when the linguistic barrier limits communication. You will race through isolated rural and mountain regions too. Here the population is mainly constituted of mountain goats and golden jackals. Also, bears and wolves visit these territories. Livestock is usually watched by shepherd dogs. They’re all fluff and fur until they’re not.