Kalamata serves as finish line for Transcontinental Race ultra-distance cycling event

The 12th edition of the Transcontinental Race, a self‑supported ultra‑distance cycling competition organized by Lost Dot, began on 19 July 2026 in Tromsø, Norway. Around 424‑438 riders set off to cover roughly 4,000‑5,000 km across Europe, passing mandatory checkpoints in Norway, the Czech‑Slovak border, Bosnia‑Herzegovina and Albania before the final leg through Ancient Olympia to the Greek city of Kalamata.

Swiss rider Robin Gemperle arrived first in Kalamata, completing the race in 10 days, 8 hours and 55 minutes and securing his second Transcontinental Race victory. The finish window remains open until 8 August, with organizers estimating that 150‑200 participants will reach the endpoint within the time limit. Local officials highlighted the event’s potential to showcase Kalamata to an international audience and boost tourism.

The race’s format requires riders to be entirely self‑supported, planning their own routes without external assistance, and the event continues to attract hundreds of cyclists from around the world.