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Top 11 European Gravel Fondos for 2026

A History of European Gravel Cycling and the events that shaped the scene and culture across the region that still survive to this day

The bicycle was invented in the 19th century, and early European cycling took place almost entirely on unpaved roads. Most routes in Europe and North America were dirt, gravel, or cobblestones. Early road races (Paris–Roubaix, Milan–San Remo, Tour de France) looked very much like modern gravel: long, rough, and brutal.

In the mid 1900's, Europe paved its road network, gravel riding faded from mainstream racing. Gravel persisted only in remote regions (Nordics, Balkans, Pyrenees), but not as a distinct discipline.

However, in the 1950's groups emerged that promoted off-road cycling. The Rough Stuff Fellowship (RSF) in the UK was born. RSF members extensively toured North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Other organiaztions formed including the Velo Cross Club Parisien a group of like-minded individuals hell bent on riding their bikes off-road. Italian “strade bianche” touring clubs and Scandinavian touring societies also emerged.

Modern gravel began in the U.S. around 2006 with events like Unbound (Dirty Kanza), Trans-Iowa and Land Run 100 which shaped the culture. Inspired by the U.S. boom, early European adopters began creating mixed-terrain events. Italy, UK, Spain, Finland, Iceland and the Germany were the first hotspots.

2016 marked the European gravel boom across Europe as riders sought adventure beyond traffic. Bike brands began releasing Europe-specific gravel models and events multiplied all over Europe. In 2020, COVID accelerated gravel adoption as riders sought remote, low-traffic routes and European participation in US gravel races surged. Media coverage and bike sales skyrocketed.

With Gran Fondo Guide's consultancy, the UCI launched the UCI Gravel World Series in 2022 with global qualifiers around the world and the first UCI Gravel World Series Championships were held in Veneto, Italy. This was the pivitol moment gravel became institutionalized in Europe. The first-ever European Gravel Championships were held in Oud-Heverlee, Belgium in October 2023. This marked the first official continental-level gravel title in Europe.

Bikepacking also exploded with events like Badlands and The Great Crossing. In 2023, Dotwatcher.cc went mainstream, the global home to follow bikepacking with distances from 300 km to 4,000 km, with live commentary, tracking and community storytelling.

In 2024, Europe became the next gravel powerhouse outside the U.S. with Girona recognised as the “European Capital of Gravel”. Gravel Festivals start to thrive with events like Grinduro and Veneto Gravel.

The Gravel Earth Series rose as a cultural counterweight to UCI World Series. Pros and brands relocated and the culture consolidated. Participation numbers rival U.S. events. European gravel starts to develop its own identity, more technical, more mountainous, more scenic and more bikepacking influence.

Europe is regionally diverse, with some best gravel adventures in the Nordic, Scottish, Italian, German, French and Spanish regions to name a few. These regions now host some of Europe’s most iconic gravel events.

We've sadly lost a few founding events along the way like the Dirty Boar in Belgium and La Resistance in the French Alps which started in 2016. La Resistance lives on as a 3 day bikepacking event called the Tour de la Resistance.

Make sure you add one of these founding Gravel Fondos to your 2026 Bucket List!

#11. Falling Leaves Lahiti - Finland

Falling Leaves Lahti is a major gravel event held in Päijänne Tavastia, Finland.

It has been organized annually since 2021.

That makes it one of the foundational events of the Nordic Gravel Series.

Pristine wilderness gravel. Fast, flowing, remote, and beautifully organized. It is also part of the Gravel Earth Series in 2025.

Falling Leaves Lahiti

Experience the beauty of the turning of the leaves while riding pristine gravel in the Lahti and Salpausselkä UNESCO Geopark region. The area offers scenic hardpack gravel roads surrounded by fields, lakes and forests. The route consists of over 85% gravel roads.

It a week of gravel adventure and racing in the Salpausselkä Geopark region, this is the champagne gravel of Finland — smooth, fast, scenic.

On Saturday, of the Falling Leaves Lahti weekend hosts the first ever UCI Gravel World Championships Qualifier in Finland. Route distances of 175km and 100km.

On Sunday you can choose 50, 80, or 145km as part of the Nordic Gravel Series classification.

Falling Leaves Lahiti

Shakeout coffee rides on Thursday and Friday, post-ride buffet, lake sauna and swim and the NGS season closing party are all part of the package.

Accommodation at the Pajulahti sports center, double or single rooms at NGS price, available for booking.

The 2026 edition takies place 8 - 13 September 2026. This event is also a qualifier for the 2027 UEC European Gravel Championships.

