Location: Antalya, Türkiye
Distance: 1,460 km
Format: Fixed Route • Unsupported • Single Stage
Terrain: Primarily off-road – gravel, doubletrack, old livestock routes, minimal tarmac
Event Description
The Taurus Mountain Race is an ultra-distance bikepacking race set in one of the wildest mountain environments in Türkiye. It is a demanding journey through the legendary Taurus mountain range, where riders encounter everything from lush forests and towering rocky peaks to barren desert plateaus and remote highland communities. Beautiful, brutal, and utterly unforgettable, this race pushes riders into landscapes where resilience matters as much as strength.
This is a fixed-route, unsupported, single-stage race. Once the clock starts, it never stops. No outside assistance. No shortcuts. Just you, your bike, and a route that winds roughly 1,460 km through some of the most rugged terrain in the country. The course follows gravel, dirt tracks, singletrack, doubletrack, shepherd routes and ancient pathways rarely travelled outside local life. Resupply can be extremely limited; sections may require walking or carrying the bike. Safety and smart decision-making are as important as speed.
Although competitive in nature, the Taurus Mountain Race is about far more than podiums. It is about personal judgment, mountain awareness, and self-reliance in an environment that can be both spectacular and harsh. Riders must be capable of managing themselves when fatigued, exposed, and operating near their limits. Prior experience in multi-day, remote off-road riding is strongly recommended. An application process ensures riders are prepared to make safe decisions in the mountains.
The race begins in Antalya, climbing into the dramatic heart of the Taurus Mountains before looping deep through remote interior landscapes. From there, the route pushes riders onward toward the Mediterranean, finishing west of Mersin — carrying with it days of effort, silence, landscapes, and moments that stay long after the race is over. Along the way, riders experience not only the raw scale of Türkiye’s nature, but also the genuine warmth and hospitality of the people who live in these mountains.
The Taurus Mountain Race is not just another ultracycling challenge. It is a test of endurance, judgment, survival skills, and emotional grit — a rare opportunity to ride through a region where modern cycling meets ancient geography.
Taurus Mountain Race — remote, relentless, and deeply rewarding. A journey you will carry for a lifetime.
