4,418KM Ahead: Robin & Quinda Prepare for the Tour Divide
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- Nils Laengner and Joergen Trepp
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- Robin & Quinda
- IMAGES
- Nils Laengner and Joergen Trepp
- TEXT
- Robin & Quinda
4,418KM Ahead
In the world of off-road ultra-racing, few events are as iconic—or as challenging—as the Tour Divide. Spanning 4,418 kilometers from Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells on the border of Mexico, the TDR has become a rite of passage for adventure athletes the world over. And this year, two of our riders are stepping up to take on the monumental task: Robin Gemperle and Quinda Verheul. We caught up with both to learn how they’re approaching this epic bikepacking event.
What is it about the Tour Divide that makes it such an iconic and enticing challenge?
Q: The Divide is legendary for many reasons. It's a permanent route that quite literally splits the continent in two, on one side, water flows to the Atlantic; on the other, it rushes to the Pacific.
True to its grassroots origins, the Tour Divide has no entry fee, no prizes, and no official support. This keeps the spirit of adventure and rawness intact, attracting purists who value the challenge over the spectacle.
So many incredible athletes have shown their strength by completing this journey, each one carving their own story into the landscape. Iconic racers like Mike Hall, Lael Wilcox, Meaghan Hackinen, Alexandera Houchin, Ana Jager, Jay Petervary, Justinas Laveika, and Lachlan Morten have elevated its status with record-setting performances that pushed the limits of what's possible.
What makes it truly special is that while everyone’s experience is different, there are these iconic highlights along the way that remind you of those who’ve come before.
It’s historic, brutally long—around 4500 km from Banff Canada all the way to Antelope Wells on the Mexican border—and inevitably throws every type of weather and mechanical challenge at you. It’s not just a route; it's holistic, demanding every ounce of physical, mental, and mechanical resilience you can muster. In the world of bikepacking, finishing the Tour Divide is seen as a badge of honor. It's the benchmark against which other ultra-endurance races are measured.
R: When it comes to choosing races, I might be more of a follower than a leader. In the ultra-racing scene, this ride is considered one of the major challenges. It’s pretty well established, and together with just a few other ultra-events, it seems to spark bigger interest than most other races. I am therefore just following obvious traces.
How is your training/mental preparation and planning different for this event compared to previous ultra-races?
Q: So much has changed. I’ve dedicated this year as the start of an experiment with myself, to see how strong both my body and mind can truly become. I’ve made more space for longer hours, more focused training, and brought on a coach for the first time.
John from EBR Coaching has been instrumental in building a consistent training plan, keeping an eye on my energy levels, and structuring around everything else life throws my way. His partner, Clare, has been helping me strengthen my mental game, turning it into just as much of a weapon as my legs.
I learned more about fueling right, not just breakfast, lunch, etc., but fueling enough during my rides and training the gut to absorb more carbohydrates. My partner has been a huge support, too. He knows me inside and out, probably spots my weaknesses before I even feel them, and reflects on that, which pushes me to grow—not just as an athlete but as a person, too. I’m incredibly lucky to be working with some amazing brands that are all about innovation and adaptation. Being part of that process means I get to make choices that I fully trust out there on the trail. This journey isn’t just me; it’s a team effort from every angle, and I’m grateful for that.
R: From a physiological standpoint, my approach is similar to what I tried to achieve for the Transcontinental. But with the privilege of focusing on sports throughout the last year, I’ve made sure my whole body is a bit less at the border of its capabilities, choosing to be a bit heavier with higher absolute numbers instead. This will help me survive the few additional days and any extreme weather.
Mentally, I am still in the phase of neglecting what’s coming. It’s usually only during the week of the start when I begin to get my head around what lies ahead. This doesn’t mean the studying of routes and important sections also starts then, but it usually intensifies for the last time in the final week.
In a few sentences, how would you describe your strategy for taking on the Tour Divide?
Q: Adapt. Enjoy. Self-care.
Adapt, because the Divide is unpredictable. The weather, terrain, and mechanicals. You have to be ready to switch gears (literally and figuratively) at any moment.
Enjoy, because it’s not just about reaching the finish line; it’s about being present for all the wildness, the highs and lows, and remembering why I wanted to be out there in the first place. This is what I worked for.
Self-care, because it’s crucial to keep the body moving every day. That means checking in with the mind, brushing your teeth (even if it’s in the middle of nowhere), sticking to a sleep schedule, eating, drinking, and repeating. It’s the little things that keep you moving forward.
R: It might not be a big reveal at this point, but I clearly consider it a race and want to act accordingly. For sure you’ll see me bring my usual aggressive way of taking on these races. But of course on a thirteen-day ride, being aggressive doesn’t mean sprinting out of the gates.
