Silk Route
About the Race
If you have ever imagined chasing your pedals across Asia, why not join the very exclusive group of riders who have raced their bikes from Istanbul to China! We will make sure you gear down enough to savor the rich variety of ancient cultures and spectacular landscapes along the world’s most famous trade route, from Persia to the Pamirs and beyond!
The Silk Route is a race of 90+ stages divided into 7 sections. There are 20+ rest days scheduled along the way for a total of 110+ days. The stages average 116 km (72.5 miles), and range from 50 km (31 miles) to 175 km (110 miles) long.
Stage results and winners are announced each night and the official results are posted to the website 2-3 times per week. The overall winners will be the cyclists with the lowest accumulated times. Sectional champions and stage winners are also honored.
To date, the Silk Route has attracted a handful of racers. Consequently the race format is more flexible than the larger, more established Tour d’Afrique race across Africa. Based on how the racers are faring, the number of competitors, and the cultural attractions and bureaucratic obstacles ahead, some days may be designated as non-racing, while others may feature a time trial, or a half day race to or from lunch. The onus is always on friendly competition, enjoying the journey, and ensuring the safety of the riders. With time we expect the Silk Route race to develop similarly and become as popular as the Tour d’Afrique, and we encourage you to take up the challenge.
Daily route, distance, start times, and other stage details are not definite and can be changed on short notice by the Race Director or Tour Director as necessary or appropriate. As the race is held on public roads, all riders need to stay aware of traffic, pedestrians, and other obstacles while navigating the day’s route, and must obey the local traffic regulations at all times. The complete race rules are provided to registered riders.
Cyclists will also be recognized in the following categories:
The Silk Route is a race of 90+ stages divided into 7 sections. There are 20+ rest days scheduled along the way for a total of 110+ days. The stages average 116 km (72.5 miles), and range from 50 km (31 miles) to 175 km (110 miles) long. Stage results and winners are announced each night and the official results are posted to the website 2-3 times per week. The overall winners will be the cyclists with the lowest accumulated times. Sectional champions and stage winners are also honored.
To date, the Silk Route has attracted a handful of racers. Consequently the race format is more flexible than the larger, more established Tour d’Afrique race across Africa. Based on how the racers are faring, the number of competitors, and the cultural attractions and bureaucratic obstacles ahead, some days may be designated as non-racing, while others may feature a time trial, or a half day race to or from lunch. The onus is always on friendly competition, enjoying the journey, and ensuring the safety of the riders. With time we expect the Silk Route race to develop similarly and become as popular as the Tour d’Afrique, and we encourage you to take up the challenge.
Daily route, distance, start times, and other stage details are not definite and can be changed on short notice by the Race Director or Tour Director as necessary or appropriate. As the race is held on public roads, all riders need to stay aware of traffic, pedestrians, and other obstacles while navigating the day’s route, and must obey the local traffic regulations at all times. The complete race rules are provided to registered riders.
Rewards
Cyclists will also be recognized in the following categories:- Top 3 men and women - full Tour
- Men and women Sectional Champions
- Men and women Stage Winners
- All EFIers (those who cycle every inch from Istanbul to Xian)
- All participants will also receive a commemorative Silk Route jersey at the awards dinner