2026 Official UCI Courses

175km Men and Women Elite + Age Group up to 44 years (Women ) and 49 years (Men)
100km All other Ages Groups (Women & Men)

For more information, please visit: https://www.fallingleaveslahti.eu

#10. The Traka - Spain

The Traka started in 2019 in Spain with fewer than 100 riders.

It was a small Girona-based gravel experiment built around the region’s perfect mix of farm tracks, forest roads, river paths and Mediterranean climate.

2025 was the moment The Traka became Europe's largest gravel event with over 4,000 riders from 74 countries, the flagship event of the Gravel Earth Series.

Massive fields, elite depth, iconic Girona gravel, and the cultural epicenter of Euro-gravel - The European Unbound.

Massive fields, elite depth, iconic Girona gravel, and the cultural epicenter of Euro-gravel.

In a thrilling display of endurance and strategy, Karolin Migon and Tobias Kongstad, both representing Pas Normal Racing, emerged victorious at the 2025 Traka 360 in Girona, Spain last weekend

Migon and Kongstad Take Victory at the 2025 Traka 360

This prestigious event, part of the Gravel Earth Series, has rapidly gained recognition as Europe’s premier gravel race, drawing comparisons to the renowned Unbound event in the United States.

The Traka 360, a grueling 360-kilometre race, is the highlight of a weekend that attracts elite cyclists from around the globe, all eager to test their mettle against the best in the sport.

In the men’s race, Kongstad executed a bold strategy, launching an attack with approximately 160 kilometers remaining. His solo effort proved successful, allowing him to build a significant lead over a competitive field. The lead group, established by the 135-kilometre mark, included notable riders such as Australian Connor Sens, Swiss cyclist Jan Stöckli, and Belgian duo Lars Van Coppenolle and Arno Van den Broeck, among others.

Kongstad’s decisive breakaway came as he distanced himself from his rivals, including a determined chase by Stöckli and American Pete Stetina. By the time the race reached the final stages, Kongstad had maintained his lead, finishing with a comfortable margin. Stöckli secured second place, finishing over five minutes behind the champion.

“I didn’t want to pull in the headwind alone,” Kongstad explained, reflecting on his strategy. “I thought if I just go solo, they need to catch me.”

The Traka 360, a grueling 360-kilometre race

In the women’s elite race, defending champion Karolin Migon showcased her strength and tactical prowess. The lead group formed early, featuring notable competitors such as Dutch rider Geerike Schreurs and French Life Time Grand Prix participant Axelle Dubau-Prévôt. Unfortunately, Schreurs suffered a crash, forcing her to abandon the race and leaving Migon, Dubau-Prévôt, and American Sarah Sturm to battle for the title.

As the race progressed into its final 75 kilometers, Migon and her competitors remained closely matched until the last singletrack section. In a decisive move, Migon broke away from the pack, crossing the finish line with a 33-second lead over Dubau-Prévôt, who narrowly outpaced Sturm in a sprint for second place.

“This victory means the world to me. Defending my title was the goal of the season, and I’m incredibly happy to achieve it again,” Migon stated. “I cannot even explain how good I feel.”

The success of Pas Normal Racing at The Traka 360 underscores the team’s commitment to excellence in gravel racing, further solidifying its reputation on the international cycling stage.

Mads Würtz Schmidt (PAS Racing) and Sofia Gómez Villafañe (Specialized) claimed the victories at The Traka 200, both winning solo with late attacks on the 202km course in the surroundings of Girona.

2025 Traka 360 Women's Results Top 10

1 Karolina Migon

2 Axelle Dubau-Prévôt

3 Sarah Sturm

4 Heather Jackson

5 Danni Shrosbree

6 Ruth Astle

7 Maddy Nutt

8 Liv Pijpers

9 Sofia Schugar

10 Courtney Sullivan

2025 Traka 360 Men's Results Top 10

1 Tobias Kongstad

2 Jan Stöckli

3 Simen Nordahl Svendsen

4 Benjamin Perry

5 Adne Koster

6 Mattia De Marchi

7 Pete Stetina

8 Simon Pellaud

9 Torbjorn Andre Roed

10 Arno Van Den Broeck

For more information, please visit: https://www.thetraka.com

#9. Smugglers Path - Belgium

The event started in 2018 and is based in Hamont-Achel, on the Belgian–Dutch border.

Smugglers historically moved “meat, animals, butter… across the borders… on narrow dirt roads and forest tracks.

The gravel ride intentionally retraces these historic smuggling routes.

30th of May 2026, we be the 7th edition of the Smugglers Path Gravel Ride.

A real gravel event, unique in Belgium and the rest of Europe., providing a Festival atmosphere, and welcome you with a goody bag and a coffee from Il Magistrale.

