They call it one of the toughest races in the world, and at 2745 miles we’re not going to argue with them.

The Tour Divide follows the mountain passes and windswept valleys of the Continental Divide from the Canadian Rockies to the Mexican Plateau.

There’s a staggering 200,000ft (60,960m) of climbing to tackle, and if that isn’t enough to bring a tear to the eye, there’s the small matter of each rider being self-supported; there is no outside assistance allowed, racers carry everything they need — food, water, shelter — on their bikes and backs, with refuelling stops in small-town stores along the way.

About the route

The Great Divide Route is the world’s longest off-pavement cycling route. It was tirelessly mapped over a 4 year span, and published in 1998 by Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s premiere bicycle travel organization.

It travels through Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and the United States of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Find out more about the route on this website.

Brits taking on the challenge

Understandably, the event doesn’t attract a massive turnout, but instead nearly a hundred brave souls will be lining up today. There’s a few Brits in the mix too, and we’ll be tracking the progress of Kevin Cunniffe, Mike Hall, Aidan Hardin, Simon Harling, Greg Phillips, Will Snow, Paul Spencer and Martin Wimpenny. Good luck guys.

Following the race

Racer positions can be followed at www.tourdivide.org/leaderboard.

More info on this event at www.TourDivide.org.