The growing popularity of gravel racing
In the world of cycling, a special niche exists where asphalt gives way to gravel roads, and ordinary bikes take the form of gravel bikes . This is a place where the passion for riding merges with adventure. Participants follow trails that lead through picturesque landscapes, uncharted terrain, and unpredictable challenges. This is the world of gravel racing, where the bicycle becomes a tool for discovery. The route becomes an arena of excitement.
We're taking a fascinating journey through the world's most important gravel races. From the American gravel trails to the exotic routes of Kenya, Africa. Together, we'll discover not only exceptional races but also the community spirit that unites gravel enthusiasts across the globe.
Unbound Gravel
Unbound , formerly known as Dirty Kanza, is one of the most exciting and prestigious gravel events in the world. Held in Emporia, Kansas, this large-scale competition attracts several thousand participants each year. The event offers a variety of distances, from shorter beginner courses to extreme long courses, catering to advanced riders seeking a unique experience.
The route covers a variety of terrain, from gravel roads to technical sections and muddy paths. This makes Unbound Gravel not just a race but a true adventure for lovers of this type of cycling.
"This is something every cycling enthusiast should experience," says Krzysztof Michałek , a man involved in the cycling industry for years. His experiences during Unbound Gravel underscore the uniqueness of this event. "The entire city, the entire community, was involved in this race. Everyone was cheering us on; I've never seen more volunteers ," adds Michałek, emphasizing the atmosphere of community involvement and support during this gravel spectacle.
The Rift
The Rift in Iceland is a unique gravel race that combines extreme terrain with the charms of Icelandic nature. Compared to Unbound, it's a medium-sized event, but it still attracts participants from around the world, although usually with limited space. The two main events include a shorter course, accessible to cyclists of all experience levels, and a longer course, challenging even the most experienced. The Rift offers a unique combination of gravel racing with extraordinary scenery, including views of glaciers, craters, and extraordinary rivers, allowing participants to not only compete but also admire the incredible Icelandic landscape.
SBT GRVL (Steamboat Gravel, USA)
SBT GRVL (Steamboat Gravel, USA) is a relatively new race that's quickly gaining recognition in the cycling community. Held in picturesque Steamboat Springs, Colorado, this event attracts hundreds to thousands of participants from across the country. A variety of disciplines are available. The routes take you through Colorado's beautiful landscape, featuring both gentle sections and challenging gravel sections.
Paris to Ancaster
Paris to Ancaster is one of Canada's premier gravel races, held in Ontario. This event is known not only for its impressive routes but also for its long history, dating back to the 1990s. The routes range from gravel sections to technical sections, providing both adrenaline and the natural beauty of the Canadian landscape. Paris to Ancaster offers a variety of events, allowing both competitive riders and amateurs looking for a fun-filled adventure.
Migration Gravel Race
The Migration Gravel Race in Kenya is one of the most exciting gravel events on the African continent, combining a passion for cycling with the beauty of the Kenyan landscape.
The event may be smaller in scale than some of the world's giants, but it attracts cyclists from all over the world seeking unique challenges on gravel routes. One of the unforgettable elements of this race is meeting the local community, which adds a social dimension to the event. During the MGR, participants have the opportunity to connect with Kenyan cyclists and locals, creating a unique atmosphere of solidarity and community.
Graaalps
Graaalps is an alpine ultra race that transcends the limits of ordinary athletic endeavors. Offering a distance of 700 km and 18,000 meters of elevation gain, the route traverses the picturesque landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland, providing participants with unforgettable views and challenging climbs. The time limit for completing this gravel marathon is a maximum of five days, but organizers offer support, such as luggage transport and a base camp halfway through the route with the option of resupply, while still allowing participants complete freedom. Furthermore, Graaalps allows for individual registration, as well as pairs or groups of four, fostering a diverse experience. This year's dates are July 16-21, 2024, but places are limited, so hurry!
Graaalps
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Gravel Races in Poland
Gravel races are becoming increasingly popular in Poland, attracting both local cyclists and international gravel enthusiasts. These events offer a variety of routes, depending on the geographical region of our beautiful country. They're also a great opportunity to immerse yourself in gravel culture and try your hand at competing on a dirt bike.
