How technical is Gravel Earth Series?

Pete Stetina found Ranxo "much rowdier than anyone expected" with "rolling fitness friendly farm roads linked with singletrack connections and also cyclocross dismount moments." The Ranxo course opens with technical challenges immediately: "starts almost immediately with the day's toughest climb, 5,4 km on gravel with an average gradient of 5.2% and some sections above 15%."[6]

Gravel Earth Series Review 2026 | Spain)

[01]

Course Overview

Europe's premier gravel circuit. From Girona to Kenya to Iceland, the alternative to Life Time's American hegemony.

208 mi

Distance

12,139 ft

Elevation

Global (HQ: Girona, Spain)

Location

12 events across 7 countries, 2026

Date

~800

Field Size

$590,000

Entry Cost

MORE IN SPAIN: The Traka 200 · Badlands · Transiberica

[03]

The Course

Solo cyclist riding muddy gravel road through green countryside with race leaderboard overlay showing Emporia, KS race - Gravel Earth Series - Global (HQ: Girona, Spain)

Aerial view of gravel cyclists on dirt farm road through agricultural fields with freshly tilled soil patterns - Gravel Earth Series - Global (HQ: Girona, Spain)

A global circuit that delivers genuine adventure across continents. The Traka offers Mediterranean gravel with sea views and Catalan forest trails. Migration throws riders into Kenya's safari lands with wildlife encounters and Maasai villages. Iceland provides volcanic otherworldliness. The Oregon Trail delivers American multi-day stage racing. Each event is distinct, but all share the GES ethos: adventure over pure competition.

Signature challenge: The sheer variety—committing to GES means racing Mediterranean forests, African safari lands, volcanic Iceland, and American mountain ranges. No other series delivers this breadth of adventure.

SURFACE COMPOSITION

overall

gravel 85%

pavement 15%

gravel 85%pavement 15%

3mi

gravel 60%

pavement 40%

gravel 60%pavement 40%

92mi

gravel 54%

pavement 40%

gravel 54%pavement 40%singletrack 6%

5mi

gravel 54%

pavement 40%

gravel 54%pavement 40%singletrack 6%

1mi

gravel 70%

pavement 30%

gravel 70%pavement 30%

?

MILE

3,700m climbing

85% gravel over 335km with punchy climbs, technical singletrack, and hike-a-bike sections through Catalan forests.

?

MILE

20% completion rate

450-650km across 4 stages at 1,900m altitude. Game trails, river crossings, 'Dutch Mountains' headwinds. Wildlife included.

?

MILE

Volcanic chaos

Lava fields, tectonic rifts, glacial river crossings. 10C with horizontal rain possible. Weather changes in minutes.

?

MILE

5-day stage race

580km with 30,000ft climbing across Cascade Mountains. Snow possible. The 'Grand Tour of Gravel.'

RIDERS REPORT

North Course

The North Course is punchier and chunkier. It's a beast. It's I mean chunky like the gravel. It's just like these massive rocks.

Terrain conditions in rough weather

It's been raining. This winter has been crazy around. We've had lots of rain. We've had lots of wind. The terrain is in rough conditions. It's muddy and it's cold.

To race 200 miles on this terrain is just so destructive. It just beats up your entire body.

There are rocks flying everywhere. It's such a race of attrition.

They're going to be probably covered in mud by the time they come to the start line if yesterday's ride was anything to go by.

[04]

From the Field

The field is like 20 riders who can win the race and another 100 of strong riders, it will be a completely different event. If you see how everyone is taking this race more and more serious and training already from October on like the level is so high.
Gravel Earth Series · 18.2K views

It's been raining. This winter has been crazy around. We've had lots of rain. We've had lots of wind. The terrain is in rough conditions. So it's muddy and it's cold. It was maybe 8° riding out here this morning and they're going to be probably covered in mud by the time they come to the start line.
Gravel Earth Series · 35.4K views

It's something you cannot really prepare yourself for and remind yourself that this does end. There is a finish line. There are always moments that you feel super strong, but there are moments that you feel like shit and you really question your life choices.
Gravel Earth Series · 17.7K views

Unbound started in the parking lot on the northwest side of town with 36 riders. Um, and most of them were from just around the region. It was not a big national event. In the early days, it was a little bit more choose your own adventure, if you will.
Life Time Grand Prix · 232.5K views

SANTA VALL 2025 · START OF THE SEASON | EPISODE 1

Gravel Earth Series · 18.2K views · 22:50

Gravel Earth Series · 35.4K views · 4:18:49

THE TRAKA 2025 · BEYOND THE GRIT | EPISODE 2

Gravel Earth Series · 17.7K views · 26:00

[07]

Training

Race-specific preparation details are included in the demand profile below.

