🚴 Gravel Racing

What is Gravel Racing?

Gravel racing is one of the fastest growing disciplines in modern cycling. This innovative race format combines elements of road racing, cyclocross and mountain biking and takes place mainly on unpaved roads, gravel paths and mixed surfaces. The special feature lies in the variety of terrain and the often extremely long distances that riders must cover.

The discipline originated in the USA, where many rural areas have an extensive network of gravel roads. In recent years, gravel racing has established itself worldwide and attracts both professionals and ambitious hobby riders. Events range from short 50-kilometer races to epic 300+ kilometer stages.

Characteristics of Gravel Races

Course Profile and Surface

Gravel races typically take place 60-80% on unpaved paths. The rest is distributed on paved roads and occasionally single trails. The routes are deliberately varied and lead through different landscapes:

• Gravel roads of varying quality
• Forest paths and forestry roads
• Agricultural paths
• Short paved connecting sections
• Occasional technical passages

Distances and Formats

The Right Gravel Bike

Frame and Geometry

Gravel bikes have a special geometry that combines comfort over long distances with sufficient agility for technical passages. The frame is usually somewhat more robust than pure racing bikes and offers more tire clearance for wider tires. Typical features are:

• Longer wheelbase for more stability on rough surfaces
• Higher bottom bracket to avoid ground contact on uneven terrain
• More relaxed seating position for more comfort over long distances
• Reinforced tubes for higher stability and durability
• Mounts for panniers and bottle cages

Tire Selection and Air Pressure

Tire selection is crucial for performance in gravel racing. Most riders use tires between 35mm and 45mm width. The right balance between grip, rolling resistance and puncture protection is essential:

Recommended Tire Widths:

• Dry, hard gravel roads: 35-38mm
• Mixed conditions: 38-42mm
• Wet, soft surfaces: 42-45mm

Air Pressure Guidelines:

• Light riders (under 70kg): 2.2-2.8 bar
• Medium riders (70-85kg): 2.5-3.2 bar
• Heavy riders (over 85kg): 2.8-3.5 bar

Training for Gravel Races

Physical Preparation

Preparing for a gravel race requires a combination of different training forms. The high load duration and technical requirements make specific training necessary:

Training Components:

• Base Endurance Training: Long rides of 3-6 hours in the GA1/GA2 range
• Strength Endurance Intervals: Hill intervals to strengthen leg muscles
• Technical Training: Riding on loose surfaces, cornering technique, descents
• High-Intensity Intervals: To improve anaerobic capacity for attacks
• Bikepacking Rides: Simulation of long distances with self-sufficiency

Mental Preparation

The long distances and often isolated course sections require strong mental preparation. Many gravel races are held as individual time trials where riders are on their own.

Mental Preparation Checklist:

• Visualization of difficult course sections
• Development of coping strategies for low points
• Training self-sufficiency and navigation
• Simulation of competition conditions in training
• Building resilience through long training rides

Famous Gravel Races Worldwide

The Big Five of Gravel Racing

The most important and prestigious gravel races have become true classics:

001. Unbound Gravel (USA)
Originally known as "Dirty Kanza", the race in Kansas is the most famous gravel event worldwide. With various distances up to 350 km and over 3,000 starters, it is the mecca of the gravel scene.

002. Belgian Waffle Ride (USA)
A series of events in California and Kansas known for their brutal climbs and technical descents. The courses combine asphalt, gravel and singletrails.

003. Gravel World Championships (changing locations)
The World Championships officially organized by the UCI since 2022 have given the sport additional legitimacy.

004. Traka (Croatia)
The most important European gravel event leads through the Croatian peninsula of Istria and offers spectacular coastal landscapes.

005. Grinduro (multiple locations)
An event series that combines gravel racing with enduro elements and takes place at various locations worldwide.

