Laurens ten Dam, the seasoned Dutch cyclist renowned for his professional road racing career and recent ventures into gravel racing and bikepacking, is set to embark on his second Tour Divide this week. After securing a third-place finish in the 2024 edition, he returns with refined strategies and an upgraded bike setup.<\/p>\n
Tour Divide 2026: A Return to the Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n The Tour Divide is a grueling 4,500-kilometer race that stretches from the Canadian border in Banff, Canada, to the U.S.-Mexico border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. The route traverses diverse terrains, including rugged mountains and arid deserts, demanding both physical endurance and mental fortitude. In 2024, ten Dam completed the race in 15 days, 10 hours, and 59 minutes, securing a commendable third-place finish. (bicycling.nl<\/a>)<\/p>\n Laurens ten Dam’s 2026 Tour Divide Bike Setup<\/strong><\/p>\n For the 2026 Tour Divide, ten Dam has meticulously prepared his Specialized S-Works Epic 9, a bike tailored for the demands of ultra-endurance racing. Key features of his setup include:<\/p>\n Frame and Geometry<\/strong>: The S-Works Epic 9 frame offers a lightweight yet robust design, optimized for both climbing and descending.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Handlebars<\/strong>: Transitioning from drop bars to flat bars, ten Dam aims to enhance control and comfort on the technical sections of the route. He has equipped the handlebars with Pro inner bar ends, mimicking the width of drop-bar hoods, to maintain a familiar hand position.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Drivetrain<\/strong>: An electronic Shimano XTR groupset ensures precise and reliable shifting, crucial for the varied terrains encountered during the race.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tires<\/strong>: Specialized Air Trak tires, likely 2.2 inches wide, provide a balance between speed and traction, essential for the diverse surfaces of the Tour Divide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Hydration System<\/strong>: Opting for traditional water bottles over a frame bag, ten Dam utilizes a 750ml bottle on the seat tube and two smaller bottles mounted side by side on the downtube. This setup allows for easy access to hydration without compromising frame space.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Additional Gear<\/strong>: An extended Tailfin top tube bag offers extra storage capacity, accommodating essential items without adding significant weight. His sunglasses, sponsored by PPEEQQ, feature custom engravings of the Tour Divide route, adding a personal touch to his gear.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Training and Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n Leading up to the Tour Divide, ten Dam has engaged in rigorous training to prepare for the demanding race. In early May, he completed a 1,224-kilometer mountain bike journey across Italy, known as the Italy Divide, as a preparatory challenge. This endeavor not only tested his endurance but also allowed him to fine-tune his equipment and strategies for the upcoming Tour Divide. (indeleiderstrui.nl<\/a>)<\/p>\n Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n As ten Dam lines up for the 2026 Tour Divide, he carries with him the lessons learned from his previous experience and the insights gained from his extensive training. His meticulous preparation and thoughtfully selected gear underscore his commitment to tackling one of the most demanding bikepacking races in the world. Cycling enthusiasts and fans can follow his journey through updates from his team, Live Slow Ride Fast, and anticipate engaging content showcasing the challenges and triumphs of the Tour Divide.<\/p>\n For a closer look at ten Dam’s 2024 Tour Divide experience, you can watch the following video:<\/p>\n TOUR DIVIDE 2024 RACE COVERAGE DAY16: Laurens Ten Dam completes the podium<\/a><\/p>\n\n