The Accursed Race Preview

The Race Is On!

Justinas Leveika

Christophe Dijkmans

Christian Dupraz

Pierre Bischoff

Andy Dodd

Daniel Perotti

Florian Büchele

Martin Hilgers

Martin Novak

Alain Rumpf

Frieder Backu

Urs Mannhart

Elias Backmund

Joss Ridley

Spike Morris

Markku Leppälä

James Van der Hoorn

Francois Bruyere

Andrew Hatton

Joep van Luijt

Oliver Neumann

Michael Fidorra

Alastair Clifford

Arnold Gutsche

Jose Quintero

Michael Niven

Marin de Saint-Exupéry

Jackie Prosser

Pavel Krajčík

Hans-Rudolf Nyfeler

Robert Michal

Eric Kampherbeek

Adrien Guilmin

Annie Dunlap

Hannah Vet

As with the first edition of TARNo1, the Lost Dot team have committed to making TARNo2 a no fly race, with riders having to commute to the start in Shkodër, Albania. You can hear Andrew Phillips, one of Lost Dot's Race organisers discussing this more on the Dot Comms Podcast:

[https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2fas1dPHWeAi7I5FhJFCBb?utm_source=generator](https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2fas1dPHWeAi7I5FhJFCBb?utm_source=generator)

Whilst this may seem as not quite the start of the race, often riders opt to converge via cycle touring, almost beginning a race within a race. 

But tonight, at 5:30pm CEST, in association with the local Traveler Hostel and Shokdra MTB, the team has organised a critical mass to set off. Here, locals, tourists and cycling fanatics alike will be able to gather together and celebrate the touring and racing scene in the Balkans.

![Screenshot 2025-05-12 at 16.43.33](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/10khre7cBNDCa632JATX6g/9e7ae9e962dc9fdadf9dac7d62824bcd/Screenshot_2025-05-12_at_16.43.33.png)
## The Route

The Lost Dot team have created a neat Ride With GPS route collection to keep you entertained for hours [here](https://ridewithgps.com/collections/3706330).

The route spans 1600km with a mammoth 37000m of climbing through the Balkans. The route takes in Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. There'll be mountainous terrain, gravel tracks and extremely remote sections. Riders won't just be expected to be able to press a button on their bike computer, navigation skills are a must on this remote, fixed route race. 

With a couple of slight adjustments from 2024, this new route still takes in the breathtaking glory that the Balkans has to offer: old military roads, mountain ranges and plenty of hot sun.

![Justinas People-s Choice Awards](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6oQoTf4JnE0N0mxhRI0Z3v/57d9ff395c599654dc15f12cbe07360f/Justinas_People-s_Choice_Awards.png)

## Riders to Watch
This year, there are 40 riders lining up for the 9am start in Shkodër. Justinas Leveika will be taking to the startline after completing the USA's Triple Crown FKT last year.

Marin de Saint-Exupéry sadly has developed an illness and will no longer be able to compete. That means Christophe Dijkmans may be the one snapping at Justinas' heels this year.  Christophe is definitely one for sustainable travel, making his way to the UK for GBDURO22 when the no fly rule first came into place.

Returning competitors such as Andrew Hatton and Florian Büchele aim to complete the race after previous attempts.

First and foremost, make sure you're up to date with the official blog from TARNo2 provided by Lost Dot [here](https://www.lostdot.cc/blog/tarno2-13th-may-off-you-go).

## What has been going on?

Christophe Dijkmans and Justinas Leveika set off at a belting pace from Shkoder, with a long flat paved section to greet them out. They were riding similar techniques (no stopping, fast pace) until Dijkmans stopped for 4 hours at 267km for a presumable bivvy. In this time, Pierre Bischoff (pictured), managed to pip him into 2nd place. This has left a proper struggle in the chase for Justinas.

## Women's Pair

Excitingly, this year, there is a women's pair racing. Annie Dunlap and Hannah Vet are the only pair out on the road, or should we say trail, meaning if they go for the finish it is a guaranteed win! Annie and Hannah are both in the military, Annie having completed the SRMR last year. To up the ante Annie is riding on a Single Speed. 

Sadly, Jackie Prosser, the only woman in the race is an early DNF. We wish her the best and hope she has a speedy recovery!

![Screenshot 2025-05-14 at 17.18.05](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2DNHMnxBWLqTwbGrqEr4EW/087044095e994689f36fb45c4dbfda34/Screenshot_2025-05-14_at_17.18.05.png)
## Andy Dodd

Friend of DotWatcher Andy Dodd, who provided the photos for the 2024 Dales Divide, documented his green journey to the beginning of The Accursed Race. Make sure you take a look at his [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/andyd0dd/) to see what it takes to get to the start of a no-fly race mostly under your own steam.

Firstly, please make sure you're taking a look at Lost Dot's [official recaps of TARNo2](https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno2)

## Justinas' Progress

Whilst the Accursed Race continues to tick on, we've got some updates to go through before Justinas' (hopeful) storming win. He is currently only 238km from the finish on this incredibly challenging route.