Calendar of selected competitions in 2024 (order by date):
1. Gothica Trail , May 24, 2024
These aren't just ordinary gravel races; they feature more than just gravel, but also a variety of roads typical of Pomerania – asphalt, forest paths, gravel, bridges, tunnels, rocks, mud, and sand. The routes take riders through wilderness, cliffs, the Chełm Mountains, the Słupia Valley, hills, Lake Drawsko, and the Kashubian Landscape Park, all the way to the Tuchola Forest. There are three routes to choose from: 600 km, 400 km, and a new option – 100 miles.
2. Sudowia Gravel , May 17-19, 2024
This annual event takes place in the Suwałki region, known for its picturesque landscapes, lakes, and forests. The race routes run through a variety of terrain, including gravel roads, forest paths, and local paved roads. "Sudovia Gravel" attracts both professional cyclists and amateurs seeking adventure in the beautiful Suwałki region. Four distances are available.
3. Mazovian Gravel , 15-17.06.2024
Another event related to the capital. Choose from 100, 200, and 500 km routes around Warsaw. Designated routes lead through forests and wild singletrack, and there's no shortage of beautiful lakes! The MG promotes cycling culture in Mazovia, but also integrates the local community and encourages active outdoor activities.
4. Wiselka 500 , 30/06/2024
An annual race/journey along the Vistula River. The route is approximately 500 kilometers from Warsaw via Bydgoszcz and Grudziądz to Gdańsk. The race attracts both professional cyclists and amateurs looking for a physical challenge.
5. Lemko Gravel , July 26-28, 2024
The "Łemko" race, organized as part of the Podkarpackie Gravel Festival, attracts participants from all over Poland and abroad, offering carefully planned routes through the beautiful Beskid Niski Mountains. It's not only a sporting adventure but also an inspiring cultural and social experience. The festival also includes the Galicia Gravel Race, considered the fastest gravel ultramarathon in Poland, providing enthusiasts with unforgettable moments of competition.
6. Gravelmageddon , August 2-4, 2024
The race will take place in the most beautiful locations in the Karkonosze and Jizera Mountains. The organizers expect approximately 500 competitors from Poland and abroad. Competitors and amateur cyclists can choose between 350 km and 160 km routes, with elevation gains of approximately 8,000 and 3,000 meters, respectively.
7. Szutroza , 21/09/2024
A new event in Lower Silesia, which is close to our hearts, is the Szutroza race, which will take us along picturesque routes along Lower Silesia's castles and palaces. Two gravel races will be available: a short 125 km race and a long 250 km race, which will surely encourage even the most amateur cyclist to participate. The organizers promise plenty of gravel, dust, and forest moss, along with beautiful views. In addition to the Lower Silesian Szutroza, this year's event will also feature competitions in the Wielkopolska and Lubusz Voivodeships. In addition to the Lower Silesian Szutroza, the organizers also invite you to competitions in the Wielkopolska and Lubusz Voivodeships this year: the Wielkopolska Fisheries Trail (April 27, 2024) and the Lubusz Vineyard Trail (August 17, 2024).
More about the races and our champion: Katarzyna Niewiadoma - Polish star of the Tour de France Femmes
UCI Gravel Cycling World Championships
When discussing the fascinating world of racing, one of the most important events cannot be left out: the UCI Gravel World Championships . This relatively new event debuted in 2022, quickly becoming a focal point for the global gravel community.
For Polish cycling fans, last year's race, held in picturesque Veneto, Italy, was a particularly exciting moment. There, Katarzyna Niewiadoma impressed everyone by winning the gold medal. The Polish rider raced over a 140-kilometer course with 1,600 meters of elevation gain, proving that gravel cycling isn't just a male domain.
The UCI Gravel World Championships attract the attention of not only cyclists but also a huge crowd of fans. The event attracts top-ranked riders from road, cyclocross, and even mountain bike racing. This confirms that gravel has become as popular as other top cycling disciplines, attracting the attention of elite cyclists and everyday enthusiasts. The global cycling community unites during these championships, celebrating the spirit of adventure, competition, and the discovery of new gravel routes.
Summary
Gravel racing isn't just about gravel racing; it's about passion, adventure, and a community united by a shared love of gravel . The world of gravel racing is growing rapidly, offering participants unforgettable moments on two wheels. Through picturesque routes, uncharted terrain, and unpredictable challenges, gravel is becoming not only a form of competition but also a way to discover the beauty of landscapes and culture.
Global events like the prestigious Unbound Gravel and the exotic Rift in Iceland exude the passion and commitment of the gravel community. Another key factor is the growing importance of the UCI Gravel World Championships, where athletes from around the world tackle the challenges of gravel trails.
