Tor Divide Bursary
A supported entry into self-supported bikepacking. For riders who want to try it, but aren’t sure it’s “for them” yet.
The bursary exists to help riders who are curious about bikepacking but feel it might be out of reach, whether it’s physically, financially, or both.
Our supporters
Meet Eleni, our 2026 Bursary rider
Eleni is taking on her first solo bikepacking journey in a place she loves: the Peak District. The bursary arrived at the perfect time as she transitions out of PhD life, with a big goal for the year: to ride further than she ever has before, build confidence for longer, consecutive days out, and explore new places by bike.
In Eleni’s words
“Bikepacking has been on my bucket list for a very long time, but I always found it daunting and scary! I was always afraid of not being able to fix a mechanical or finding the wrong spot to sleep overnight. I still can't fix all mechanicals, but I am getting better at it!
I love the freedom and the idea of being able to ride for a long time, pitch a tent and then cook dinner on a stove or have some tasty snacks with a view!
The Tor Divide bursary came at the perfect time for me as I am slowly transitioning outside of PhD life. My goals for this year were to ride further than I ever did before and challenge myself with my first solo bikepacking trip, so when I saw the post in my beloved cycling club, Station South, it seemed a great opportunity, hard to pass!
Combining the two and doing it in a place I love so much (The Peak District) seemed a great opportunity! Being able to do it through the bursary is definitely less scary. The chance to have structured training, mentorship from other bike packers (thank you Valerio!) and gear support makes the experience more exciting than scary.
It will be a challenge, but a very fun one to take on this year.”
Requirements
The bursary is available to ONE individual:
Resident in the UK.
Aged 16 or over.
With a maximum annual gross income of £25,000.
Who have not already taken part in Tor Divide.
Who own an off-road capable bike (e.g. MTB, gravel bike).
If you’re interested in the bursary and meet most but not all the requirements above, please apply!
We will review every application and aim to provide feedback to all applicants.
The bursary is designed to:
Introduce people to bikepacking and grow the bikepacking community.
Make Tor Divide more inclusive and accessible to those who otherwise would not be able to participate.
Share the story of a rider preparing for a bikepacking event to inspire others.
You might be a good fit if…
You’ve never done a self-supported event before
Cost of kit/entry is a barrier
You’re excited by the challenge but unsure where to start
You want guidance in training, setup, and event prep
Ideally you’ll be someone who is passionate about cycling, has a positive attitude, and is keen to try bikepacking and riding long distances. Ideally but not necessarily, applicants will be from an under-represented group in cycling. We are looking for someone who can tell their story and take our audience with them on their journey to the weekend of the event.
Applications open on the 15th December and close at midnight on the 16th January.
The successful applicant can expect to be contacted the following week.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please Contact us.
What we ask
That you commit to preparing for Tor Divide and communicating regularly in the lead-up
Be open to guidance on training, setup, and self-supported riding
Represent the bursary positively (on the weekend and in the build-up)
Share your journey in a way that feels authentic (e.g., a few photos, short updates, or a monthly recap)
Provide feedback to organisers/partners after the event (what helped, what could improve)
This isn’t about being an “influencer”. It’s about sharing an honest first-time experience.
What you get
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Tor Divide
An entry to Tor Divide and tailored advice about the event and route.
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Genesis Bikes
A perfect bikepacking bike provided by Genesis in the lead up to the event and for the event.
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Tailfin
A kit of the best bikepacking bags on the market to carry all your kit no matter the bike, weather and distance.
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CIOVITA
Premium cycling kit to ride for longer whatever the weather and terrain.
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Schwalbe
A pair of Schwalbe tyres to get you rolling over any terrain.
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Peak Bikefitting
Bike fit at Peak Bikefitting (Sheffield) for ultimate on-the-bike comfort.
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Acier
Coaching and advice from coach and ultracyclist Samuel at Acier (remotely) from January to May.
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Beespoke Wheels
A huge (50%) discount on a pair of wheels made right in the Peak District.
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18 Bikes
Mechanical support pre-event thanks from a shop based right in the centre of the Peak District.
How to apply:
Complete the application using the button below and providing the relevant details
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a quick call
Bursary rider announced by 31 January 2026
What the application should include:
Name, email, location
Age
Your cycling background (brief)
Why you want to try bikepacking and ride Tor Divide
What barriers you’re facing (financial/experience/confidence/time)
What support would help most (kit, training, confidence, logistics)
Social media handles (Instagram preferable) or anything showing your ability to tell a story.
Good applications may include things like:
What would completing Tor Divide unlock for you?
What’s currently stopping you from entering?
How will you approach the challenge as a first-time self-supported rider?
Tell us about a time you stuck with something difficult.
By applying you consent to your data to be stored on our server and for us to contact you.
Do you know the perfect applicant for our Bursary?? Share this page with them!
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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Samuel (Acier) will tailor youSamuel (Acier) will provide guidance on your training based on current fitness as well as considering your other life commitments. You should expect however to train for at least 5-8 hours per week on average. As the event approaches you will likely include some longer preparation rides which will naturally entail more time commitment on occasions.
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No you don't. However, you should be prepared for some hard work on and off the bike.
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Yes! If you have already entered the event you can still apply for the bursary, as long as you meet the criteria above.
Just let us know about your ticket if successful in your application and we will refund it.
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You will be expected to travel to/from:
Sheffield for a bike fitting session with Peak Bikefitting
The 2025 Tor Divide event
Travel expenses are to be covered by the individual.
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What happens if I can’t finish the race?
Although we will support you ahead of the event so that you can be as prepared as possible, sometimes things may not go your way. This is normal in bikepacking and there is no obligation from the bursary to reach the finish line within the self-supported rules nor the event time cut-off. Your safety comes first!