2023-08-19 10:30:16
Directly imported from the United States, the practice of gravel is on the rise.
And for good reason, since this all-terrain, ultra-comfortable and fast bike allows you to evolve on the asphalt as well as on the paths.
What open the perspectives of the race organizers, who multiply the events of this kind.
What are the specificities of a gravel race? How to prepare for it and live well the test?
Sport Equipements takes stock before a reminder on the calendar of gravel events for the end of 2023.
The specificities of a Gravel race
Varied playgrounds
Unlike mountain biking or road cycling, which are practiced on a single type of terrain, gravel racing has multiple surfaces.
Traced between asphalt and natural environments, it is both engaging and synonymous with freedom.
Its diversity makes it a discipline increasingly popular with sports enthusiasts of discovery.
Competition, but not only
If some participants come to battle with the clock, the gravel race is also distinguished by a much less competitive spirit than other cycling disciplines.
The distances and elevations offered are varied, so as to adapt to all levels. In gravel, the values of sharing, celebration and conviviality are queens, which contributes to making these events gatherings appreciated by all.
Preparing for a Gravel Race
A gravel race don’t improvise.
Except for short, low-altitude distances, a targeted physical preparation of approximately three months is advised.
This preparation should allow you to gain strength and endurance.
Increasingly longer training sessions combined with increasingly shorter recovery times will allow you to recreate race conditions
Outings of varying intensities are also recommended.
You will find several training plans available on the internet (free or paid).
The use of a sports coach can also allow you to maximize your sessions. Also try to target your exercises to the specifics of the upcoming race.
Likewise, your nutrition plan should be tailored to your goals.
Get your gravel bike ready for a race
First step: washing the Gravel
Degrease your transmission using a suitable product. Perform a first rinse. Then wash your bike in soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge. Use a suitable brush to clean hard-to-reach places. Rinse your machine again with plenty of water. Dry your bike. Oil the chain.
Second step: verification of the Gravel
Check the important tightenings: stem screws, saddle tightening, through axles in particular. Grease the clamps. Check the good condition of strategic parts: saddle clamps, cranksets, etc. Clean them and grease them if necessary. Lightly lubricate mechanical joints, brake cables and quick releases if you haven’t done so for a long time. Make sure there are no leaks in the hydraulic brake system. Check the condition of your tires. Inflate them. Charge your derailleurs batteries if your bike is equipped with them.
Third step: comfort
Finally, replace your handlebar tape if it is worn.
You can also place a gel over-tape to increase comfort at the handlebar.
The checklist for not forgetting anything on race day
For the essentials:
A gravel bike (you would have guessed it on your own!); A helmet ; Gravel type technical clothing adapted to weather conditions; Shoes with or without wedges according to your preferences; A repair kit; Snacks (tested beforehand during your workouts, otherwise you risk having stomach problems!); Something to hydrate you.
Optional, but handy:
A GPS counter; Glasses suitable for cycling; Saddlebags; Lights ; A lock.
7 tips for a successful gravel race
Register in advance. In addition to ensuring your place on the starting line, you will have plenty of time to put in place your physical and mental preparation. On the logistics side, you will benefit from a greater choice of accommodation. Do not neglect your physical preparation. Adapt your training according to the specificities of the race. Check (and recheck) the rules of the event: minimum age, mandatory documents, bib collection, authorized and unauthorized equipment, etc. Find out about the terms of the race: maximum time to complete the race, place of departure, times, route when possible. Good anticipation allows more serenity on D-Day. Check that you have not forgotten anything using our checklist! Prepare your things the day before at the latest. Avoid eating within 3 hours before the test. And finally, the most important: enjoy!
Take part in a gravel race in France: the calendar of events (August to October 2023)
If you want to take part in a gravel race in France, there are still some great opportunities for you in this second half of 2023.
Focus on the highlights of the gravel calendar from August to October 2023, before a resumption in the spring of next year.
Gravel races – August 2023
Saturday August 26 – La Louve du Val d’Amour
Departure city: Dole (Jura) Distances proposed: 53 km (450 m vertical gain) and 83 km (800 m vertical gain) Registration fees: €23 without classification, €35 with classification Contact: [email protected] More information : www.veloclubdolois.com
Saturday August 26 – dVélos Lac d’Annecy
Departure town: Saint-Jorioz (Haute-Savoie) Distance: 63 km (1,630 m elevation gain) Registration fees: from €45 Trophy: Gravel’Tour Cannondale Contact: [email protected] More information: www.cycling-challenge.fr
Sunday August 27 – Gravel of the Parks chain
Departure city: Olhain (Pas-de-Calais) Proposed distances: 50 km (400 m D+), 80 km (630 m D+) and 100 km (780 m D+) Registration fee: €10 Contact: inscription@lechtibiketour. org More information: www.lechtibiketour.org
Gravel races – September 2023
Saturday September 2 – Gravel tour of Mont Blanc
Departure city: Megève (Haute-Savoie) Proposed distances: 140 km (5,000 m vertical gain), 235 km (8,000 m vertical gain) Entry fee: €250 Contact: [email protected] More information: www.graveltourdumontblanc.com
Saturday September 2 – The Cycl’Roquefort Gravel
Departure town: Roquefort-sur-Soulzon (Aveyron) Distance: 65 km Entry fee: from €25 More information:
Saturday September 16 – La Drômoise Gravel
Departure city: Die (Drôme) Proposed distances: 27 km (450 m D+), 55 km (1,100 m D+), 78 km (1,750 m D+) Registration fee: €42 Contact: 06.88.61.55.74 More information : www.cyclodromoise.com
Saturday September 16 and Sunday September 17 – Gravel forest
Departure town: Les Moussières (Ain) Distances offered: 60 km and 100 km Registration fees: from €30 to €50 More information: www.la-forestiere.com
Gravel races – October 2023
Saturday October 7 – Gravel Roc
Departure town: Fréjus (Var) Proposed distances: 65 km (1,420 m elevation gain) Registration fees: from €47 to €57 More information: www.rocazur.com
Saturday October 14 – Raid of the Alpilles
Departure city: Maussane-les-Alpilles (Bouches-du-Rhône) Distance: 57 km (885 m elevation gain) Registration fees: from €35 Trophy: Gravel’Tour Cannondale Contact: [email protected] More d information: www.raiddesalpilles.com
Updated by Manon on: 08/19/2023
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