Gravel Ride Reloaded

Press Release / 18.01.2017

After Local Organisers of the Ziener BIKE Festival Willingen had added the gravel race to the festival programme last year for the first time, the format for the 2017 event edition has been completely made over. The classic race became a ride with pleasure character.

“Last year's Cannondale Road Riot was more of a cross and not a gravel race. The course had too much of climbing and was simply too difficult,” says Johannes Niemann, who is the BIKE Festival project manager.

As a result, the whole gravel concept has been reviewed. In 2017, the focus is on exploring the nature, new and unknown paths as well as the mix of asphalt, gravel as well as forest roads with the main character being on the pleasure.

In addition, the whole race format got cancelled:

“We don't have a timing anymore. The Gravel-Ride is now more of a sportive ride without any classification or winners,” adds Niemann who – however – leaves it open if there will be a best time ranking for selected Strava sections.

Due to the changes to the event format, the distance has increased significantly compared to last year with now 56 km and 1,100 metres of climbing to be mastered.

“There is no chance to reduce the climbing due to the Willingen topography,” explains Niemann. “However, it's an attractive route which includes several beautiful viewpoints.”

One of them is the Graf Stollberg hut which will host a high-quality feed zone.

The Gravel-Ride is slated to take place on Friday, May 19, 2017, at 2 PM CET with the start staged right on the BIKE Festival Willingen's expo area.

Technical data:

• Distance: 56 km

• Climbing: 1,100 m

• Asphalt: 8 km / 14 %

• Cycle paths: 17 km / 30 %

• Gravel roads: 27 km / 49 %

• Forest roads: 4 km / 7 %

• Entry fee: € 19

For a complete overview click here