This March, we’re introducing Race Through Bratislavský kraj — a 20-hour challenge designed to test your cold-weather gear and early-season fitness ahead of Race Through Slovakia.
Everyone is welcome to take part. Participation in RTSK is not required.
WhatsApp group for Race Through Bratislavský kraj:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BzKsTP4uG6F3W9OrZ6chEt
What to Expect
We’ve prepared a 20-hour race inspired by classic bike messenger alleycat events. Your task will be to collect as many checkpoints as possible across the Bratislavský region and nearby areas.
But it won’t be simple.
Checkpoint locations will only be revealed at the exact start of the race. You must be ready for night riding and for covering a significant distance.
The alleycat begins exactly at midnight from Saturday, March 21 to Sunday, March 22.
New Rule for 2026: Checkpoint Groups
At midnight, we will publish a map containing approximately 20–30 checkpoints. The map will be available on RTSK.cc, on Race Through Slovakia’s Facebook and Instagram, and on the Strava event page.
New for 2026: checkpoint groups, which will add a strategic twist to route planning.
A group may consist of two or more checkpoints. For example, we could create a “castle group” including Devín Castle and Bratislava Castle. If you visit only one checkpoint, you receive one point. If you collect the entire group, you receive the standard points for each checkpoint plus one bonus point for completing the group.
We’ve prepared several such groups to make route planning more interesting.
Strategy Is Up to You
You decide how to approach it:
- Start riding immediately at midnight
- Spend time carefully planning your route
- Get some sleep and begin in the morning
The race ends after 20 hours — at 20:00 in RimRebellion, where refreshments will be waiting. Winners will be announced at 20:30.
During endurance racing, riding in the dark is almost unavoidable. Are you ready? Photo: Peter Borko
Participation & Philosophy
Anyone can join. Participation in Race Through Slovakia is not required. There is no entry fee. We simply ask for self-sufficiency and respect for the unsupported race philosophy. You can read more here:
https://www.rtsk.cc/pravidla/
Race Details
Start: Midnight, March 21–22
Start location: Anywhere within the Bratislavský region or nearby (starting location does not matter)
Finish: RimRebellion, March 22 by 20:00
Points: 1 point per checkpoint + bonus points for completing groups
Tie-breaker: In case of equal points, earlier arrival at the finish wins
Penalty: Riders arriving after 20:00 will not be classified
How to Collect Checkpoints
Each checkpoint must be documented with a photograph taken in its immediate vicinity.
For example, if the checkpoint is Kamzík TV Tower, you must ride directly to the tower. A photo taken from a distant viewpoint (e.g., Slavín) will not count. If access to the location is restricted, take a photo from the closest accessible point on the approach.
If you use Strava or a similar app, track your ride. After the event, we would like to review the Flyby feature to see how everyone raced.
See You on the Road — and at the Finish
We’ll be waiting at RimRebellion from 18:00 with refreshments prepared.
We expect many of you will meet each other throughout the day on the roads of the Bratislavský region and at the checkpoints.
Shortly after 20:00, we’ll announce the winners and hand out prizes — in time for everyone (even those traveling from outside Bratislava) to return home and rest before Monday.
Anyone who didn’t race is also welcome to join us at the finish, spend time with fellow cyclists, and share stories — and maybe even talk about preparations for Race Through Slovakia.