Lost Dot Podcast: The Transcontinental, Trans Pyrenees, and Accursed Race.

It’s the day of the finisher’s party, and emotions are running high as riders reach the finish line. Our race reporters are there to capture every raw, unfiltered story. Step onto the streets of San Sebastián, and back along the Raid Parcours, to hear from riders as they close in on the end of their TPRNo5 journey.

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1900KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from San Sebastián to the Mediterranean and back...

Riders are racing against the clock, each battling with their own blend of durability and demons. It’s the day before the finisher’s party, and there’s still hope of making it in time for karaoke in San Sebastián. Hear from those still on the road as they push through the final leg of their race, and from those who’ve already made it to the line, relieved and ready to relax on the beach.

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1900KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scen...

Riders are finding their limits and pushing them, grinding further along the Raid parcours to reach San Sebastián. The monstrous mountains are messing with morale, but still legs persist. This too shall pass, as they say. From pizza-flavoured crackers to cracked carbon rims, hear the latest tales from the road on the Lost Dot podcast. 

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1900KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from San Sebastián to the Mediterranean and back again with the T...

It’s another stunning morning in the Pyrenees, with a coral glow cast across the mountains and a full moon still hanging in the sky. One half of the media team are stationed on the Col d’Aspin, the other atop the Tourmalet, both waiting to document riders in their natural habitat. As the kilometres grind on, some riders are weary, while others are jubilant in their experience, not wanting their time here to end. Hear more from the riders on the Raid in our latest podcast episode from Day 6.

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyre...

The CP5 cut-off is looming, and emotions are running high. Riders have crossed to the far side of the Pyrenees, yet for many, the finish still feels a world away. Tune in to our latest podcast episode for personal rider interviews and stories that bring you closer to the heart of the race.

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1900KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from San Sebastián to the Mediterranean and back again with the TPRNo5 Podcast fro...

Get a play-by-play of yesterday’s reshuffling in our latest episode. As the front of the pack breaks onto the Raid Parcours, others are pushing to make CP cut-offs and hotel bookings. The race is starting to play with riders’ minds, from tears over yoghurt to listening to the same song on repeat, hear the latest unravellings and small victories from the road.

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1900KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from San Sebastián to the...

The third day of TPRNo5 brought more puzzles to solve: Spain or France, road or gravel, distance or proximity? These are questions only individual riders can answer, shaped by their preparedness, skillset, and state of body and mind. Tune in to our latest podcast episode to hear from the riders themselves and get closer to the action in the Pyrenees.

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1900KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from San Sebastián to the Mediterranean and...

Get an in-depth recap of the second day of the Trans Pyrenees Race. The adrenaline from the start has worn off, and riders aren’t yet halfway through — how are they faring? Strategies are being unpacked and reshuffled in the wake of so much choice. Tune in to hear the latest conundrums.

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1900KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from San Sebastián to the Mediterranean and back again with the TPRNo5 Podcast from Lost Do...

From the mix of emotions at the start line, to the first mechanicals of the race, no one’s path on the TPR is linear. The first day set in motion over 100 unique race stories. Hear from riders as they endeavor to find their groove amidst the gentle cowbells of the Pyrenees. 

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1900KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from San Sebastián to the Mediterranean and back again with the TPRNo5 Podcast from Lost D...

Anticipatory energy fills the air at Anoeta Stadium as riders move through registration, receiving their caps, trackers, and bike checks. Get a personal tour through the process from Race Reporters Hannah Larbalestier and Stuart Downie, and hear how different riders have come prepared for the off-road segments ahead. This episode ends with the all-important rider briefing, wishing all the best of luck and a good night’s sleep before the big day. 

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1900KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passe...

The calm before the (gravel) storm. Tune in for a pre-race episode to whet your appetite for aggregate. Race Organisers unpack the route ahead, and interviews with a selection of riders help set the stage for this off-road adventure. 

Follow the fifth (gravel) edition of the Trans Pyrenees Race (TPR) – a 1900KM self-supported race through some of the most beautifully remote scenery and iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenean Mountains, from San Sebastián to the Mediterranean and back again with the TPRNo5 Podcast from Lost Dot.

Hosting, Production & Editing: Iain Broome
Race Reporters: Hannah Larb...

