Transcontinental Race Organizers Introduce ‘The Accursed Race’, A No-Fly Challenge for a Greener Earth

In the world of endurance cycling, a new revolution is underway, and it’s all about sustainability. Enter “The Accursed Race,” a groundbreaking event initiated by Lost Dot, the minds behind the renowned Transcontinental Race (TCR).

This audacious challenge comes with a bold twist—participants cannot take to the skies to reach or return from the event. The Accursed Race demands a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of cycling events. A study by Lost Dot revealed that a significant portion of their carbon emissions originated from rider travel via aviation. The solution? Go green by adopting a “no-fly” policy.

Pedaling for the Planet: A ‘No-Fly’ Challenge

Lost Dot, the driving force behind the Trans Pyrenees, is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of endurance cycling. Recently, they unveiled their latest creation At Rouleur Live 2023; The Accursed Race. What sets this event apart is its bold ‘no-fly’ policy. Every participant, without exception, should reach the race starting point and return home without resorting to air travel.

It’s a daring move aimed squarely at reducing the environmental impact of cycling events. Previously, similar events were dominated by aviation-related emissions in the organization’s own carbon footprint report.

To address the environmental challenge, Lost Dot had previously introduced ‘green’ leaderboards. They awarded points to TCR riders who chose not to fly to the event and initiated a Low-Carbon Travel Fund to support riders opting for flight-free travel. This proactive approach yielded results, with a significant rise in flight-free participants from 18% in 2022 to 33% in 2023. This shift in rider behavior also provided the much-needed confidence for Lost Dot to introduce The Accursed Race.

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The core of The Accursed Race lies in its strict ‘no-fly’ rule. All participants must reach and depart from the event location exclusively through land or sea travel. This requirement, while undoubtedly eco-conscious, also presents logistical and financial hurdles. This is particularly true for cyclists residing far from the starting point. To alleviate these challenges, Lost Dot also offers comprehensive guidance and advice to help riders make their way to the race.

Challenges and Triumphs of ‘The Accursed Race’

The event itself is an epic adventure. It spans a fixed 1,600-kilometer off-road route through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. Just like its sibling race, the TCR, The Accursed Race is also a self-supported journey. It also consists of a demanding climb of 37,000 meters, pushing participants to their limits.

The organizer’s confidence in riders supporting and adapting to these eco-conscious principles is extremely evident. They also believe that growing awareness of the climate crisis will inspire more cyclists to embrace overland travel.

As global awareness of the climate crisis continues to rise, The Accursed Race also exemplifies a step towards more sustainable cycling events. Andrew Philips, the race director, firmly believes that cyclists are increasingly inclined to participate in events they can reach without relying on air travel. He stated, “We want to show the community, and the wider industry, that this is what sustainable bike racing can look like.”

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