Why I won’t be taking part in the inaugural Race Across Europe

You may be familiar with the excellent BBC TV series, Race Across the World, in which contestants are given a modest budget with which to reach a target destination as soon as possible, with no flying allowed. This weekend a similar challenge gets under way – but with no television cameras and, in the words of one participant, nearly 100 “self-selecting nerds”.

Each has paid £99 to a company called Lupine Travel for the chance to Race Across Europe from London to Istanbul, using only public transport – and walking. They will have to reach checkpoints at three mystery locations along the way.

Anything that emphasises the opportunities and rewards of terrestrial long-distance travel using buses, trains and ferries is to be applauded. I love the idea of a race with plenty of jeopardy from missed or made connections. I will follow the quest avidly – many of the contestants will use social media to report on their experiences. But while I identify as a transport nerd, I will not be taking part. And here is why.

First, the timing. While I relish the prospect of travelling overland between the two greatest European cities, starting on the first Saturday of August would not be my top choice. All the participants have been told the first checkpoint is in Paris (the secret three will be revealed only as the race starts). So they could organise travel to the French capital in advance, which is just as well: the only seats on the first possible Eurostar train from London to Paris are currently selling at £325.

Yet even when they reach France, they will be competing for space with hundreds of thousands of Parisians leaving for their summer holidays. The obvious eastbound connection for Strasbourg, leaving half-an-hour after the prime Eurostar arrival, is showing as fully booked, which could flummox contestants early on in the race.

Next, the indeterminate cost: while an Interrail pass costing £303 for seven days’ travel looks a good option (and may even help with the journey home from Istanbul), in France reservations for express trains are essential and require additional payment – as do sleeper trains, where they are available. Where an overnight journey is not feasible, a short-notice hotel booking could prove expensive.

Third: the rules. No taxis, no hitchhiking. I agree it would be ridiculous to allow someone to hire a cab to…