Day 18 and the final race day before the GC cut-off. Riders are pouring into Constanța and the beach bar all day long, as our race reporters hear their stories. With the final GC cut-off extended by 1 hour due to changes to the Finish Parcours, James rolled in just before 02:00 local time — with only 25 minutes to spare. The bulk of the finishers’ party had drifted away, but a loyal crowd remained, including race winner Victor Bosoni, there to greet the last GC rider in a moment of mutual admiration.

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough.
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Its day 17 of the Transcontinental Race and riders are being interviewed freshly arrived on the finish line. Hear their unique stories and from our race reporters in Constanța in the lastest episode.

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough.

We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.

TCRNo11 tracking and race reports here:https://www.lostdot.cc/tcr

Hosted and produced by Jenny Tough. 

It’s the 16th race day of the Transcontinental Race, and the miles are taking their toll. Race Reporter Jake follows the final push for the General Classification as tired riders roll into the Finish, securing their hard-earned positions. At Zoom Beach, Race Reporter Sophie welcomes a constant flow of arrivals as they reflect on their feats and settle into well-earned rest. From further out on the road, postcard voice notes trickle in, sharing raw, road-weary stories from those still turning the pedals.

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough. 

We invite you to fol...

It’s day 15 of the Transcontinental Race. Some riders are pushing to reach the final control point before midnight, chasing the cut-off with every turn of the pedals. Over 50 have already crossed the Finish, sharing what kept them moving through heat, headwinds, and long nights — small rituals, moments of kindness, and the pull of the final stretch. Race Reporter Sophie recaps the day as the Finish Party draws near and another race day comes to an end.

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough. 

We invite you to follow along with our race coverage throu...

It’s Day 14 of the Transcontinental Race, and the push to reach Constanța before the cut-off is on. The first pair to finish cross the line in a wave of relief, while riders at the beach share words of encouragement for those still out on the road. Further back, many are rolling through CP5 in Albania — with plenty still choosing to take on the gravel section before heading north.

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough. 

We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race report...

It’s day 13 of the Transcontinental Race. Our Race Reporters catch up with riders in Constanța, who are enjoying the beach bar at the finish line, reflecting on the race, and what their first thoughts or cravings were after finishing their long journeys. Race Director Andrew explains a diversion on the final parcours. The remaining riders pedal through CP4 before its closure at midnight, and we hear stories from riders who have made the tough decision to scratch. 

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough. 

We invite you to follow along with our race...

It’s Day 12 of the Transcontinental Race and all eyes are on the race for the fastest woman to finish. Race Coordinator Hannah has been tracking Jana Kesenheimer (001) and Cynthia Carson (137), and we catch up with those already at the finish line. Race Reporter Sophie finds out what’s keeping some riders pedalling on, from Italy to the Balkans, and summarizes the current field. 

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough. 

We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram. 

TCR...

Day 11 of the Transcontinental Race brings the first two riders to the Finish in Constanța, Romania, securing their podium spots. The bulk of the race separates on two distinct routes —  north through Romania, or south through the mountains of Bulgaria. Control Team 2 catches up with riders climbing the mountains, and Race Reporter Sophie catches up with the fastest three women in the race, who still have all to play for, and provides an overview of where the race currently sits.

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough. 

We invite you to follow along with...

It’s Day 10 of the Transcontinental Race, and our race reporters are now both on the eastern side of the Adriatic. Sophie talks us through the women’s field, and it's reset after the fastest three women all boarded the same ferry, and catches up with riders passing through CP5. Jake provides an update on the front of the race — after a decision over the safety of a bridge crossing, the race for the win is still very much alive. We receive more voicenote postcards from riders spanning the full length of the pack. 

This year's podcast host is the...

Day 09 is a busy day on the Transcontinental Race: CP3 closed at 09:00CEST, some riders received their stamps before doubling back to tackle the parcours, and we hear from riders chasing CP cut-off times. The race for the ferry is ever present, with the fastest 3 women racing towards Bari. In the Balkans, CP5 is open, and more riders are coming through. Race Director Andrew chats with Victor to gain clarity on his ride, and we receive voice note postcards from riders in the back of the pack — eyes set on a finish. 