Development of Gravel Racing

Equipment and Gear

Clothing

The right clothing is crucial for comfort on long gravel rides. Weather changes and varying temperatures require layering:

Basic Equipment:

• Bib Shorts: High-quality chamois for long rides
• Base Layer: Breathable and moisture-wicking
• Jersey: With sufficient storage space for nutrition
• Windbreaker: Packable for descents and weather changes
• Gloves: With padding for vibration damping
• Eye Protection: Against dust, stones and sun

Technical Equipment

The right tools can be decisive in long gravel races. Mechanical problems must be fixed independently:

Basic Equipment:

• Spare tube or tubeless repair kit
• Tire levers and multi-tool
• CO2 cartridges or mini pump
• Chain link and spare derailleur hanger
• Duct tape for emergency repairs

Nutrition:

• Energy bars and gels (approx. 300-400 kcal/hour)
• Electrolyte drinks
• Bottle cages (at least 2-3 for long races)
• Salt tablets for hot conditions

Tactics and Race Strategy

Pacing Strategy

The biggest challenge in gravel racing is the right pacing over the often very long distances. Unlike road racing, there are usually fewer drafting opportunities:

Pacing Recommendations by Distance:

Group Riding vs. Solo Tactics

In many gravel races, the decision between group riding and solo pace is crucial:

Advantages of Group Riding:

• Drafting on paved sections
• Mental support
• Shared navigation

Advantages of Solo Pace:

• Individual tempo
• No forced breaks due to mechanical problems of others
• More flexible nutrition strategy

Differences to Related Disciplines

Gravel vs. Cyclocross

Although both disciplines take place on unpaved surfaces, there are significant differences. Cyclocross is significantly shorter (30-60 minutes) and technically more demanding with obstacles and portage sections. Gravel racing focuses on endurance and long distances.

Gravel vs. Mountain Biking

Compared to classic mountain bike races, gravel bikes are used on faster, less technical courses. The geometry is more race-oriented and the tires narrower, which enables higher average speeds.

Gravel vs. Road Racing

While road races primarily take place on asphalt, gravel racing offers more adventure character and requires more technical riding skills.

The Gravel Community

Culture and Philosophy

Gravel racing is characterized by a particularly inclusive and friendly atmosphere. Unlike the often elitist road racing, the community spirit is at the forefront here:

Community Values:

• Helpfulness on the course
• "No drop" mentality at many events
• Celebrating together after the race
• Less focus on placements, more on the experience
• Openness to all performance levels

Growth and Future

The gravel scene is growing exponentially. Between 2019 and 2024, the number of organized events has quintupled. Major bicycle manufacturers are investing heavily in the development of specialized gravel bikes, and more and more professionals from other disciplines are switching to gravel racing.

Getting Started in Gravel Racing

For Beginners

Getting started in gravel racing is more accessible than in many other cycling disciplines:

Step-by-Step Entry:

• Start with existing equipment: A stable road bike or cyclocross bike is sufficient for first experiences
• Choose short distances: Start with 40-60 km events
• Technical training: Practice riding on gravel paths and loose surfaces
• Test equipment: Use training rides to test tires and nutrition
• Find community: Join local gravel groups

First Race Participation

First Race Participation Checklist:

• Course profile and elevation studied
• Feed stations and emergency plan known
• Equipment tested and ready
• GPS navigation functioning
• Weather forecast checked
• Realistic time planning created
• Emergency contacts deposited

Technical Skills

Riding Technique on Gravel

The right technique on loose surfaces is crucial for speed and safety:

Basic Techniques:

• Relaxed posture: Arms and upper body relaxed to absorb impacts
• Weight distribution: In corners weight outward, bike leans inward
• Visual focus: Look far ahead, not directly in front of the front wheel
• Braking behavior: Brake earlier and more gradually than on asphalt
• Line selection: Prefer smooth, well-worn tracks

Descent Technique

Fast gravel descents require courage and the right technique:

• Shift weight backward
• Use both brakes gradually
• Cut corners wide
• Keep center of gravity low
• On loose gravel: Let bike run straight

Outlook and Development

The future of gravel racing looks promising. With official recognition by the UCI and integration into major cycling events, the discipline is becoming more professional. At the same time, the adventure character and community atmosphere that make gravel racing so unique remain intact.