Tor Divide Bursary 2026

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 — physically, financially, or both.

Key dates:

  • Applications open: 15 December 2025

  • Applications close: 16 January 2026 (23:59 UK time)

  • Bursary rider announced: by 31 January 2026

INFO & ELIGIBILITY
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Our supporters

This could be you!

Meet Laura, our 2025 Bursary rider

“The Tor Divide bursary showed me that bikepacking can begin with curiosity rather than certainty. It created a welcoming, encouraging space that stayed with me every mile of the Tor Divide. The support from the organisers and sponsors made all the difference to my confidence, and what I’ve learned through the experience continues to shape how I ride and explore. If you’re feeling drawn towards bikepacking in any way, I’d wholeheartedly encourage you to apply and see where it leads.”
— Laura, 2025 bursary rider

Laura will be your Bursary “buddy” and share her experience with our next Bursary recipient, and help them with any questions they might have in the lead up to the event.

“One of the most joyful and soul-nourishing weekends I’ve spent on a bike.” TOR DIVIDE
— Laura, 2025 bursary rider

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

  • Tor Divide

    An entry to Tor Divide and tailored advice about the event and route.

  • Tailfin

    A kit of the best bikepacking bags on the market to carry all your kit no matter the bike, weather and distance.

  • CIOVITA

    Premium cycling kit to ride for longer whatever the weather and terrain.

  • Schwalbe

    A pair of Schwalbe tyres to get you rolling over any terrain.

  • Peak Bikefitting

    Bike fit at Peak Bikefitting (Sheffield) for ultimate on-the-bike comfort.

  • Acier

    Coaching and advice from coach and ultracyclist Samuel at Acier (remotely) from January to May.

  • Beespoke Wheels

    A huge (50%) discount on a pair of wheels made right in the Peak District.

  • To Be Confirmed

    More support to be announced.
    Exact models/sizing of kit depend on rider needs and stock/availability.

How to apply:

  1. Complete the application using the button below and providing the relevant details

  2. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a quick call

  3. 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.

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✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • 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.

  • No you don't. However, you should be prepared for some hard work on and off the bike.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!