Crossings, we humans feel a compulsion towards them. From the crossing of the Bearing Strait to the Oregon Trail, we've had this intrinsic need to move from one side to the other. The harder the better. For whatever reason, these crossings we undertake are never easy, they're often fraught with risk and danger. But we still do it.
The Transcontinental race taps into this. There are easier, safer, faster ways to get from Santiago de Compostela to the Black Sea. A quick search even tells me I could do the journey by plane in about 12 hours, instead of 12 days.
So why, why do athletes like Cynthia keep coming back to do these events? From the outside, it's tough to say. Maybe even for them as well. Part of it for Cynthia was a dream of crossing Europe, something she's dreamed of doing ever since studying abroad in university.
Bike Check
Cynthia's custom built Strada Italia Project X with a 1x mullet setup. Perhaps an unconventional setup for the road, but with the distance, the elevation and the loaded Tailfin setup, it makes perfect sense.
- Frame: Strada Italia Project X
- Drivetrain: SRAM Red/Force - XX|SL Mullet (42T chainring - 10-52 cassette)
- Tires: Schwalbe Pro One 34mm
- Luggage: Tailfin R&D Bags
In such a long race like the TCR, it's unlikely that you'll be riding on only pristine tarmac, and this is where The Strada Italia really shines. The Strada Italia was designed to be its most aerodynamic with 30-35mm AM road tires. It's a combination of aerodynamics and comfort that few other bikes can match. And it's perfect for endurance road events where you need to go fast over the long haul.
The Race
The Transcontinental Race is a self-supported adventure across Europe, taking a slightly different route each year. This year the race began in Northwestern Spain before tracing its way across the Pyrenees, cutting through northern Italy and heading down to the famous Strade Bianche near Sienna.
From there it's a race to the ferry and across the Adriatic to Albania, through Bulgaria and ultimately to the Black Sea in Constanta, Romania.
Riders choose their own route, but each checkpoint has a specified parcours that must be followed as the riders check in.
So how did it all shake out?
From the start, it was clear there were 3 favourites in the women's race. Cynthia, Lael Wilcox and the returning winner Jana Kesenheimer.
It was a race to remember for the dot watchers among us. A scintillating duel was underway between Cynthia and Jana. Through the first 4 chekpoints the gaps surged and subsided as the riders raced across to the ferry.
With both riders rolling onto the shores of Albania together, the scene was set for the push to the Black Sea.
As the race cut through the Balkans, the hunter became the hunted as Cynthia made the pass, taking the lead by about 40km. Cynthia's time at the head of the pack was shorter than hoped. With her 5th or 6th flat tire of the race ( check out her bus station flat clinic) and full night of riding in the legs, the catch was made with just a short chunk of riding left before the final checkpoint.
After 12 days 7 hours and 33 minutes, Cynthia pulled in the finish on the Black Sea, arriving 11th overall and second fastest in the women's category. In a fast field like the one showcased this year, it's an accomplishment that we hope she's immensely proud of.
The Stats
- 4673 KM ridden
- 63,659m climbed
- 4 tubes used
- McDonalds McFishes >10
- Oreos consumed .... in the thousands
Learn More about Cynthia's Bike
Curious to learn more about the Strada Italia? Head over to the Strada Page for available builds and frameset options. Looking for a deep dive into the aerodynamics of the Strada Italia? Head over to that blog post where we dig into the fastest wheel and tire combos.
