12th May 2016
TCR2016 | Poles Apart
On the 29th July, midnight, Mason supported rider and Hunt Bike Wheels brand manager Josh Ibbett returns to the Transcontinental Race (TCR) as reigning champion.
Self-sufficiency, navigation, fitness, and perhaps above all mental strength are the determining factors in this race with no route, no support, and one singularly epic stage.
Josh' winning route in 2015 covered approximately 4240km, he took just 9 days - 23 hours - 54 minutes. 31.6 hours faster than the runner-up. The TCR starts in Flanders and finishes in Istanbul.
In 2015 Josh was riding a Mason Defintion Ultegra Di2 Hydro, 60cm, Lens Blue. His only changes from our production bikes were: a TT saddle and aero extensions for his TCR body position; Schwalbe tubeless tyres; the fitting of saddle, frame, and top tube bags to store his minimal kit.
The testing that really counts for us is the real-world, intended use and abuse of our bikes, so we glean invaluable feedback from MASON riders in the TCR on how we can continue to progress our designs. Having designed the race-winning bike of 2015 absolutely does not mean that we can sit on our asses, this year Josh will be helping us develop new designs to take you further and faster.
MASON proudly support Josh with race bikes for all of his long-distance competitive efforts in 2016.
Felix Lowe interviewed Josh recently, asking for his advice to TCR virgin and what to expect. In his typically relaxed, friendly, and positive outlook, Josh simply maintains that it is just an adventure and that exploring the world by a bike is simply a great thing to do.
We will be closely following all of the MASON riders in this year's TCR and updating you on their progress thanks to the live tracking system that all TCR entrants are located by. Stay tuned to our social media channels for the TCR news and updates.