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

TCRNo12 // Day 19 & 20 10.08.2026 49min

The final podcast episode from TCRNo12 takes listeners into the last days on the finish line in Kalamata, hearing from riders who managed to roll in before the final GC cut-off and following the celebrations all the way to the long-awaited finishers’ party.From ticking off bucket-list goals to forming unforgettable bonds while sharing the road, this episode dives into the rider experience from the end of a self-supported race across a continent.Finally, with the music still bumping at the finishers’ party, the TCRNo12 Maglia Nera is greeted with a warm welcome as the last rider to arrive within the General Classification is crowned.Thanks for listening to the Transcontinental Race podcast from Lost Dot. We’ll be back in 2027.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 18 08.08.2026 37min

As day 18 of TCRNo12 brings more riders to the finish line, Race Reporter Sophie Potter is there to capture climactic moments. Emotional reunions and hard-earned reflections define this episode as Tom Bryan (379) relives the surreal blur of crossing a continent, Nicholas Müller (141) reminds us to live in the present moment, and Mudit Kohli (128) receives a moving reception from fellow riders.Although the end of the race is now in sight, the adventure continues on for riders still spread across the Balkans. We hear updates from those still turning the pedals day and night as they continue to spin their own stories and push steadily south towards the searing heat of the Grecian coast.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 17 07.08.2026 33min

Day 17 of TCRNo12. Kalamata is filled with finishers, proving that what once seemed impossible can become reality. Recovery spins replace race pace as riders reconnect, compare routes and reflect on the preparation that got them here. We also hear from Race Photographer Michael Drummond on capturing those unforgettable finish-line moments.Further back, the race is far from over. With CP4 closing tonight, the pressure is mounting as riders race the cutoff. Sönke Kreft (070) pushes on despite losing a tooth en route, while Mike Hall Bursary rider Luca Bessems (214) shares the additional challenge of fueling on the go with limited options. Plus, scratch stories that celebrate resilience, wherever the journey ends.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 16 06.08.2026 30min

Day 16 of the Transcontinental Race finds CP4 — the penultimate control — alive with stories as riders arrive for one last brevet stamp before the finish. We hear from solo racers and pairs, including Mudit Kohli (128), riding in memory of his brother, and Julian Manrique (202), whose journey has become as much about discovering the history of the countries he’s crossed as the kilometres pedalled.In Kalamata, the finish line is awash with emotion as families reunite with exhausted riders to absorb what they've achieved. Robin Skoge (208) is met by a surprise family welcome, while Katharina Wirth (199) contemplates her fifth place in the FLINTA category in her TCR debut. We also explore the science and strategy of pacing for the long haul with Race Reporter Sophie Potter.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 15 05.08.2026 31min

Day 15 of TCRNo12 sees more riders rolling into Kalamata, where the finish-line atmosphere is buoyant with relief, celebration and shared experience. In this episode, we hear from riders and loved ones alike as two weeks of crossing a continent come to an end. Daniel Schulze Waltrup (342) describes the emotional whirlwind of the final descent toward the finish, and Jana Kesenheimer (010) reflects on the significance of Sarah Bosslet’s (120) victory in TCR’s inaugural FLINTA category.While it’s mission accomplished for some, further north the race is far from over. We catch up with riders still turning the pedals in the heat, hoping to reach CP4 before it closes, and keeping their GC dreams alive.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 14 04.08.2026 30min

Day 14 at TCRNo12 and the race rolls into its third week. With CP3 in Sarajevo closing at 23:59CEST, riders still chasing the cutoff are digging deep.We follow Control Team 2 towards the Grecian coast, catching up with riders along the way. Aboard the ferry between Antirrio and Rio, Hélène Fromenty (134) shares her nerves about tackling the Finish Parcours in the heat.We welcome more riders into Kalamata, including fourth-placed FLINTA rider Lea Hamberger (404) and a jubilant Maxime Prieur (164), whose ride now seems best measured in metres of sausage eaten. While at CP4 in Leskovik, eight-year-old Georgie tells us about volunteering alongside her dad and has a special message for riders still out on the road.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 13 03.08.2026 39min

As the beauty and relentlessness of TCRNo12 continue to unfold in equal measure, Day 13 delivers the heat with hard-earned finishes and impressive racing against the clock. More riders rolled into the finish in Kalamata, Greece, carrying their stories from across the continent, including FLINTA runner-up Camille Albisser (270) and first Mike Hall Bursary finisher Wojciech Wronka (096). With temperatures soaring, Race Reporter Sophie Potter catches up with riders still grinding their way through Albania to find out how they're adapting to the furnace-like conditions. We also hear from riders toughing it out to beat the CP3 cut-off time and catch moments of calm further down the road at the oasis of CP4 in Leskovik.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 12 02.08.2026 40min