This year's podcast host is the leg...

Day 08 of the Transcontinental Race, and now that riders have been on the road for over a week, Race Reporter Sophie asks where they would be on a Monday morning, if they weren’t racing. Race Coordinator Hannah provides a birds eye view update on the race, we catch up with some pairs riders, and the front of the Women’s race passes through CP4. 

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough. 

We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram. 

It’s day 07 of the Transcontinental Race, and the four leading riders are in a close race to the ferry, a strategic bottleneck in this year’s race. Control Team 1 waits at the ferry port in Bari to see who will make the night’s crossing. We also hear from Sophie on her brompton, who catches up with the fastest women, and from CP3, where riders are warming up after a very cold ride on the Strada dell'Assietta. 

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough. 

We invite you to follow along with our race coverage...

It’s Day 06 and the Transcontinental Race is picking up with some exciting movements from the leading riders. The race for the lead and podium is tight, with four riders in close proximity, but there’s all to play for with a sparse ferry timetable. Race Reporter Jake talks us through the Strade Bianche, while Sophie tracks down the top three pairs riders to find out how they’re getting on. 

This year's podcast host is the legendary, Jenny Tough. 

We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race rep...

Day 05 of the Transcontinental Race brings a sweeping view of the field, with riders now stretched across three countries: from the final climbs of Spain, through the sun-drenched roads of France, and into the towering passes of Italy. Reporter Jack Thorpe checks in with Race Director Andrew Phillips for a rundown on the current race leaders and emerging strategies at the front. As temperatures rise, we explore how riders are coping with the heat and how cool heads and quick thinking continue to separate those who thrive from those who struggle. From mechanical mishaps to routing puzzles, it's clear that...

It’s Day 04 of the Transcontinental Race and many riders are now deep into France, collecting their second stamps at CP2 and making the most of local boulangeries. With the pack stretching further across the map, both control cars were busy tracking down riders to hear how they’re holding up.

From damp, sleep-deprived mornings spent huddled in cafés to moments of joy on familiar roads, we check in with racers facing all shades of the TCR experience — some chasing warmth and croissants, others simply happy to be here, turning pedals and finding rhythm in the chaos.

Welcome to the Transcontinental Race; the definitive self-supported bicycle race across Europe. It’s Day 03 and CP1 officially closed this morning after a final wave of late-night and early-morning arrivals. Race Reporters were on the ground, speaking to riders still digging deep to earn that stamp.

In this episode, Jake and Andrew unpack the demands of Parcours 2 and the strategic route choices shaping the race. We check in with bursary rider Lis, now riding solo with quiet strength, and hear from the tandem pair whose teamwork and humour continue to power them forward.

The race moves th...

It’s Day 02 of the Transcontinental Race and the mid-pack is steadily rolling through Control Point 1. Jake and Sophie catch stories of resilience, determination, and riders tackling adversity with a positive mental attitude — spirits are high and the community vibe is unmistakable. Up front, the women’s race is exciting, with the leading riders riding through CP1. There’s genuine stoke in the air—they're not just racing hard, they're proud to be racing hard with each other.

Listen in as the race begins to stretch out, and the first chapter of TCRNo11 takes shape.

This year's pod...

It’s Day 01, and Race Reporters Sophie and Jake are out on the road—Sophie pedalling her Brompton, Jake jogging alongside riders—capturing voices from the early race. Riders share stories from their first night out: from sleeping under the stars for the very first time, to spending the night in a graveyard toilet. A TCR birthday is celebrated, and Spain’s rich supply of food and drink is keeping morale high. As the top-ten riders reach Control Point 1, the media team is there to capture the sounds of their breathless arrivals.

Listen in as the race begins to stret...

Welcome to the Transcontinental Race; 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. The strongest excel and redefine what we think possible, while many experienced riders target only a finish.

In this Race Day episode, Race Reporters Sophie and Jake are roaming around registration, meeting new faces and catching up with returning riders. While Sophie chats to riders about the road ahead, Jake explores the hu...

Welcome to the Transcontinental Race; 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. The strongest excel and redefine what we think possible, while many experienced riders target only a finish.

