100 TCR Women

The Transcontinental Race's ambitious campaign for #100TCRWomen

At next year’s TCR, we aim to have 100 women on the start line, more than doubling the largest women’s field in the race’s history.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response from our community following the launch of #100TCRWomen last Friday. Applications are now open for women riders and we’re excited to share more about this ambitious project and the many ways you can get involved.

TCRNo7 winner Fiona Kolbinger summed up how excited we are to work towards this ambitious goal:

“Everybody can push boundaries, be it your own or those societally perceived - but we are yet to see full representation of the breadth of genders, ages, ethnicities, sociocultural and educational backgrounds in ultra-distance bike racing.

In 2025, I want to see 100 women at the start line of the Transcontinental Race showing the world that fun and freedom, adventure and ambition are for all. I am certain that #100TCRWomen will move boundaries of what we think is possible in our sport and will make a lasting impact beyond the ultra-distance cycling community."

// From 1 to 100: over a decade of progress 

In the first edition of the TCR, held in 2013, only one woman lined up on Westminster Bridge in London to race to Istanbul, Türkiye. The landmark 10th edition of the Transcontinental in July 2024 saw the largest women’s field to date, with 41 women lining up in the Roubaix Velodrome to start a journey from northern France to Istanbul. Out of 328 riders in total, women’s representation was 12.5%. After over a decade of the Transcontinental Race, we strive to more than double that number.

“Our goal with this campaign is to spark excitement and inspire all the women who’ve ever thought, ‘One year, I want to race the TCR,’” says TCRNo11 Race Coordinator, Hannah Larbalestier. “We want to build a collective vote of confidence that empowers them to make TCRNo11 that year.”

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// Learning from the greats: a programme of community events 

#100TCRWomen is more than a campaign—it’s a movement to empower and amplify women in ultra-distance cycling. Awareness matters, but as a race organiser, we’re committed to going further. Our mission is to not only inspire women to line up for #TCRNo11 but also equip them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in completing the challenge.

We’re collaborating with grassroots organisations, cycling clubs, and Race Partners to ensure our message reaches all women, especially those who might otherwise feel this race isn’t for them. 

// What’s Happening as Part of #100TCRWomen?

Here’s how we’re building a supportive community:

• Opening women’s applications early from 2nd December 2024 until 31st December 2024
• A series of online workshops kicking off with:
  • Women's only Q&A on 09.11.24 at 1900GMT: Join Race Coordinator Hannah Larbalestier, TCRNo7 winner Fiona Kolbinger, TCRNo10 fastest woman Jana Kesenheimer, and TCRNo10 General Classification Finisher Heike Otten for a women's only Q&A Hit the link to register.‍
• ‍WhatsApp Community Chats: A range of moderated groups to connect, learn, and share experiences in a safe and non-judgemental space‍
  • Mindset & Mental Health hosted by Dr. Josephine Perry‍
  • Gear & Kit Tips hosted by Rhiannon and Ruby from Albion‍
  • Safety Chat 
  • TCR First-Timers

Email tcr@lostdot.cc for the link to join the Whatsapp Community.

// Our Commitment to Representation

We want our #100TCRWomen riders to reflect the diversity of women who explore the world on two wheels. This includes ensuring that women from Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities feel welcome and supported.

To help reduce intersectional barriers around economic status, riders participating in #100TCRWomen who meet the criteria (Maximum annual gross income of €19,000 / £16,700) can apply for the Mike Hall Bursary, which provides coaching, mentorship, and financial support.

* This campaign welcomes participation from across the wide range of FLINTA gender identities. FLINTA is a German acronym that refers to people who are not cis men, and stands for: Frauen: Women, Lesben: Lesbians, Intergeschlechtliche: Intersex, Nichtbinäre: Non-binary, Trans: Trans, and Agender: Agender

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