As day 12 of TCRNo12 dawns, the front runners continue to cross the finish line, with the top five already home and dry. Race Reporter Jake Thorpe catches up with sixth-place Manuel Rudaz (004), who reflects on the resilience that he relied upon from the start, while Robert Müller (037) talks about the challenges that defined his race.Back on the course, Control Team 2 finds riders enjoying Albania’s flowing tarmac after days of rougher roads. There are updates from leading pair Rémi Mejean (414a) and Marguerite Mulhaus (414b) who are looking strong on the climbs, along with FLINTA rider Lea Hamberger (404) as she reaches CP4 having rebounded from illness to keep her race on track.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 11 01.08.2026 40min

Day 11 of TCRNo12 saw the podium decided. Race Reporter Jake Thorpe catches up with second-place Nicolas Châtelet (126) and third-place Jocelyn Roth (114), whose consistently strong rides earned them top honours.Control Team 2 follows riders through the rugged landscape of Parcours 4. Florian Thiessen (165) recounts an unexpected but welcome invitation, while former winner Josh Ibbett (101) reflects on the unfamiliar experience of racing further back in the pack.As CP2 closes, the clock is ticking. Michael Grobe (039) remains philosophical and determined to keep riding despite missing the cut. We also hear from the new leaders in the pairs category, and FLINTA category leader Sarah Bosslet (120) as the race tightens.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 10 30.07.2026 35min

Day 10 of TCRNo12 crowns a winner. Robin Gemperle (001) rolls into Kalamata just 10 days, 8 hours and 55 minutes after the grand départ in Trondheim. Fresh off the bike, he reflects on what the ride means to him.Not far back, the tussle for the remaining top places continues as riders reach CP4. Tim De Witte (003) arrives in eighth, ready to sleep before one final push to the finish. Control Team 2 catches up with riders on the road across the Balkans, with Roel Massink (405) opening up on life inside the ultra-bubble, while Sebi Lehmann (064) reveals the secret to keeping his pace.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 9 29.07.2026 35min

Day 9 of TCRNo12 and the finish is coming into focus. Though the race is far from over, Robin Gemperle (001) opens what could be a decisive gap as he pushes towards the finish. Race Director David Ayre explains the thinking behind the race's closing stages.Meanwhile, Control Team 2 heads off-road on the trail of Pawel Pulawski (008) who is finding solace on quieter roads. With the FLINTA category shaping up for what could be a sprint finish, we hear from leader of the pack, Sarah Bosslet (120) as she reaches CP3 after a challenging day in the heat. We also catch up with riders further back as they reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of their journeys so far.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 8 28.07.2026 33min

Day 8 of TCRNo12 and the temperature is rising. Robin Gemperle (001) still leads the field, but Nicolas Châtelet (126) is refusing to let the elastic snap. Race Reporter Jake Thorpe finds out how Nicolas is approaching the final stages of the race.Control Team 2 is left chasing shadows as the pace also climbs in the FLINTA category. Race Reporter Sophie Potter catches third-placed Lea Hamberger (404) outside a roadside petrol station, remarkably ahead of schedule. We also hear from Josh Ibbett (101) after a bee sting landed him in hospital, while Elise Sauvinet (303) celebrates her birthday with the team at CP2.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 7 27.07.2026 30min

Day 7 of TCRNo12 sees the race enter a decisive new phase. Robin Gemperle (001) carries his lead into the Balkans, but with Nicolas Châtelet (126) closing in, the pressure is mounting.Control Team 2 catches riders before they embark on the climbs of Parcours 2a, stops for ice cream in Žulová, and hears from FLINTA riders about the unique challenges of racing the TCR. Plus, Martin Carlsson (091) reflects on route planning, while Katharina Wirth (099) finds strength from within.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 6 26.07.2026 40min

Day 6 of TCRNo12 dawns. After the flatlands of Poland, the grimpeurs are glad to find the road rising toward CP2, where the race enters the pine-clad mountains of Czechia and Slovakia. At CP2, John from Albion Cycling greets the front of the field, sharing his perspective on how riders are coping with the demands of Parcours 2b. Jos Koop (063), arriving in fifth joins Race Reporter Jake Thorpe to reflect on the muddy gradients himself.Elsewhere, as both tired minds and rattled bikes begin to chatter, Race Reporter Sophie Potter finds Maxime Prieur (164) continuing his gastronomic tour de force. In the FLINTA category, the racing ramps up, with Anna Carlqvist (223) in determined pursuit of the leaders revealing some bizarre fueling choices of her own.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 5 25.07.2026 39min