30th of May 2026, we be the 7th edition of the Smugglers Path Gravel Ride.

You choose the distance you want to ride, 110 or 165K, both with a separate group start. With over 90% Offroad, you will ride a uniquely composed gravel route. With the focus on gravel because a higher % of gravel in a route is almost impossible.

Depending on the distance, you will have 2 or 3 extremely extensive supply points and at the finish we will be waiting for you with a cold beer and a luxury Hamburger (meat or veggie).

On Saturday you will first enjoy a full breakfast, after the ride on Saturday night there will be a Pizza Foodtruck providing us with the better pizza during the Pizzaparty, our DJ will make sure you can enjoy your performance of the day to the fullest, Party is guaranteed.

30th of May 2026, we be the 7th edition of the Smugglers Path Gravel Ride.

After breakfast on Sunday, there is the Hangover ride that will allow you to get some fresh air and end the weekend right.

A few days before the event, you will receive the GPX in your mailbox.

For more information, please visit: https://smugglers.be/smugglers-path-gravel-ride

#8. Gravel Blinduro - Czech Republic

A relaxed two-day enduro-inspired gravel race in South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, nearby the Austrian border started in 2018.

Through easy terrain on a bike with rams through beautiful Czech Canada.

The weekend will be exactly as you make it. You can enjoy, you can chat, you can step into it. About a 70km circuit awaits you. On Saturday in one direction, on Sunday the other way around.

#8 Gravel Blinduro (2018) Czech Republic

You will not know where the road leads to. You don’t know where the measured stages start, how long they are, or what terrain awaits you. You get a rescue map — just in case you miss the nomination. One thing is for sure: you start at the camp and arrive at the finish line, and you are guaranteed not to miss the famous photogenic rock known as the Devil's Ass (yes, really).

Every year a new route awaits, with about 70 km per day and five meters section. The circle is almost the same on both days — only in the opposite direction. What you climb down on Saturday, you will climb up on Sunday. And vice versa.

The event takes place in the heart of Czech Canada — a wildly novel little gem with everything a gravel biker could wish for: hard soil, sand, smooth dirt, rocky sections, root singletracks, and quiet agricultural and forest roads.

Calm in between the stages. When the time goes, floor gas.

Riding bikes together with friends during the whole weekend is one of the most important parts of Blinduro. If you arrived with a team of five or more people, choose a Team Captain who will register everyone at the same time.

Are you coming alone or with a smaller company? No problem — you can register individually in the free start dates. The starting order ends with a draw, and on the second day the order will be reversed.

Ten timed segments in two days. Live music, one-handed snail slalom and bunny hop contest in between. Too many smiles for one typical bike race...

You'll get every kind of hardpack, sand, smooth gravel, baby heads, rooty singletrack, and quiet field & forest roads that every gravel rider could wish for.

#8 Gravel Blinduro (2018) Czech Republic

Gravel Blinduro makes cyclists of all skill levels happy.

All you need are drop bars, a helmet and good mood.

Shaved or hairy, they don't care.

The next edition takes place 5 - 6th September 2026 in Czech Canada.

For more information, please visit: https://www.blinduro.com/zavody/gravel-blinduro

#7. The Rift - Iceland

Iconic Iceland Volcanic moonscape, brutal winds, surreal scenery. One of the most visually iconic gravel races on earth. 2017 was a test run.

Fast-forward a year in 2018 and it was official — the Rift would be Iceland’s first-ever gravel race.

This marked The Rift one of the earliest major gravel races outside the US, that attracted rider worldwide.

206 km across the continental rift harsh, cold, windy, rough conditions, by 2022, The Rift had become a global bucket-list event.

Rosa Klöser (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) and Magnus Bak Klaris (PAS Racing) emerged as solo champions of 2025 The Rift Gravel elite titles on Saturday, each earning valuable points towards the Gravel Earth Series (GES).

Rosa Klöser and Magnus Bak Klaris Dominate The Rift Gravel 2025 with Solo Victories

Klöser's victory at The Rift marks her first GES win of the season, following impressive performances earlier this year, including a second-place finish at The Traka 200 and a third at Santa Vall. Klaris, on the other hand, claimed his second GES victory of the season, building on his success from the two-day Santa Vall opener in February.

Unlike previous years where races were decided in nail-biting sprints, this year's champions executed strategic solo efforts. After breaking free from leading groups early in the race, Klöser forged ahead after the first 45 kilometers of the grueling 200-kilometer course, finishing with a commanding lead.