In this Pre-Race episode, Race Director Andrew Philips talks us through the race route, Control Points, and highlights of this year's edition. Race Coordinator Hannah Larbalestier explains the 100 TCR Women campaign, and its impact on th...

Cynthia Carson (@watt_wagon) made her entry into the ultra-racing scene back in 2022, and in just a few years she’s made a real impact – collecting an impressive series of titles, with wins at Unbound XL, Badlands, Transcordilleras, and Atlas Mountain Race. She was all set to take on the Transcontinental Race No10 when a collision just two weeks before the start put an end to her ambitions.

In this episode, Cynthia opens up about the ups and downs of her journey back to the start line for TCRNo11. We talk about what it is that draws her to r...

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans.

As the curtains close on the second edition of The Accursed Race, riders continue to arrive in Shokdër at Traveler Hostel throughout the final day. They are greeted by welcoming cheers of congratulations, and this merriment transitions nicely into the finisher’s party. The last arrival of the night is Francois Bruyere (18), leaving just 27 minutes to spare. Tune in for the concluding episode of this year’s race, and hear how this Balkan odyssey ends. 

We invite you to follow along...

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans.

Day ten sees a final rush to Peshkopi before the CP closure, as the media team wait to see who makes it. Thorsten Brönner (35) is the last to arrive before the time-cut, now gathering all remaining strength to get himself to Shkodër on time. Stories of gear failures, safety checks, begging for brakepads, and mega-bonking unfold in the final sections before the road to the finish. 

Listen to the latest sounds of the race in this day ten episode. 
...

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans.

Small flurries of ardent applause punctuated the day at Traveler Hostel, as three more riders completed their races. At CP2, riders continue to battle against the protests of mind and body before the CP closing. Hear their struggles and the first-hand race recordings, capturing the authenticity as if you were there for yourself.

Listen to the stories, victories, and fumbles of the day in this latest podcast episode.

We invite you to follow along with our Race coverage through...

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans.

Riders are having to rally against the mounting mental and physical demands of the race, enduring tough and wet conditions as a cluster of arrivals reach CP2 yesterday. After eight days of the rough stuff, it’s no wonder that riders are feeling the effects of this challenge. Many question their willingness to continue, but most persevere towards a race finish. At the remaining front of the race, we see Pierre Bischoff (32), Andy Dodd (06), and Daniel Perotti (15) claim fourth, fifth, and sixth place, re...

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans.

Starting the day in Kosovo and heading for Peshkopi, Control Team 1 race ahead of riders to get set up for the best shots. Later at CP2, some are turning up unmotivated while others are on a high, and starting to believe that they will see the finish. We see the top-ten riders arrive in Peshkopi, and Alain Rumpf (08) describes apocalyptic scenes, broken roads, and haunting burnt trees; a setting that left an impression. Overnight the team in Shkodër dot-watch into the night, a...

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans.

Join us for the adventures of day six. This episode brings us the sounds of victory, as Justinas Leveika (02) closes in on the finish, racing a storm. Further back, riders continue to arrive at CP1 in Berane before the CP closes, contrasting the vastly different timelines in this race. The mid pack is made up of tight groups of riders racing amongst themselves and enjoying the healthy competition and camaraderie. We love to see it.
 
We invite you to follow along w...

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans.

Listen to the latest stories from day 5 of The Accursed Race.

Data analysis, prom night, and the ebbs and flows of rider confidence. Listen to the day five adventures of the race. Though Justinas is maintaining his strong lead, he is still undertaking a significant challenge. Our media team interviews an exhausted Justinas after yet another gruelling section of off-road riding. Riders further back flock to CP1, greeted by a special celebration in addition to their own achievement.
 
We i...

Welcome to The Accursed Race. Lost Dot's no-fly, off-road, fixed route race in the Balkans.

Listen to the tales and soundtracks of the race as the weather turns, adding a new layer of difficulty (and snow) to an already challenging course. As snow fell in the high mountains, it was a rainy and cold morning for the media team lower down, generally speaking to riders once they were de-frosting after descending from snowy peaks. Pairs Hannah Vet (37a) and Annie Dunlap (37b) reflect on their ride and Race Reporter Tom Probert offers insight into the complex politics of...