Tor Divide Bursary

The aim of the Tor Divide bursary is to help those interested in dipping their toes in the self-supported bikepacking world, but afraid that the sport might not be for them, or outside of their reach physical or financial reach.

We strongly believe Tor Divide can be the perfect starting point for those new to bikepacking who are also looking to be challenged, and a stepping stone to bigger adventures.

Bursary rider(s) receive tailored bikepacking, coaching and bikefitting advice in the lead up to the event, as well as a free entry to the event and some invaluable support from Bursary partners.

Our supporters

2025 Bursary Rider

Meet Laura

Laura started cycling just a few years ago and fell in love with it.

She recently bought a gravel bike, has started exploring the Derbyshire countryside with it and she’s hungry for more off-road explorations!

Laura is excited to try bikepacking for the first time and embrace the feeling of adventure and unpredictability of bikepacking at Tor Divide.

She will be sharing her stories on Instagram on her @woodsy_on_tor account.
Give her a follow and stay tuned!

We are thrilled to support Laura in her journey and we hope her experience can inspire more people to give bikepacking a go.

Thanks to everyone who applied for the Bursary.
Applications for the 2025 Tor Divide Bursary are now closed.

Stay tuned for next year’s Bursary scheme!

What you get

  • Tor Divide

    An entry to Tor Divide 2025 and tailored advice about the event and route.

  • 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 December 2024 to May 2025.

  • CIOVITA

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

Requirements

The bursary is available to TWO individuals:

  • Resident in the UK.

  • Aged 16 or over.

  • With a maximum annual gross income of £23,000.

  • Who have not already taken part to 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 do apply!

‍

The bursary is designed to:

  • Introduce new 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 riders preparing for a bikepacking event to inspire others to do the same.

‍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 1st November and close at midnight on the 1st December.
Successful applicants can expect to be contacted the following week.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please Contact us.

When applying please include:

  • a bit about yourself: who you are, your cycling history and why you are attracted by bikepacking.

  • why you want to take part to Tor Divide.

  • why you would be a perfect candidate for the bursary.

  • any of your social media handles (Instagram preferable) or anything showing your ability to tell a story.

What we ask

  • That you share your journey with us to inspire others and to improve diversity and inclusion in the bikepacking world.

  • To attend a bikefit with Peak Bikefitting in Sheffield between December 2024 and March 2025.

  • Time commitment to train in the months ahead of the event, with guidance from Acier coaching.

  • To attend the Tor Divide event on the 17-18 May 2025.

  • That you act responsibly as an ambassador of cycling, bikepacking, the event and its sponsors.

✺ 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!