Just over six minutes later, Geerike Schreurs (SD Worx-Protime), last year's third-place finisher, crossed the line to secure a well-earned second place. Morgan Aguirre (PAS Racing), the reigning GES women’s leader, followed closely behind, finishing third, 2 minutes and 45 seconds after Schreurs. Klöser's victory marks her third in the last five races, while Schreurs highlights her resilience with four podium finishes in five outings this season.

"The Rift has an incredibly stunning yet brutal landscape," Schreurs said, "It was a challenging race, and Rosa was flying early on. I did my best, but there was no catching her. I'm grateful for second place after riding 120 kilometers solo."

Rosa Klöser and Magnus Bak Klaris Dominate The Rift Gravel 2025 with Solo Victories

The atmosphere of intense competition continued in the men's race. Midway through, a small group of riders formed, with Klaris shadowing Ferreira. As the kilometers dwindled, Klaris executed a decisive attack in the final stretch, securing victory just 19 seconds ahead of Ferreira. Petr Vakoc (Canyon) took third, finishing 6:24 behind, while Tobias Mørch Kongstad (PAS Racing) finished just over four minutes later.

"The course was significantly harder and more rocky than expected, with steeper climbs that tested my endurance," Klaris stated, "Despite the exhaustion, the scenery was unreal."

From the rain-soaked starting line under overcast skies, competitors faced slippery volcanic ash challenging their resolve in the shadow of the active volcano Hekla. The 2025 course featured 2,600 meters of elevation gain, with 85% of the route traversing gravel roads through Iceland's dramatic highlands.

Reigning men's champion Simen Nordahl Svendsen finished 13th, just over 18 minutes behind the leaders, while notable riders who did not finish included Hugo Drechou and Nathan Haas, both of whom were top 10 finishers last year, and Axelle Dubau-Prévot, who secured sixth place among the women.

2025 The Rift Gravel Women Top 10

1 Rosa Klöser (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) 07:33:42

2 Gerrike Schreurs (SD Worx-Protime) 00:06:33

3 Morgan Aguirre (PAAS Racing) 00:09:18

4 Annika Langvad (Specialized Off-road) 00:15:55

5 Sophie Wright (Ribble Outliers) 00:24:40

6 Amelia Mitchell 00:33:21

7 A. Gabrielle Traxler (Enough Cycling) 00:35:10

8 Tessa Neefjes (Liv Racing) 00:42:13

9 Valeria Kleiner (Fraezen Factory Racing) 00:48:42

10 Hafdis Sigurdardottier (HFA) "

2025 The Rift Gravel Men Top 10

1 Magnus Bak Klaris (PAS Racing) 06:19:45

2 Tiago Ferreira (Vouzela-BH TF) 00:00:51

3 Petr Vakoc (Canyon) 00:06:24

4 Tobias Mørch Kongstad (PAS Racing) 00:10:28

5 Ande Koster (Giant-Liv BeNeLux Off-road) 00:10:29

6 Andrew Dillman (LunchBox) 00:10:30

7 Luis Neff (ROSE Racing) 00:13:48

8 Benjamin Perry (Guava x Castelli SOG) 00:14:21

9 Alexander Miller (Swatt Club) 00:16:42

10 Ben Thomas (Ribble Outliers) 00:16:53

The 2026 edition takes place July 18, 2026 with routes of; 60 km (Crack), 140 km (Crevasse), 200 km (The Rift) and new ultra-distance, the 330 km (Abyss).

For more information, please visit: https://www.therift.bike

#6. Salzkammergut Trophy Gravel Marathon - Austria

Back in 2017, the Trophy was one of the very first in Europe to host a gravel marathon.

The event takes place in the Dachstein–Salzkammergut region of Austria, from Obertraun with Extensive gravel, forest, and paved side roads, surrounded by unique mountains and lakes of the UNESCO-listed region.

Steep alpine climbs, including nearly 2,000 m of elevation on the long course. This is alpine gravel, not lowland or rolling terrain — a defining part of its identity.

The Gravel Marathon now offers three routes, all popular. the well-established 67.6 km Long Course with 1,952 m climbing sialmost identical to the MTB Marathon course.

The 52 km Medium Course with 1,236 m climbing and the 22 km Short Course with 567 m climbing designed for rookies and juniors.

The Gravel Marathon is a dedicated category within the broader Salzkammergut Trophy, one of Europe’s largest MTB festivals (running since 1998).

The event will reach its 10th edition in 2026.

For more information, please visit: http://www.trophy.at/gravel

#5. Hansens Cykelløb - Denmark

Hansens Cykelløb is unusual because its origin story doesn’t begin with a cycling club — it begins with Hansen’s Ice Cream, Denmark’s oldest ice-cream factory.