On the fifth day, the first riders are nearing CP2, tucked into the forested peaks of Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains. In this episode, we hear from Robert Müller (037) as he rattles along the challenging terrain of Parcours 2a, Katharina Wirth (199) as she lines up all her ducks, and Robin Gemperle (001) as he slithers under a banned road.Mid-pack riders continue to stream across the Baltic Sea into mainland Europe, embracing the rare luxury of an enforced pause aboard the ferry to reset body and bike. Race Reporter Sophie Potter finds out who is still holding to their schedule.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 4 24.07.2026 35min

It's Day 4 of TCRNo12, and another day of racing against the dock as riders sprint to catch the Baltic ferries bound for Poland and the next chapter of their journey across Europe.In this episode, Race Reporter Jake Thorpe hops aboard the Tom Sawyer to catch up with a host of riders, including bursary rider Wojciech Wronka (095), who has had an impressive start to the race. Further back, the field balances the relentless rhythms of ultra-racing with much-needed rest and resupply, rolling from Norway into Sweden.At the front, Robin Gemperle (001) continues to tighten his grip on the lead, darting toward the rugged climbs of Parcours 2.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 3 23.07.2026 43min

It’s day 3 of TCRNo12, and the race is beginning to reveal itself. As CP1 creeps towards closure, every kilometre carries extra weight for tiring minds and aching bodies. In this episode, we hear from riders on both sides of that fine margin where grit, fatigue and the clock converge.Further along the route, riders reach Sweden on the Horten–Moss ferry, breaking into a new country for the first time since the Trondheim-start 3 days ago. Among them is Sarah Bosslet (120), new leader of the FLINTA category.We also catch up with the action from the very front of the race, as Race Leader Robin Gemperle (001) makes land in Poland.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 2 22.07.2026 46min

It’s day two on TCRNo12. Race leader, Robin Gemperle (001) and his relentless pack of chasers have vanished through CP1 and into the night, leaving the rest of the field to grind their way across Parcours 1a and 1b. Out on the trail, the spectrum of emotions match the vastness of the landscapes. In this episode, we hear about the simple pleasures that keep the pedals turning, while Race Reporter Sophie Potter takes a closer look at the role sleep and power naps can play, as many riders continue to push hard through the night. In the FLINTA category there’s unexpected breaking news which blows the contest wide open. Tune in to sample all the raw energy and strategy from the road as the racing advances ever southward.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Day 1 21.07.2026 43min

It’s Day 1 of TCRNo12, and riders are emerging from a frigid first night on the road. As the morning sun brings welcome warmth, thawing bones and bivvy bags, we hear how riders have fared. Race Director David Ayre shares his first impressions in these early stages of the race, while Race Coordinator Hannah Larbalestier brings Parcours 1a and 1b to life. We dive into the challenges of self-supported racing as riders struggle to resupply, and get a progress update from frontrunners in the FLINTA category.At the front of the race, Robin Gemperle (001) is the first to roll into CP1. With a tight pack of chasers keen to catch him, thoughts are already shifting to the critical ferry crossing ahead. We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.

TCRNo12 // Registration Day 20.07.2026 41min

It’s Registration Day at TCRNo12. The sun is shining as riders arrive at the Rosenborghallen in Trondheim for registration ahead of the grand depart. In this episode, anticipation builds as we hear from seasoned TCR veterans like Christoph Strasser (005), lining up for his fifth start, and first-time riders such as Susi Pariasek (242), who arrives after a winter of focused preparation. Race reporter Jake Thorpe catches up with Jana Kesenheimer (010), the fastest woman in each of the last two editions of TCR, to reflect on the significance of the new FLINTA category, which has attracted 45 participants. We hear from riders across the field about the motivations that brought them to the start line and their expectations for the challenge ahead. Some are chasing the podium. Some are pursuing a lifelong dream. Others simply want to discover what they're capable of. All of them will roll out of Trondheim on the same extraordinary journey.We invite you to follow along with our race coverage through this daily podcast, our daily race reports, and on TCR Instagram.TCRNo12 tracking and race reports here: https://www.lostdot.cc/tcrHosted and produced by Iain Broome.