I also know that proper resupplying and wise decisions from a ‘mountaineering’ perspective will be highly important. They will likely sometimes seem contrary to the goal of moving ahead quickly. But I will deal with them just like with my sleeping strategy: investing in them will pay out.
From extreme weather and wildlife to an unknown list of fellow competitors, what do you anticipate your biggest challenges will be?
Q: Honestly, the biggest challenge for me is the sheer length of it all. And strangely enough, that’s also what excites me. I know I’m going to get bored at some point—it’s inevitable. Whether it's grinding through the rain, slogging through peanut butter mud, or riding endless desert stretches where cactus punctures are the least of my problems, I’m certain that boredom will creep in. But I’ve accepted that. I’m ready for it.
I’ve learned that boredom is just another hurdle, like a climb or a headwind. You push through it, you adapt, and you find a way to keep moving forward. Because when it finally breaks, and you catch that sunrise on a ridgeline or crest a mountain pass, it’s worth every dull, grinding moment.
R: I might be answering a bit of an earlier question through this, but by now I believe that one of the points that makes the Tour Divide so challenging is purely its distance and duration. I know exactly how you feel after nine days of racing through Europe – But what will the twelfth day off road in New Mexico bring?
You hit a low point at mile 1500, and there’s a gas station in sight. What’s your go-to order to bring you back to life?
Q: Oh, that’s easy: a giant iced coffee, a greasy breakfast burrito (if they’ve got it), pickles (if my stomach allows it), and the biggest bag of salty chips I can find. If they’ve got those terrible-but-amazing gas station cinnamon rolls, I’m grabbing one of those, too. Basically, anything that’s warm, salty, and packed with calories.
And chocolate milk, I’d probably grab two of those. It’s like liquid gold after days of riding; it’s cold, it’s sweet, and it goes down easy. I’d probably sit on the curb outside, shoes off, and just inhale it all before getting back on the bike. Probably Monster, too, or redbull..
R: In everyday life, I would think it’s actually something sweet like ice cream, but by now, I know that real low-points ask for rituals rather than calories. Therefore, it is coffee, no matter if it's good or bad. I will order and sit down to drink it, just like I love to do when at home. No rush for a short time, just focus on what’s in your cup.
What’s your packing list like? Which PEdALED kit will you bring to help deal with the shifting conditions?
Q: It’s looooong hahaha, I’ll bring a tent for the first time ever to a race, and mat + quilt. No stove. I’m also a bit obsessive about my layering. The weather out there is unpredictable, so having the right combination of layers makes all the difference. If I can stay warm or cool and dry, I can keep moving forward, that’s the goal. PEdALED’s Odyssey Bib Shorts are hands-down my go-to. The cargo pockets are perfect for stashing quick-access essentials, and the drop system is pure genius. It makes peeing for girls on the go so much easier. No fumbling around, just quick and efficient, which matters when you’re racing against the clock. I also run pretty hot, so having a jersey that keeps me cool and protects my skin from the sun is crucial. Their lightweight jersey does exactly that. Breathable, quick-drying, and dependable. I’m packing a decent repair kit for tires, chain, tent, mat and myself included. Electronics, I’ll have a dynamo which—apart from powering my K-lite—can also charge my power banks. I'll have my documents and shopping list for when I have to be reminded what to buy when the brain is mush.
R: I am mainly looking forward to the new rain kit. This is kind of weird, as using it will mean riding in the wet and cold—but as it’s clear there will be bad weather at some point, I might as well make sure there’s something to look forward to. In all other aspects I will rely on the Odyssey Collection, bringing the Merino Jersey as an everyday company.
What are you most excited to experience along the way?
Q: Honestly, I can’t wait to crawl into my tent and snuggle up in my fluffy quilt after a long, brutal day. That feeling of shutting out the world for a moment, getting warm and comfortable, it’s priceless out there.
And then, there’s the thrill of riding into the sunrise, when the light starts creeping over the mountains, painting everything gold. Those moments make the miles melt away. I’m also dreaming about real food after days of living off energy bars and trail snacks. The thought of stumbling into a tiny town and getting my hands on a proper burger, maybe even fries, that’s motivation right there.
But it’s more than just food and sleep; I’m excited to meet the people on the trail, to hear their stories and learn about their journeys. That community out there is special. And of course, just being surrounded by that wild,magnificent landscape, that’s what makes it all worth it.
R: Bears. I will have to come back if I don’t see any.
The 2025 Tour Divide kicks off June 13th. You can track Quinda’s and Robin’s progress on Instagram at @quindaverheul_ and @robingemperle or on the official event site.