The company places a strong emphasis on tradition, and cycling has been part of that tradition since the era when the brand was still called Frederiksborg Flødeis. Their great-grandfather, Hans Hansen, was both the founder and a passionate cyclist.

The first edition took place in 2017.

Hansens Cykelløb offers an experience for life in the company of our beautiful Danish nature. You are taken through fjords, forests, over fields and consists of 152 beautiful km divided into sports gravel, soft single-tracks and a little asphalt in between.

The race can be run as a race with a tight chain, but preferably with one hand on the handlebars, loose thread and lots of enjoyment.

It starts at the Hansens dairy in Jægerspris and from there it goes out on a fantastic stretch through the Middle Zealand nature.

As Denmark's oldest ice cream factory, Hansen's Ice Cream places a high value on tradition. And a central part of the tradition at Hansens Ice cream is cycling, “At the time Hansens Ice Cream was still called Frederiksborg Ice Cream, it was our great-grandfather Hans Hansen who was at the helm. And he loved cycling. He actually loved cycling so much that year after year he arranged and sponsored bike races in Jægerspris to celebrate the summer. We want to revive that tradition. ” says Rasmus Eibye CEO of Hansens Is.

2026-hansens2

4 aid stations with lots of ice cream and other delicious prizes from our sponsors.

Entry includes start number, ice cream, coffee, delicious food and beer!

During the race you'll benefit from 16 Motorcycle marshals & traffic officials at master start and traffic junctions en route, 100 flagposts at exposed and selected locations on the route, mechanical support at the large depot + pump / hose station, snake drivers: 3 riders who, with their own average speed, stop and sell hoses out on the route to everyone who needs and professional chip timing.

Maximum 800 participants.

The 10th edition takes place August 22, 2026.

For more information, please visit: https://www.hansenscykelloeb.com

#4. Strade Bianche Achterhoek - Netherlands

The Strade Bianche Achterhoek -Gijs Verdick memorial is a ride on asphalt, pebbles, gravel, grass and sand for the "die-hard gravel rider".

The Lochemse Wieler Club de Paaschberg is the organiser of the event. The club enjoys cycling at all levels. And with about 90 volunteers we try to make it a party from start to finish.

Start and finish take place in the magnificent open-air theatre Lochem. The event commemorates the life of pro cyclist Gijs Verdick.

It first took place in 2017 and international cycling media were already calling it a unique Danish gravel experience, highlighting the combination of countryside, ice cream, and community vibes.

2026-strade-achterhoek1

Gijs Verdick was a talented neo-pro from our region who made many training kilometers on both paved and unpaved routes. He started cycling at cycling club the Keiaosers in Keijenborg and then also at our club De Paaschberg. He raced with the Kanjers for Kanjers cycling team and then as a neo-pro with the Piels cycling team. Gijs died suddenly in May 2016, he was only 21 years old.

Cycling club de Paaschberg are the happiest volunteers in all of Europe.

Registration includes guarded bicycle shed provided by the NTFU, breakfast and coffee at the start, hamburgers or pasta and party on arrival, cyclist campsite on a few gravel meters from the start, fun Saturday program for invited guests NTFU and Bioracer and the camping guests, musical care, also on the road and routes 100% signposted.

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The 10th edition takes place September 26-27, 2026 and pre-registration opens on April 1, 2026.

The proceeds of the event will go to a number of charities; Foundation Kanjers voor Kanjers-Landscape and management in the Achterhoek-Development of youth cycling at our association de Paaschberg.

For more information, please visit: https://www.stradebiancheachterhoek.com

#3. Panaracer Dirty Reiver - United Kingdom

The Dirty Reiver was first held in 2016 and was designed as the UK’s first true “Mid-Western style” gravel grinder, using the vast forest-road network of Kielder Forest.

Since the very first edition of the event in 2016, the Dirty Reiver has set the standard for gravel riding in the UK. This was the foundational moment for UK gravel riding and racing.

The event quickly became the UK’s premier gravel challenge, Inspired by US events like Dirty Kanza and Land Run 100.

Starts from Kielder Castle in the English–Scottish Borders and Named after the Border Reivers, medieval raiders of the region.

It has become a bucket-list event with a strong cultural identity.

All three event distances are on well surfaced hard packed gravel access roads, the distances are; 65, 130 and 200km and are all new routes for 2026.

The 200km event is one continuous loop with three feed stations. With all three course being nearly 100% off-road, riders should expect a challenging but rewarding day in the saddle.

The 130km event follows a similar route to the 200km. Whilst the 65 km route has all of the vibe of the longer events but with a little less pedalling – perfect for your first event?

