ミュールハイム・アン・デア・ルール
Gravel Day in Essen
Gravel Day in Essen is a gravel bike race integrated into Rad am Ring at the Nürburgring, with its start and finish located within the Formula 1 arena. Participants begin from the Grand Prix circuit's start-and-finish straight on Saturday midday, coinciding with the Grand Départ. Both men and women have the option of 50 km, 100 km, or 125 km distances, with categories for both licensed and unlicensed riders. Now in its second edition, the race also holds German Championship status, though international licensed riders may participate without entering the championship competition.
The route incorporates circuits on and alongside the Nordschleife, the Nürburgring's "Green Hell," without utilizing or crossing public roads. The initial kilometres trace the Grand Prix circuit before the course transitions onto the Nordschleife via Hatzenbach, descends towards Breidscheid, and then directs riders back to the asphalt through a narrow opening in the safety barrier. The most challenging named section is the ascent towards Hohe Acht, a 300-meter gain over 5.5 kilometres, followed by undulating kilometres on trails, forest paths, and Nordschleife segments. The lap concludes via Döttinger Höhe and the Hohenrain chicane. The 50 km event consists of two laps, while the primary races extend to 100 km for women and 125 km for men. Over 500 participants are anticipated, and former German champion Paul Voß contributed to the course design.
Gravel