Races
Epic Bicycle Races Across Three Continents
The inaugural Tour d'Afrique Race in 2003 broke several barriers. Not only did the original group of cyclists pedal the entire distance from Cairo to Cape Town, establishing a Guinness World Record for the fastest human powered crossing of Africa, but it was the longest cycling race ever; longest in distance, in number of days, and in amount of elevation gained. No wonder that Peak100 - the World's 100 Toughest Races - rates the Tour d'Afrique as the Second Toughest Race in the World!
Since then we have developed two more transcontinental stage races, across Asia and South America. Each of these events is designed to provide competitors with an incredible challenge, no matter what their fitness level or cycling experience, that tests the limits of their mental and physical endurance. In return, racers are rewarded with a wonderful sense of camaraderie, a unique travel experience, and an incomparable feeling of accomplishment.
These unparalleled competitions require a new approach to racing. To ride competitively for as long as four months it is necessary to re-learn the term "pacing oneself." Maintenance of not only body and equipment, but also of mind becomes extremely important.
Read more about training to ride and race.
On most stages the race runs from camp to camp. Some days the racers will stay as a peloton until a sprint finish, while on the roughest days it's often every man and woman for themselves. Some days the pace is fast and furious, while on others the racers may agree to take it easy, especially if the scenery is breathtaking, or in extreme weather conditions. Every day is different, and it is up to each rider to determine how hard they want to race, which stages and sections they wish to try and win, and when their body and mind are telling them it's time to slow down and recover.
Our races have utilized stop watches in some years and the honor system in others to determine and record racer times. We are pleased to announce that, beginning in 2010, TimePilot Inc. will be the official timekeeper of Tour d'Afrique Ltd., and its rugged state of the art product, the TimePilot Extreme, will be used to track rider times on all of our races.
Today most of our clients are expedition riders, who cycle at their own pace, stop to enjoy a spiced tea, and immerse themselves in the local cultures. But if racing turns you on, then our daily stages, time trials, and awards for top finishers will give you an ultra-distance thrill.
For more information on each of our races, please click on the links below:
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Tour d'Afrique »
Our flagship epic journey and race through the heart of Africa on roads less traveled. Covering 11,700 km (7,300 miles) in four months, the Tour d'Afrique race will test your mind, body, and bike like never before. -
Silk Route »
Chase your spirit and fellow racers across Asia on the ancient silk trade route from Istanbul to China. Like Marco Polo, General Zhang Qian and Genghis Khan before, you will depend on muscle and will, body and soul. -
Vuelta Sudamericana »
Our newest and most extreme race explores the diversity of South America by bike. If roads of every surface imaginable, big changes in altitude, and spectacular scenery turn you on, the Vuelta will be your ride of a lifetime.
Currently on Stage 21 of Tour d'Afrique 2012
Riders rejoiced at the return to pavement just after the start of this 1/2 day race to lunch. Claar had a very impressive time cruising with the race leaders. By days end everyone was in Ethiopia enjoying their first beers in 2 weeks.
Latest Results
| Rank | Flag | Plate | Name | Time |
| 1 |  |
#125 | Rudiger Muller | 1:45.00 |
| 2 | |
#136 | Raffael Schrof | 1:56.00 |
| 3 |  |
#141 | Bryce Walsh | 1:56.00 |
| 4 |  |
#135 | Christian Sailer | 1:56.00 |
| 5 |  |
#306 | Claar Schouwenaar | 1:57.00 |
| 6 | |
#108 | Norbert Christ | 2:04.00 |
| 7 |  |
#122 | Adam Lister | 2:05.00 |
| 8 |  |
#303 | Zoe Balmforth | 2:13.00 |
| 9 | |
#134 | Robert Rowley | 2:20.00 |
| 10 |  |
#115 | Allan Emerton | 2:25.00 |
| 11 |  |
#107 | Alaric Britz | 2:26.00 |
| 12 | |
#139 | Miguel Teixeira | 2:33.00 |
| 13 | |
#124 | Jurgen Meijer | 2:38.00 |
| 14 | |
#143 | Andrew Younghusband | 2:40.00 |
| 15 |  |
#110 | Jonathan Cowan | 2:40.00 |
| 16 | |
#131 | Gizele Price | 2:45.00 |
| 17 | |
#307 | Paul ten Brummelhuis | 2:56.00 |
| 18 | |
#133 | Nola Reynolds | 2:56.00 |
| 19 | |
#138 | Steve Smith | 2:59.00 |
| 20 | |
#121 | Lisa Kingsley-Correia | 3:02.00 |
| 21 | |
#109 | Beverley Coburn | 3:03.00 |
| 22 | |
#102 | Gennesse Beadman | 3:22.00 |
| 23 | |
#111 | Jennifer Davenport | 3:23.00 |
| 24 | |
#105 | Esther Borg | 3:23.00 |
| 25 |  |
#132 | Marita Reilly | 3:23.00 |
| 26 | |
#127 | Femke Nelissen | 3:23.00 |
| 27 |  |
#305 | Paul Fritsvold | 3:23.00 |
| 28 | |
#129 | Marianne Phillips | 3:54.00 |
| 29 | |
#103 | Holly Beetham | 4:06.00 |
| 30 | |
#104 | Shona Bell | 12:00.00 |
| 31 | |
#142 | Carla White | 12:00.00 |
See all results