[08]

Train for Gravel Earth Series

RACE DEMAND PROFILE

Durability

10

Climbing

8

VO2 Power

8

Threshold

5

Technical

8

Heat

7

Altitude

6

Race Specificity

10

3 WORKOUTS BUILT FOR THIS RACE

Each workout below is selected from our archetype library based on Gravel Earth Series’s specific demands. Click any workout to see the full execution protocol.

Durability Double Day Simulation

2hr (AM+PM) +

Two sessions in one day — AM endurance, PM intensity. Trains the double-day fatigue of multi-day events.

208 miles. Your legs will beg to quit after 120. This trains the power output you need from mile 130 onward.

AM: Z2 1hr

REST

PM WU

10m FTP

5m

10m FTP

CD

STRUCTURE AM: 1hr Zone 2 | PM: 10min warm-up → 2×10min @ 95% FTP / 5min recovery → cool-down

EXECUTION The AM ride loads fatigue. The PM session tests your ability to produce quality power on pre-stressed legs. This is what stage racing and back-to-back hard days feel like. Don’t skip the AM ride — that’s the whole point.

POWER AM: 65–70% FTP | PM intervals: 93–97% FTP | PM recovery: 55% FTP

CADENCE AM: 85–90rpm easy | PM: 85–95rpm on intervals

POSITION AM: comfortable, any position | PM: race position for intervals

RPE AM: 3–4 | PM intervals: 7–8

RACE-SPECIFIC: GRAVEL EARTH SERIES

HEAT PREP February in Global (HQ: Girona, Spain) can bring heat. Complete 3–4 heat exposure sessions in the final 2 weeks before Gravel Earth Series. Increase sodium intake 48 hours before race day.

NUTRITION Ultra-distance fueling for 208 miles: 80–100g carbs/hour from mile 1 — don’t wait until you’re hungry. Practice your exact race-day nutrition in every long training ride. Carry backup calories. 208 miles burns 8,000–12,000+ calories — you cannot replace them all, but you must try.

ALTITUDE Moderate altitude at Gravel Earth Series. Arrive 2–3 days early. Reduce intensity expectations by 5–10%. Hydrate aggressively.

TERRAIN Highly technical terrain at Gravel Earth Series demands practice on similar surfaces. Ride mixed gravel, from smooth european roads to technical african game trails at race-day cadence weekly. Expect: european gravel, volcanic fields, desert terrain. Practice cornering, descending, and power delivery on unstable surfaces. Dial in tire pressure before race week — 5 PSI wrong costs you 15+ minutes over 208 miles.

Gravel Specific Surge and Settle

1hr +

Explosive surges into tempo settling — the signature gravel-specific workout.

Gravel Earth Series' European gravel, Volcanic fields forces constant power changes. Surge over the rough stuff, settle on the smooth, repeat for 208 miles.

WU 15m

SURGE

SETTLE

SURGE

SETTLE

SURGE

SETTLE

5m

S

SET 2

S

CD

STRUCTURE 15min warm-up → 2 sets of 3×(20sec surge @ 130% FTP + 90sec settle @ 85% FTP) / 5min between sets → cool-down

EXECUTION Out of the saddle for every surge — explosive, violent power. Then immediately drop to tempo and SETTLE. Smooth your breathing. Recover while still working. This is what gravel racing IS: attack the rock garden, settle on the straight, attack the climb, settle on the descent. Over and over.

POWER Surges: 125–135% FTP | Settle: 83–87% FTP

CADENCE 100–120rpm surge (explosive) | 85–90rpm settle (smooth)

POSITION Standing for surges | Seated in drops for settle

RPE Surges: 9–10 | Settle: 5–6

RACE-SPECIFIC: GRAVEL EARTH SERIES

HEAT PREP February in Global (HQ: Girona, Spain) can bring heat. Complete 3–4 heat exposure sessions in the final 2 weeks before Gravel Earth Series. Increase sodium intake 48 hours before race day.