2026-dirty-reiver3

The course is suitable for any off-road bike with 33c or larger tyres – with an off-road tread. While the course is designed to favour gravel bikes, a hardtail MTB or similar will be fine. We recommend at least 42mm+ tyres for maximum comfort!

The Dirty Reiver has partnered with the Kielder Campsite to offer riders a convenient place to stay.

There are 3 feed stations available along the course. Each feed station provides; Water; Some Clif nutrition; Snack foods such as bananas, wrapped cake bars, flapjacks, feed stations will also allow access to limited mechanical support and drop bags and hot drinks are at the second feed.

2026 marks the 10th edition, unfortunately the event is already SOLD OUT in advance. It takes place 24 - 26 April 2026.

For more information, please visit: https://dirtyreiver.co.uk

#2. Gravel Rallye Rhine Valley - Germany

2016 marked the start of what would become one of Germany’s most characterful gravel festivals.

The Gravel Rallye Rhine Valley in May is another outstanding gravel event of the Gravel Rallye Series p/b Propain and takes place in the cycling paradise of Kaiserstuhl. Nestled in the picturesque Rhine plain between the Black Forest and the Vosges mountains in the immediate vicinity of Freiburg.

By 2024, the event was large enough to appear on international calendars with multiple distances and up to 350 participants.

Held in the Kaiserstuhl region — a volcanic mini-mountain range between the Black Forest and the Vosges it is well known for vineyard terraces, forest gravel, “hohle Gassen” (sunken lanes) and Rhine-side flat-out speed sections.

The event’s signature is a blend of punchy climbing + fast gravel + wine-country scenery and has evolved into a multi-day gravel festival. You can expect idyllic wine-growing villages and fantastic 360° all-round views are the perfect breather.

You can also expect spicy ascents and descents with fast-paced, winding forest and gravel paths. Meadow tracks and old asphalt roads provide plenty of variety and require good grip and sometimes driving skills. You can give a lot of gravel speed on the flat line, along the banks of the Rhine.

In 2026, they've planned six fascinating gravel routes for you. With over 500 kilometers of high-quality gravel, you're sure to find the perfect gravel highlight:

- 2 warm up ride suggestions : approx. 50km / 800hm (whenever you want)
- Gravel overnighter: on 2 days approx. 140km / 1,500 m or approx. 300km / 3,000hm
- Long Distance Ride Milan: approx. 160km / 1,700 m (only on Saturday)
- Poker Ride Blue / Grasshopper : approx. 65km / 1,300hm
- Poker-Ride Red / wild Rose : approx. 90km / 1,100hm

Experience pure joy, nature and freedom during a sporting challenge in a self-guiding format. On the way you will be well catered for by the dedicated Gravel Rally Team.

It starts in small, family-like groups of 10. You just come to the starting line, alone or with your group, and off you go! During the day, you can expect a warm get-together with fresh Black Forest tarte flambée.

On Saturday evening we celebrate together at the afterparty with live vinyl music and smoker BBQ. Let yourself be enchanted by the atmosphere and enjoy the evening.

And on Sunday, with a little luck, you have the chance to win your Poker Ride prize.

Come with the tent or camper. You can spend the night directly at the festival site.

2026 marks the 11th edition of one the oldest and original Gravel Fondos in Europe which takes place this May 8 - 10, 2026.

There's still places available, but hurry!

For more information, please visit: https://gravel-rallye.com/rhine-valley

#1. Grinduro Scotland

Was the first event to introduce the "party and race” format.

Ginduro Scotland was first organized in 2015 and took a break in 2023 and returned in 2025.

Early UK gravel events pushed the cycling festival format with riding, racing, camping, BBQ's and live music.

The 10th edition takes place on 27–28 June 2026 at Drumlanrig Castle, Queensberry Estate “a muckle dram of two-wheeled FUN", "part race, part party”, set in “stunning scenery” of Drumlanrig, Ae Forest, and Galloway glens.

Drumlanrig Castle provides the perfect home for Grinduro Scotland, combining centuries of heritage with some of the best outdoor terrain in the country. Long celebrated for its exceptional network of trails, Drumlanrig is a hub for mountain biking, gravel and road cycling. The estate features miles of natural woodland singletrack, estate roads, and scenic paths—making it an inspirational backdrop for everything from family-friendly activities to elite-level outdoor pursuits.

During the festival, Drumlanrig transforms into a vibrant basecamp where history and the outdoors come together. Visitors can discover the Castle’s rich Douglas family heritage while immersing themselves in a weekend of adventure, nature, and community in one of South Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. A historic setting. A world-class outdoor playground. A perfect home for Grinduro!