Despite this strong progress on the tracking map it hasn't been without issue. Justinas collided with a vehicle on the 15th, he was only shaken and bruised and after having a sandwich and assessing the damage he decided to press on.  

After this, Justinas broke his phone, has been unable to set alarms, check on the dots which has made it difficult for him to continue with normal race tactics and plans. To combat this, Justinas pushed on to CP2 and remained there for an extended time. We hope he can sort it out or at least push for a finish still!

We hope the bad luck is out of the way for Justinas and that he continues to increase his mammoth gap.

![Screenshot 2025-05-17 at 22.30.49](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/41rw8fDiyQWYBqWgbbDZLp/8fa187aa131fd22dcb22caa83d8c8c55/Screenshot_2025-05-17_at_22.30.49.png)
## Women's Pair

Sadly,  Annnie and Hannah have finished their ride early, smashing a mammoth 450km of the Accursed Race route, meaning there are no more women out on the course for 2025.

![Screenshot 2025-05-17 at 22.35.46](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5efst2e9JkznGlbONHslp9/a9ed113ab8d456813516a122d628889c/Screenshot_2025-05-17_at_22.35.46.png)
## Andy's Updates - the Conditions
Andy is currently in 5th and has sent through an update on the route:

"The weather has obviously had a major impact on this section of the race - last night the pass was totally clear but at least 6inches of snow has fallen unfortunately slowing the progress of us that got caught in it." 

He then went on to explain:

"After reaching CP1 refuelling and resting for a few hours, I departed to tackle the next snow section - this one deeper but far easier going overall. Now onto the road pass into Kosovo and hopefully not much more snow! I hope everyone manages to stay safe, it was real winter conditions. Easily -5c overnight."

![Screenshot 2025-05-17 at 22.35.35](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3XVzv4FpMTXmPbKoLQqP2l/a39ec15d9e367bbaefc20feb1a77c160/Screenshot_2025-05-17_at_22.35.35.png)

## The Field

Christophe Dijkmans is in second, having just left CP2, with only two CPs on the route there is little official refuge for the riders. So, you'll see quite long stopping periods as the riders recoup, recharge (everything) and take stock. 

![Screenshot 2025-05-17 at 22.38.58](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4y03CwffOjMx3AXZTGZteN/41a27d689ebda4c5a678c5eebe6cc6cc/Screenshot_2025-05-17_at_22.38.58.png)

Pierre Bischof has been posting some slightly sunnier views, with horses running and streams flowing. He's currently in third having ridden in the chase group for a reasonable amount of time.

Christian Dupraz is in 4th, he has opted to use a Poncho as his weather defence! As can be seen on the [Accursed Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/theaccursedrace/) page, he has had his cape flowing around him! This makes him seem more at home on the streets of Amsterdam but it is obviously working for him.

Snow on Tops and Justinas' Progress Report

Check out Lost Dot's [official recaps of TARNo2](https://www.lostdot.cc/race/tarno2) for more information.

## Justinas Wins TAR#2 

Justinas managed to lift the curse, consisting a motor vehicle collision, disc calliper issues, a broken phone, freezing conditions and heavy rain, to come out on top!

The Lithuanian rider arrived back at the finish line in Shkoder, Albania having covered the gruelling 1600km, 37000m course in just 5 days, 13 hours and 45 minutes. After damaging his phone and having no alarm clock, Justinas is reported to have not slept much, but then again, does he ever! He also rode 'blind', unable to see his proximity to other riders in the field. On the finish line Justinas was asked how far away he thought 2nd place rider Chistophe Dijkmans was. He replied, stating that he thought he had seen lights just behind him! At that time, Cap #14 was predicted to finish roughly eight hours behind him.

## Christophe Arrives 2nd 

Christophe took second place in a time of 6 days, 1 hour and 35 minutes, approx. 12 hours later, with some reports that he too had had alarm clock issues! Christophe was in second position early on in the race, behind Justinas' lead. However, he was soon overtaken by Cap #32 Pierre Bischoff. After reaching CP1 Christophe then managed to regain his second spot position, near the town of`Rozaje. Montenegro, at around the 875km mark. It was then neck and neck between the pair until Kukes, Albania, where Christophe improved his margin considerably. However, Justinas was too far away to catch, with a lead of approximately 175km. At time of writing Cap #32 is 165km from the race finish.

## CP1 now Closed

Michael Fidorra, Cap #29 was the last rider through CP1 in Berane, Montenegro, making the cut off time, as well as being this year's Lantern Rouge.

Justinas Breaks the Curse!

As the finishers roll in, there are still 17 active racers out on the course. A tough ol' battle has ensued for the remaining riders, with varying microclimates catching them as they progress towards Shkoder. We'll have an update from 5th place Andy Dodd explaining more about this later. There'll be snowy stories, diversions for broken hubs and more!

![IMG 1697](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6BbXL1uebAwZmZpNWEixRe/220c77be16b2d719160f4e190344af31/IMG_1697.png)

Pierre Bischoff finished in 4th place ahead of Andy, after a complete tyre failure led him to have to stuff his tyre full of clothes to continue, in moment of great ingenuity. Due to Pierre's tyre failure, Christian Dupraz was able to sneak through claiming third, behind Christophe Dijkman's second place.