NUTRITION Ultra-distance fueling for 208 miles: 80–100g carbs/hour from mile 1 — don’t wait until you’re hungry. Practice your exact race-day nutrition in every long training ride. Carry backup calories. 208 miles burns 8,000–12,000+ calories — you cannot replace them all, but you must try.

ALTITUDE Moderate altitude at Gravel Earth Series. Arrive 2–3 days early. Reduce intensity expectations by 5–10%. Hydrate aggressively.

TERRAIN Highly technical terrain at Gravel Earth Series demands practice on similar surfaces. Ride mixed gravel, from smooth european roads to technical african game trails at race-day cadence weekly. Expect: european gravel, volcanic fields, desert terrain. Practice cornering, descending, and power delivery on unstable surfaces. Dial in tire pressure before race week — 5 PSI wrong costs you 15+ minutes over 208 miles.

Race Simulation Variable Pace Chaos

1.25hr +

Unpredictable power changes — no pattern, no rhythm, pure gravel race simulation.

Race-pace efforts that mimic Gravel Earth Series' demands. Pacing, fueling, and tactical decisions under fatigue. Practice the race before February.

WU 10m

2m

30s

3m

90s

1m

2m

20s

3m

1m

3m

2m

CD

STRUCTURE 10min warm-up → 20min chaos block: random 30sec–3min efforts @ 85–130% FTP → 5min recovery → repeat → cool-down

EXECUTION There is no pattern. That’s the point. Power jumps randomly between zones — like a gravel race where terrain, wind, and competitors dictate your effort. Don’t anticipate. React. Recover when you can. Suffer when you must. This workout teaches metabolic flexibility.

POWER Range: 85–130% FTP | No two minutes at the same power

CADENCE Variable — match the effort. 80rpm on tempo, 100rpm on VO2, 120rpm on sprints.

POSITION Change constantly. That’s the chaos.

RPE Varies wildly: 4–10 within a single block

RACE-SPECIFIC: GRAVEL EARTH SERIES

HEAT PREP February in Global (HQ: Girona, Spain) can bring heat. Complete 3–4 heat exposure sessions in the final 2 weeks before Gravel Earth Series. Increase sodium intake 48 hours before race day.

NUTRITION Ultra-distance fueling for 208 miles: 80–100g carbs/hour from mile 1 — don’t wait until you’re hungry. Practice your exact race-day nutrition in every long training ride. Carry backup calories. 208 miles burns 8,000–12,000+ calories — you cannot replace them all, but you must try.

ALTITUDE Moderate altitude at Gravel Earth Series. Arrive 2–3 days early. Reduce intensity expectations by 5–10%. Hydrate aggressively.

TERRAIN Highly technical terrain at Gravel Earth Series demands practice on similar surfaces. Ride mixed gravel, from smooth european roads to technical african game trails at race-day cadence weekly. Expect: european gravel, volcanic fields, desert terrain. Practice cornering, descending, and power delivery on unstable surfaces. Dial in tire pressure before race week — 5 PSI wrong costs you 15+ minutes over 208 miles.

FREE

GET THE GRAVEL EARTH SERIES PREP KIT

12-week training timeline, race-day checklists, packing list, and personalized fueling calculator — unlocked instantly.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

[09]

Race Logistics

Airport

BCN (Barcelona) for The Traka - 30min train to Girona. JKIA (Nairobi) for Migration - concierge service included. Various for other events.

Lodging

Book early for Girona during Traka week—cycling mecca fills up. Kenya packages include Holiday Inn Two Rivers and safari camps. Use Klassmark/Eat Sleep Cycle tour packages for convenience.

Food

Mediterranean cuisine in Spain is excellent. Migration includes meals in packages. Plan for self-sufficiency in more remote events.

Packet Pickup

Varies by event. Pre-race registration typically day before.

Parking

Varies by event. Girona has good city parking; safari events have organized transport.

RIDERS REPORT

Perfect world scenarios don't exist in Unbound. It is really hard to focus for 10 and 1/2 hours.

It's one of the most unpredictable races because of flat tires and mechanicals that can happen to equipment.

