Header image courtesy of Alec Seaman
It’s that time of year where for many of us, thinking about what we want to add to our gravelly bucket list for 2026 becomes quite a high priority. We thought we would help aid this process by showcasing some of the fantastic gravel events that are being held in the next twelve months. If you would like some inspiration for 2026 then read on.
Piemontgravel – 10-12th April – Piedmont, Italy
Described by the organisers as “An adventure among vineyards, villages and breathtaking views, in a journey full of emotions and food and wine traditions to be savoured at every turn”, Piemontgravel returns in 2026 for its latest iteration. The event is non-competitive and offers participants a choice of four different distances:
- 111km with 1700m of climbing. Route dedicated to those who have a great desire to pedal but have only one day available, or to those who want to discover the beauties of the Langa and Roero in two days
- 222km with 2800m of climbing. Route designed for those who have a good training and want to experience the Piemontgravel in two intense days, or for those who prefer three days of discovery between Langa, Alta Langa and Roero.
- 333km with 4500m of climbing. Route dedicated to those who want to live three days of real adventure, crossing the whole heart of Piedmont.
- 444km with 6000m of climbing. Route designed for great cyclists, those looking for distance, rhythm and freedom.
Piemontgravel isn’t just about the riding – it’s also a food and wine trip. Participants will to “taste cheeses that contain the tradition of those who produced them, discover the donor territories of the sap that grows the finest hazelnuts in the world, sip refined wines such as Barolo and Nebbiolo, and taste unique chocolates such as Gianduiotto.”
The early bird entrance fee (available before 31/1/2026) is €59. You can find all the details and sign up at the event website.
Garden Route Giro – 13-18th April - Western Cape, South Africa
Described by organisers as “a six-day gravel odyssey through some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes on the planet”, the Garden Route Giro is new for 2026. The event, which is being held in the Western Cape region of South Africa includes “fierce competition, relentless climbs, fast-paced gravel sprints, and jaw-dropping scenery.” The 684km route will take participants over “towering mountain passes, rolling farmlands, deep river valleys and the arid expanse of the Karoo, before returning to the ocean’s edge.”
The Garden Route Giro is split into six stages, covering a total of 684 km and including 11,300m of climbing. The entry fee includes “all on-route essentials, daily lunch, access to the final night’s finisher function dinner and one night of formal accommodation at the Wilderness Hotel following the last stage.” Participants have a choice of staying in a tented village which will be moved by the organisers each day to the next location or upgrading to either 3-4* or 4-5* hotels depending on your budget. You can also bring your own tent or bring your own camper van (and crew to drive it). The optional extras include meal packages for any supporters you bring, airport shuttles at the start/finish and even the option to have someone drive your vehicle from start to finish or venue to venue – it seems like the organisers have thought of everything!
Prices start from R29,000 (approximately £1300/€1500) and accommodation options cost from R3500 (approximately £150/€180). You can find all the details at the event website.
Terre di Pisa Bike Trail – 17-19th April - Tuscany, Italy.
The organisers say that the Terre di Pisa Bike Trail “represents a new annual cycle tourism event, accessible to Gravel and MTBs, stretching along a ring-shaped route that runs the length and breadth of the Province of Pisa, touching its cities, most important villages and, through olive groves, vineyards, rolling hills and mountain paths, the most significant historical-artistic and natural territories.” The route, which is available as a year-round itinerary as well as the organised event, covers a total distance of 535km, of which just over 40% is off-road. Riders will climb a total of nearly 10,000m if they complete the circuit and will encounter everything from perfect Strada Bianche white roads to farm tracks to bike paths.
The full details of the 2026 event haven’t been announced yet, but you can sign-up for additional information via their website.
Gravel Rallye Series – 8-10th May – Rhine Valley, Germany
Early May will see enthusiastic gravel riders heading to the 'cycling paradise' of Kaiserstuhl in Germany’s Rhine Valley for the latest edition of the Gravel Rallye Series. The event is described as “a cycling festival, aimed at all off-road fans.” The organisers go on to say that “The focus is on the shared experience, combined with enthusiasm and passion for cycling on outstanding routes and the best catering in a relaxed atmosphere. It is about the high feeling, the connection with nature, the freedom and the sporting challenge as well as the time with like-minded people.”
Participants can expect to ride through “striking vineyard terraces, idyllic wine-grower villages and so-called hollow streets of the small mountain range of volcanic origin.” Gravel Rallye events are created as gravel festivals and offer everything from testing the latest gravel bikes from event sponsor Propain, to evening workshops to an after-party complete with DJ and smoker BBQ. There are numerous self-guided rides on offer including warm-up rides, a 2-day gravel overnighter, a long distance single day ride, a digital scavenger hunt and two ‘poker rides’ (where riders select playing cards at feed zones to be in with a chance of winning prizes).
The entry price depends on which ride option(s) you select, but starts from €39. You can find all the details at the event website.
Nordic Gravel Series Gravel Camp - 19-24th May 2026 - Lahti, Finland
“Explore the beauty of the Salpausselkä (Lahti) Geopark, which is part of the UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List, in the Finnish Lakeland region. The area offers stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes with endless premium hardpack gravel roads.” The organisers of the Nordic Gravel Series have put together an extensive schedule of gravel camps for 2026, which kick off in May.
Each gravel camp offers participants four days of guided gravel riding, with five overnight camps and “takes in the best gravel roads and trails in the area.” Each tour includes luggage transfers and a support vehicle, so you can just relax and enjoy the amazing riding and beautiful scenery. The NGS gravel camps are described as “moderate’ grade and include between 240 and 450 km of riding. There is a choice of two routes each day - a long route taking in 100-120 km and a medium route taking in 55-70 km. There is a minimum of 80% gravel road riding during the tour. Total climbing is between 2000-4000m. The camps “require good fitness, but maintain a social pace and atmosphere.”
Of course it’s not just about the riding – there is a daily sauna/lake swim included in the itinerary, the camps scheduled for June and July offer “nightless nights” and the tours include all meals. There is a Women’s Gravel Camp scheduled for 20-26thJuly.
Prices are from €1699 and full details can be found on the NGS website.
Midnight Gravel – 13th June – Norfolk, UK
“Race under the stars at Midnight Gravel Raynham — an overnight gravel challenge through private Norfolk landscapes. Solo or team up—adventure awaits!” That’s how the organisers of the 2026 Midnight Gravel event describe what they’re offering – an overnight gravel race like no other in fact!
Image courtesy of Alec Seaman
The event is open to both solo riders and relay teams of two or four people. It’s kicks off at 18.00 and riders race through the night, finishing at 06.00 the following morning. What makes the event really special is that it’s being held in the grounds of Raynham Estate, normally closed to the public and the course includes “a flowing mix of gravel tracks, woodland trails and open fields — perfect for a night of fun riding.” The event organisers will be building a race village “where you'll find food, drinks, and a supportive, excited atmosphere to keep the night buzzing.”
Entries cost from £80 for the early-bird price and there are options to upgrade to a “luxurious glamping yurt” for anyone who wants it. Full details can be found on the event website.