In Poland , the gravel community is thriving, and national gravel races like Sudowia Gravel, Łemko Gravel, and Wisełka 500 are a part of global history. These events not only offer sporting challenges but also an opportunity to discover the charms of different regions. Polish gravel is not just about competition; it's about shared adventures on two wheels, uniting people with a passion for gravel trails.
For dessert , an interview with Daniel Curul, who agreed to share his experiences. His experiences and insight into the fascinating world of gravel adventures can be an inspiration for anyone looking to test their skills!
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A Conversation with a Gravel Enthusiast
1. Daniel, list the gravel races you have participated in - starting with the biggest in your opinion.
- Varmia GRV - 465 km, 239 participants.
- GothicaTrial - 400 km, 180 participants.
- Warta Grawel - 400 km, 160 participants.
- 100LakesGRV - 260 km, 110 participants.
2. What prompted you to participate in this particular edition of this race?
" Mainly the date, location, and price. This is primarily because I always travel to these events with my family in more remote areas of Poland. Another factor is the distance of the route. You have to consider your strength, your intentions, and the time you can dedicate to the race, rest, and spending time with your family. Then there's the enjoyment/prestige of the event. If I enjoyed a race—due to the interesting route, location, and overall atmosphere—I like to repeat it. A good example is the Gothica Trial, where I will be competing for the fourth time in the 2024 season. Everything I mentioned earlier fits here, plus a very, very cool and mysterious atmosphere, a very interesting and diverse route. In general, the whole atmosphere that Robert Ruszkiewicz managed to create with his family and friends."
Varmia GRV - as above. Plus: I hadn't been to this area by bike, and I wanted to break the barrier of riding a 400km long bike. So, some additional challenge/goal. Warta Grawel - distance and relatively close to home. Cool areas and surroundings, where you can return outside of the event. 100JeziorGRV - because it's right under your nose. You might have ridden this area, but the 'locals' will still find something interesting.
3. How do you prepare for a race? Is there anything you would recommend to new participants?
I believe that preparing for an ultramarathon requires an individual approach for each participant and is highly dependent on what they want to achieve and their level of proficiency. In my example: 1 ultramarathon (370 km), I simply wanted to finish within the allotted time limit. I wasn't focused on the result. Finishing was the goal. I had absolutely no idea what to expect from such a race, especially in the terrain. How would the principle of self-sufficiency actually work? Would both the body and the mind be able to withstand it? Therefore, in my opinion, it's important to set a measurable goal:
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Completion. In my experience, with the above goal, you don't need any special, extensive training. Just ride a certain number of kilometers in the 2-3 months before your final event, and you'll be fine. In my case, that was, for example, three times a week, about 30-60 km for a month. The next step is to add a 100 km ride on a weekend – preferably back-to-back days – to see how your body reacts. Moderate pace – no breaking or rushing. Just a little more or less intense. Of course, it's important to remember that, for example, 100 km on asphalt isn't the same as 100 km off-road – even if it's beautiful gravel.
- Top 20/10/5/miss. It's not so easy here. Of course, a lot depends on the athlete's predispositions, but let's be honest. If you want to achieve something, you have to work for it. In a case like the above-mentioned goal, it's training, training, and more training. Body training, mind training, and equipment training. Without this, many people can get burned and disappointed, because despite the kilometers they put in, they either don't finish or finish with a result far below their expectations.
4. Do you see the gravel community growing in Poland? What are your thoughts on this phenomenon?
Yes. I definitely see this development. It's a very positive and popular phenomenon both locally and nationally. Perhaps the best thing about the gravel community is that every participant is equal. Everyone shows up to have a good time. This applies both during the so-called "set-ups"—you'll often notice couples forming while riding and engaging in discussion. Later, these people meet with other participants and form a new pair, etc.—and after the ride—for a shared coffee or isotonic drink.
I also think that the gravel community has grown thanks to social media.
and YouTubers, who mostly send positive 'waves' about this phenomenon - graveling.
This is a cool phenomenon - because you can meet interesting people with common interests who, for example, turn out to live just a stone's throw away from you.
5. More gravel races?
Yes. I plan to make three starts in the 2024 season, so I'll be going to:
- 1. GothicaTrial,
- 2. Wonoga,
- 3. we'll see
Of course, in addition to the races, there will also be community outings, so there will be no shortage of riding.
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