18th July 2024
Josh Ibbett | The Transcontinental Race 2024 | MASON Definition | A Decade Of Details
Transcontinental Race Edition 10, 10 years of MASON Cycles and 10 years since Josh Ibbett first attempted the TCR.
Since Josh Ibbett's second TCR, in 2015, he has ridden a MASON Definition. Josh went on to win #TCR2015, setting our #FastFar course and marking the start of a successful and inspiring partnership that would lead to many adventures, challenges and inspirational achievements over the next 10 years.
Josh’s journey is intrinsic to the journey of MASON. His friendship and achievements have helped to inspire, develop and test many of the #FastFar models that have built our brand into what it is today.
“The Definition is the bike I’ve probably spent the most time on in my entire life…”
Josh won the #TCR2015 onboard the first version of our Definition and he’ll be returning to #TCRNo10 riding the latest version 3.
After riding tens of thousands of miles on every version of the Definition, and helping to shape, inspire and define this iconic MASON model, this is the machine to help give Josh the confidence-inspiring performance and endurance he’ll require to be at the sharp end of the 4,000km Transcontinental Race.
TCR Edition 10 means something very special to us, and to Josh it has powerful significance and meaning.
This is one of the most gruelling self-supported ultra-endurance cycling events in the world. Spanning the breadth of Europe, it challenges riders to traverse the continent from west to east, covering approximately 4,000 kilometres. Riders navigate several fixed 'parcours' where they must check in along the way. The TCR is renowned for its demanding nature, requiring participants to cover a wide array of terrains, climates, and altitudes, all while being completely self-sufficient.
The Definition's custom Deda tubing, refined geometry and optimised detailing make it a true all-road endurance champion, ensuring confidence-inspiring comfort and speed over varied surfaces, from light gravel to alpine roads, even when fully loaded.
The version 1 Definition that Josh rode to victory in 2015 has since undergone two iterations, and as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re thrilled to see Josh take on this epic race once again, riding the latest iteration of his beloved Definition, assembled and race-tuned here at the MASON Barn.
GO JOSH!
We chatted to Josh in the build-up to to #TCRNo10. He told us about his training, his equipment, and the lessons he's learned from years of riding some of the world's toughest ultras...
How did your journey with bikepacking races begin?
My first bikepacking race was the 2014 Transcontinental Race (TCR). It was a completely new experience for me. I had never ridden such long distances on my bike or packed bags on it before. I made a lot of mistakes and learned valuable lessons along the way. In 2015, I returned with those lessons in mind, starting from Gerardsbergen in Belgium and finishing in Istanbul, where I managed to win the race. This victory marked the beginning of my relationship with Mason Cycles, and I was riding one of the very first Mason Definition bikes.
Can you tell us more about the bike you used in 2015?
Back in 2015, I rode one of the very first Mason Definition road bikes. At that time, there were only two bikes in the Mason range: the aluminium Definition and the steel Resolution. The Definition is the bike I've probably spent the most time on in my life. I train on it all winter on local roads. It’s the bike I’ve used for long tours, including rides across Japan and Europe, and various shorter trips in the UK and Europe. It’s a bike I’m incredibly comfortable with.
What setup are you using for the upcoming TCR?
I'm using the V3 model, which I’ve already ridden the length of Japan, including some tough gravel sections. After training on it all winter, I had it cleaned up, added a fresh chain, cassette, and gave it a service at the Mason barn. I also plan to fit faster wheels and aero bars for the race from Roubaix to Istanbul. Geometry wise, this is essentially the same bike I used in 2015, so I’m confident in its performance and my familiarity with it.
How do you prepare your bike for the race?
I treat the Transcontinental Race as one massive long time-trial. I plan the route to be as flat as possible to stay in an aero position. My bike setup includes data time trial bars, Hunt sub-50 wheels for a bit more aerodynamics, and 32mm chunky tyres for gravel sections. I’m using SRAM Force, Axis shifting, and I’ll carry spare batteries. For packing, I use Tailfin bikepacking bags to carry only the essentials.
How has your approach to sleep and gear changed over the years?
In 2015, I didn't sleep as much as I should have and carried minimal camping gear, just a bivvy bag and a silk liner. It was a bit foolish, but I was 10 years younger then. Now, I don’t go as light. I’ve been participating in more remote off-road races, which means I’ve gotten used to sleeping on the side of the road when hotels aren't an option.
What challenges do you face during the race?
One of my main challenges now is honestly getting up in the morning. I used to be able to sleep for two and a half to three hours and get back on the bike immediately. Now, it takes me longer and requires many more alarms. My focus is on getting up in the morning, staying consistent, and keeping the momentum going.
What advice would you give to someone considering entering the TCR?
The biggest challenge is taking that first step to enter the race. Overcoming your fears and getting to the start line is crucial. The first few days are the hardest, but once your body adjusts, you either quit or push through to the finish. It’s important to eat well, sleep properly, and break the journey into manageable pieces. Don’t think about the entire distance to Istanbul all at once.
How has your experience and mindset evolved with these races?
I’m now quite experienced and know my pace. Many people start too fast, but I’ve learned to pace myself and often catch up with others later in the race. Having already won the TCR, I don’t feel the pressure to prove anything. This year marks 10 years since I first did the race, and it’s the 10th edition of TCR, finishing back in Istanbul. It’s a great opportunity to see where I stand and enjoy the journey across Europe.
Josh's Definition
The Definition is designed to deliver sporty, long-distance performance in highly variable weather and surface conditions. Designed for events such as the Transcontinental, its custom Deda tubing makes it a true all-road endurance champion, ensuring confidence inspiring comfort and speed over varied surfaces, from light gravel to alpine roads whilst fully loaded.
- MASON Definition frameset size 60 | Sensor Blue
- Sram Force eTap AXS 2X 12 speed groupset
- Hunt SUB50 Limitless wheels
- Hutchinson Challenger tyres
- Deda Jet One clip-on aero bars
- Deda bars & stem
- MASON Penta seat-post