The Race
Compete against competitors from all over the world. Join a select few who can say they have raced 88 stages from Istanbul to Beijing. Take time out in between to enjoy the variety of culture and scenery the race will take you through.
About the Race
Silk Route will be an 88-stage race broken up by 21 rest days and a day of travel across the Caspian Sea for a total of 110 days. The overall winner will be the cyclists with the lowest accumulated time. The stages will be an average of 111 km (69 miles) each - the stages may occasionally be in the form of a time trial. The race is broken into seven sections and section Champions will also be named.
Our unique race requires a new approach to racing. To compete for well over 80 stages it is necessary to re-learn the term “pacing yourself.” Maintenance of not only body and equipment, but also of mind becomes extremely important.
During the Tour official race results are posted to the website while the race is ongoing.
Race Structure
Daily route, distance, start times, and other details of the stages are not definite and can be changed on short notice by the Race Director or Tour Director if it becomes necessary.
Some Stages include non-race portions which could be in the form of a police escort or a convoy through cities. For Racers, only the race portion will be recorded and counted in the overall standings.
It is important to note that the race is not on a closed circuit. All riders must obey the local traffic regulations at all times.
Full race rules will be made available to registered riders.
Preparing for the Race
For those planning to participate, you need to start thinking about:
- how to train
- what type of bike to use
- what other gear and spare parts are required
- how to mentally prepare
For help with all these things, please feel free to call or email our office and speak to one of our staff or get in touch with a former racer.
Rewards
Cyclists will also be recognized in the following categories:
- Top 3 men and women - full Tour
- Men and women Section champions for all 7 Sections
- Men and women Stage Winners
- All men and women EFIers (those who cycle every inch from Istanbul to Beijing)
- All participants will also be recognized at the awards dinner with jerseys and medals