2026-grinduro-scotland1

2026 Grinduro changes to a Timed Segment Format.

Grinduro Scotland is just what the name suggests: Gravel Road Race + Mountain Bike-Style Enduro = one long loop of pavement and dirt, where finishing times aren’t based on overall loop time, but four timed segments (each roughly five-to-ten minutes). But Grinduro is not just a bike race. It’s a celebration of cycling with as much emphasis on the fun as the ride, with excellent food, an impressive display of art and incredible handmade bikes, live music, camping and a festival atmosphere.

With a Gran Fondo-style mass start, you’ll be pedalling out of town and up the first climb alongside your heroes and the pace will be conversational—because overall time doesn’t matter, only the four timed segments. The Grinduro segments are designed to reward the most well rounded of rouleurs.

E-bikes are welcome to join Grinduro and experience the stellar route we have cooked up... the more the merrier!

At Grinduro, they believe that bike riders’ health, attitude and performance is directly related to the foods that they eat, so we have amazing food planned for the weekend. You'll get to sample the finest local food and drink that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer in our food village. After a hearty breakfast, you'll be eating your way around the course - and it isn't just energy gels and half-cut bananas at Grinduro. Oh no... you're in for a treat. Sweet, savoury, you name it.

Camping

The dedicated campsite offers a relaxed, friendly base surrounded by rolling hills, forest trails, and the wild beauty of southern Scotland. Wake up to birdsong, enjoy stunning sunrise views, and step straight into a day filled with outdoor adventure. Whether you’re bringing a tent, campervan, or family-sized setup, you’ll find spacious pitches, clean facilities, and an inviting festival atmosphere. With food vendors, evening entertainment, and easy access to all activities, camping is the perfect way to experience the South Scotland Outdoor Festival from dawn till dusk.

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More Than a Race - a Whole Festival!

When you sign up, you’re not just getting a race number -you’re getting full, free access to the entire South Scotland Outdoor Festival programme. Across the whole weekend, your entry includes unlimited access to inspiring talks, adventure films, skills workshops, demos, and panel sessions, all hosted within the festival village at Drumlanrig Castle. Extra tickets can be purchased for family & friends who want to join the fun but not race. We have activities for the whole family! Whether you want to learn from outdoor experts, discover new adventures, try hands-on sessions, or simply soak up the atmosphere with fellow enthusiasts, your sporting ticket opens the door to it all.

For more information, please visit: https://grinduro.com/scotland

OUR PRIVACY POLICY & TERMS OF USE

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To register as a member you need to allow cookies within your browser. We create one cookie, which relates to your membership account. The contents of the cookie are encrypted and secured.

Our Policy

Gran Fondo Guide has opted to provide a service that encourages cyclists to regulary use the website and any services it provides. It aims provide lots of useful features to build a strong community for the primary benefit of cyclists and event organisers and secondly for the benefit of charities, sponsors, cycling advocacy groups and the cycling industry.

Trusted Source

Gran Fondo Guide started in Jan 2013 and has worked tremendously hard to establish itself and become a TRUSTED and RELIABLE source of information. We aim to build on that TRUST as we develop our services. The basic website, mobile site and tablet apps are FREE for all visitors and basic event listings are FREE for all event organisers. We aim to have an accurate, comprehensive and IMPARTIAL listing of all cycling events and the latest news and results.

Spam

WE DO NOT SEND SPAM. WE DO NOT SEND THIRD PARTY MARKETING EMAILS.

We have a newsletter (each week or fortnight) which contains the latest news. If you do not wish to receive our newsletter, you can OPT OUT at any time, using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our newsletter.

Your Privacy

WE WILL NEVER DISCLOSE, SELL OR RENT YOUR DETAILS TO A THIRD PARTY.

Your personal details are secure and made available only to you, unless you share certain information with friends or family - that you authorise.

Removal

Should you wish to have your membership details removed from our system, please use the Contact Us form supplying your registered email address. This will include any content or any other information you provided. This is final.

Complaints

If you have a complaint regarding this website, our policy, our terms of use, your membership details or any other matter, please use the Contact Us form to notify us. We aim to answer all requests within 1 working day.

Acceptance Of Terms

The web pages available at GranFondoGuide.com (“Web Site”), is accessed by you under the Terms of Use described below (“Terms”). Please read these terms carefully before using the service. By accessing the site, viewing any content or using any services available on the site (as each is defined below) you are agreeing to be bound by these terms, which together with our Privacy policy, governs our relationship with you in relation to the site. If you disagree with any part of the terms then you may not access the site.