Daniel Perroti came in just before his birthday, with a crowd cheering for him in 6th place. A well deserved push to bring in the new era!


The Finishers Are Rolling In

After too many hike-a-bikes to mention, rider Francois Bruyere (Cap #18) was the last rider to make it back to Shkoder before the final race cut-off time at 23:59 CEST on Friday. Also making the cut-off were riders Markku Leppälä (Cap #26) and James Van der Hoorn (Cap #22), arriving earlier that evening. James and Francois appeared to have leap frogged each other over the last 250km. Let's hope they have some energy left to celebrate their achievements!![TAR2025 ML Hiking](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5LQtcDVOe8N7jThusgXIb1/1979fe418d5d736db1f8e561e99567ef/IMG_1284.png)*Photo credit: [Markku Leppala](https://www.instagram.com/markkuleppala/)*

Still out on the course are Thorsten Brönner (Cap #35) and Andrew Hatton (Cap #4), with 120km to go they should reach the finish line sometime today.![TAR2025 ML Weather](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2kpWfiG61SYEmeHX4GLV8R/d605ee80965dbcd4915bf6e7f29aaabd/IMG_1272.png)*Photo credit: [Markku Leppala](https://www.instagram.com/markkuleppala/)*

The course and weather conditions look tough, to say the least. We already reported about the snow up on the higher passes, but the riders have also had to contend with significant rainfall too, making river crossings dangerous and resulting in large sections of peanut butter mud on the course. Brake pads have been destroyed, phones have stopped working and there have been many a sketchy descent, with a few crashes. Finding shelter and sleeping out has also been challenging for the riders. And of course, a trip through Eastern Europe wouldn't be complete without a dog chase or two, thrown into the mix!![TAR2025 JR Peanut Butter Mud](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/25XjlXPGV4hQEcORfEafnh/8deff2d2b138a69387bf608cbfdde060/IMG_1267.png)*Photo credit: [Ross Ridley](https://www.instagram.com/jossridley/)*

To actually mention those hike-a-bikes.... Joss Ridley (Cap #25) and Markku Leppälä (Cap #26) kept stellar IG diaries documenting their 'walking holiday', through the stunning scenery of the Balkans, that they somehow found themselves on!! In a voice note from Markku he reports a tricky hike-a-bike and rocky descent leading to CP2. He summarises the overal route/riding style as either 1. Rocky, 2. Avoiding Rocks or 3. Avoiding Puddles.![TAR2025 ML Hike](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4STtMx5cDCbJYtz4gccXmK/f73c967e90d974f785ebc0e70cd8ac97/IMG_1251.png)*Photo credit: [Markku Leppala](https://www.instagram.com/markkuleppala/)*

Now safely back, I hope there is a warm fire to dry out those soaker riders' feet, and a kitten each to cuddle! Rest up team and a huge well done to all the riders who made it to the start line for this year's second edition.![TAR2025 Finish Rest](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/40tC7B744lHssaKmeC27bN/cd95e43ff9739382983bbe47caa1287e/IMG_1288.png)*Photo credit: [Markku Leppala](https://www.instagram.com/markkuleppala/)*

Thirty-six riders signed up for this years event, of which three were women. Five racer did not start (DNS). At time of writing there have been eleven did not finish (DNF), including the only pair, females Annie Dunlap and Hannah Vet and also solo woman Jackie Prosser. And as mentioned there are still two riders out on the course. We believe British rider [Joss Ridley](https://dotwatcher.cc/profile/Joss%20Ridley "Joss Ridley DotWatcher Profile") (Cap #25) becomes the first rider to successfully complete Lost Dot's "Triple Crown", having finished all three of their races, including the Transcontinental (2022) and the Trans Pyrenees (2019). (Please let us know if we have missed someone else). This years winner [Justinas Leveika](https://dotwatcher.cc/profile/Justinas%20Leveika "Justinas Leveika DotWatcher Profile") improved on last year's winner, [Alexander Kopp](https://dotwatcher.cc/profile/Alexander%20Kopp "Alexander Kopp DotWatcher Profile")'s time by a huge 12 hours. To date, Weronika Szalas, India Landy and [Isabelle Berti](https://dotwatcher.cc/profile/Isabelle%20Berti "Isabelle Berti DotWatcher Profile") are the only women to have finished the race.![TAR2025 Brevet Card](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4aWvKjF1VmgZpqA4hnxBGf/1c0be8140da7699e07613cc0d9aa0a1f/IMG_1292.png)*Photo credit: [Markku Leppala](https://www.instagram.com/markkuleppala/)*

The End is Nigh!

Kitty Dennis

Kirsten Cluley

The Accursed Race is Lost Dot’s first fixed-route, no-fly, off-road event. Traversing the Balkans, this race is the culmination of years of expertise gained by Lost Dot in this stunning region of Europe.

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