Christoph Strasser attacks at the Transcontinental Race!
So, are you ready for a little goosebumps? Our Styrian ultra-cycling hero Christoph Strasser, the 43-year-old exceptional athlete from Kraubath, will be starting again on July 19 at the legendary Transcontinental Race! And this time it will be particularly exciting, as the starting signal will be given for the first time in Trondheim, Norway.
Imagine this: 4,800 kilometers and an incredible 50,000 meters of elevation gain across Europe! That’s more than just a leisurely round on the Murradweg, right? For Christoph, this is already his fifth participation in this probably most popular unsupported bike race in the world. And his record is truly impressive: In his four previous starts, he has won twice, finished second once, and fifth once. He has already won the north-south crossing of Europe twice – respect!
This year, the epic journey goes from cool Trondheim to sunny Kalamata in Greece. In between, there are countries like the Czech Republic, the impressive Tatra Mountains, Sarajevo, and Albania. This is not just a sporting achievement but also a logistical masterpiece, as in the Transcontinental Race you are completely on your own. No support vehicles, no helpers to change a tire or hand you supplies.
Christoph has aptly put it: “Unlike the Race Across America, here you have to solve every problem on your own – whether it’s a breakdown, navigation, or physical difficulties. You can’t possibly prepare for everything, so improvisation is a crucial factor.” You really have to be quite skilled to keep your nerves intact!
Nevertheless, Christoph is highly motivated: “My goal is to be prepared enough to compete for the victory until the end. I currently feel better than last year. However, the Transcontinental Race is hardly predictable – anything can happen on the way.” This shows how unpredictable such a race can be, even for an experienced veteran like him.
Besides the physical strains, strategic decisions also play a huge role. Just think of the ferry connections in southern Norway – the right choice can determine victory or defeat! And then there’s the weather: from wintry snow in Norway to the sweltering heat of Southeastern Europe, everything is included. It’s better not to pack just the short cycling shorts!
For nutrition, Christoph is taking two kilograms of carbohydrate powder and plans to sleep about three hours per night in accommodations. That’s not much, but for ultra-cyclists, that’s already luxury!
The competition is, of course, not sleeping either. Among others, last year's winner Robin Gemperle and his rival Robert Müller are participating. This promises an exciting race at the world’s top of ultra-cycling!
We are cheering for Christoph from Graz! When you’re back on your bike climbing the Styrian hills, think of Christoph and his incredible achievement. That’s sure to motivate you even more, right?
Stay in the saddle and follow Christoph’s adventure!
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