Services

The Site is an online community which enables cyclists and cycling event organizers to post content related to upcoming cycling events and access and/or purchase services from time to time made available on the Site (“Services”). Services include, but are not limited to, any service and/or content GranFondoGuide.com makes available to or performs for you, as well as the offering of any materials displayed, transmitted or performed on the Site or through the Services. Content (“Content”) includes, but is not limited to text, alerts, ratings, user comments, messages, information, data, graphics, news articles, photographs, images, illustrations, and software. Your access to and use of the Site may be interrupted from time to time as a result of equipment malfunction, updating, maintenance or repair of the Site or any other reason within or outside the control of GranFondoGuide.com. GranFondoGuide.com reserves the right to suspend or discontinue the availability of the Site and/or any Service and/or remove any Content at any time at its sole discretion and without prior notice. GranFondoGuide.com may also impose limits on certain features and Services or restrict your access to parts of or all of the Site and the Services without notice or liability.

Membership

No membership is required to view much of the content on GranFondoGuide.com, but as a condition to posting or publishing content on GranFondoGuide.com, you are required to open an account with GranFondoGuide.com and select a password, and to provide registration information. The registration information you provide must be accurate, complete, and current at all times. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of the Terms, which may result in immediate termination of your GranFondoGuide.com account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and are solely responsible for all activities resulting from the use of your password and conducted through your GranFondoGuide.com account. Services are available only to individuals who are either (i) at least 18 years old, or (ii) at least 14 years old, and who are authorized to access the Site by a parent or legal guardian. If you have authorized a minor to use the Site, you are responsible for the online conduct of such minor, and the consequences of any misuse of the Site by the minor.

User Conduct

All Content posted or otherwise submitted to the Site is the sole responsibility of the account holder from which such Content originates and you acknowledge and agree that you, and not GranFondoGuide.com are entirely responsible for all Content that you post, or otherwise submit to the Site. GranFondoGuide.com does not control user submitted Content and, as such, does not guarantee the accuracy, integrity or quality of such Content. You understand that by using the Site you may be exposed to Content that is incorrect, or objectionable. As a condition of use, you promise not to use the Services for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these Terms, or any other purpose not reasonably intended by GranFondoGuide.com. By way of example, and not as a limitation, you agree not to use the Services:

- To abuse, harass, threaten, impersonate or intimidate any person;

- To post or transmit, or cause to be posted or transmitted, any Content that is libellous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, abusive, offensive, profane, or that infringes any copyright or other right of any person;

- For any purpose (including posting or viewing Content) that is not permitted under the laws of the jurisdiction where you use the Services;

- To post or transmit, or cause to be posted or transmitted, any communication or solicitation designed or intended to obtain password, account, or private information from any GranFondoGuide.com user;

- To create or transmit unwanted ‘spam’ to any person or any URL

- To post copyrighted Content which doesn’t belong to you.

- With the exception of accessing RSS feeds, you will not use any robot, spider, scraper or other automated means to access the Site for any purpose without our express written permission. Additionally, you agree that you will not: (i) take any action that imposes, or may impose in our sole discretion an unreasonable or disproportionately large load on our infrastructure; (ii) interfere or attempt to interfere with the proper working of the Site or any activities conducted on the Site; or (iii) bypass any measures we may use to prevent or restrict access to the Site;

- To report a suspected abuse of the Site or a breach of the Terms.

Content Submitted Or Made Available For Inclusion On The Service

Please read this section carefully before posting, uploading, or otherwise submitting any Content to the site. By submitting content to the site you are granting GranFondoGuide.com a worldwide, Non exclusive license to use the content, and that GranFondoGuide.com is free to publish, Distribute and use the content as herein after provided for without obtaining permission Or license from any third party.

Miscellaneous

No agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment is created as a result of the Terms and you do not have any authority of any kind to bind GranFondoGuide.com in any respect whatsoever. The failure of either party to exercise in any respect any right provided for herein shall not be deemed a waiver of any further rights hereunder. GranFondoGuide.com shall not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations hereunder where such failure results from any cause beyond GranFondoGuide.com’s reasonable control, including, without limitation, mechanical, electronic or communications failure or degradation (including "line-noise" interference). If any provision of the Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the Terms shall otherwise remain in full force and effect and enforceable. GranFondoGuide.com may transfer, assign or delegate the Terms and its rights and obligations without consent. Both parties agree that the Terms is the complete and exclusive statement of the mutual understanding of the parties and supersedes and cancels all previous written and oral agreements, communications and other understandings relating to the subject matter of the Terms, and that all modifications must be in a writing signed by both parties, except as otherwise provided herein.