OFFICIAL SITE

[10]

Tire Picks

45mmMUDDY

1

Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite

45mm · $70 · 42W

high puncture protection for sharp surfaces. excellent wet grip. strong mud clearance

2

Tufo Gravel Swampero

44mm · $70

excellent wet grip. strong mud clearance

3

Vittoria Terreno Wet

45mm · $80 · 39W

excellent wet grip. strong mud clearance

FULL TIRE GUIDE & PRESSURE TABLE

NEWS

Latest Coverage

[—]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the climate like at Gravel Earth Series?

Weather significantly impacts racing across the series. The 2023 Ranxo faced "big storms in the area" on Friday, creating mud that made previously easy sections "more technical and added difficulty to the race." Despite muddy conditions, "it was a hot day with temperatures in the 30s Celsius," creating challenging dual conditions of heat and slippery terrain.[9]

How are the logistics for Gravel Earth Series?

Global circuit requires significant travel planning. Arriving at Ranxo "an hour west of Barcelona" for the series final, where the venue was "El Vilar de la Duquesa, a hotel resort located in the upper part of the medieval village." Most riders stayed at the centralized venue, simplifying race-day logistics despite the international travel complexity.[1]

How adventurous is Gravel Earth Series?

This is where Gravel Earth shines. Riding with giraffes and zebras in Kenya's Maasai Mara. Volcanic tectonic rift zones in Iceland. Mediterranean forests with sea views in Girona. 'The hardest and wildest gravel race in the world' (Migration). True bucket-list adventure across multiple continents.[12]

How prestigious is Gravel Earth Series?

Europe's premier gravel series and the global alternative to Life Time. The Traka is called 'Europe's Unbound' and the 'crown jewel of European gravel.' Established champions like Magnus Bak Klaris and Rosa Kloser. However, Life Time's deeper pockets and American media dominance mean GES remains second-tier in global consciousness. "His Scott Addict is already good-looking, but said that ahead of the gravel World Championships he will receive a new Scott model, switch to a x1 SRAM front ring, and put some Schwalbe 45 mm G-One RS..."[9]

Should I race Gravel Earth Series?

Yes if you want adventure beyond typical gravel racing and value experience over prize money. Yes if you're European-based or seeking unique global destinations. Yes if community vibe matters more than production polish. Skip if you need significant prize purses, prefer USA-based racing, or can't handle the travel logistics and expenses.

[11]

Sources & Citations

Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.

Other Sources Battistradabattistrada.com/en/circuit/gravel-earth-series-2026/229/
Other Sources Gravelearthseriesgravelearthseries.com/events/
Other Sources Gravelearthseriesgravelearthseries.com/rules/
Other Sources Rawcyclingmagrawcyclingmag.com/cardona-final-gravel-earth-series/
Other Sources Sportmaniacssportmaniacs.com/en/races/gravel-earth-series
Other Sources Thefeedthefeed.com/insider/race-roundups-with-pete-stetina-the-g...
Other Sources Thegravelstackthegravelstack.substack.com/p/recapping-ranxo-and-the-202...
Other Sources Cyclingnewswww.cyclingnews.com/gravel-earth-series/
Other Sources Cyclingnewswww.cyclingnews.com/races/gravel-earth-series-2025/ranxo-...
Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/RaceDashboard/GravelEarthSeries/1/...
Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Series/GravelEarth
Other Sources Gravelunionwww.gravelunion.cc/article/ride-report-the-gravel-earth-s...
Other Sources Joelaverickwww.joelaverick.com/p/gravel-earth-2026-a-series-of-unfor...

Gravel Earth Series

The Ratings

Train for Gravel Earth Series

Course Overview

The Course

From the Field

Racer Reviews

RATE GRAVEL EARTH SERIES

Training

Train for Gravel Earth Series

RACE DEMAND PROFILE

3 WORKOUTS BUILT FOR THIS RACE

GET THE GRAVEL EARTH SERIES PREP KIT

Race Logistics

Tire Picks

Latest Coverage

Similar Races

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the climate like at Gravel Earth Series?

How are the logistics for Gravel Earth Series?

How adventurous is Gravel Earth Series?

How prestigious is Gravel Earth Series?

Should I race Gravel Earth Series?

Sources & Citations