Stragölem MTB
📍 Brescia, Lombardy, Italy
mtb
Date
23 August 2026
Distance
38km
Elevation
1,450 m
Difficulty
gravelmtbbeginner friendly
Emilia Gravel
Emilia, Italy · 25 September 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
Emilia Gravel is a self-supported bikepacking adventure in Italy's Emilia region, offering three routes ranging from 200km with 3,000m of climbing to 300km with 5,600m of elevation gain. The event navigates varied terrain, including gravel, dirt, and paved roads, through picturesque medieval villages and natural landscapes, concluding in Reggio Emilia.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 200 km · 220 km · 300 km
- Elevation
- 5,600 m
- Surface
- gravel, dirt, tarmac, singletrack
- Typical W/kg
- 2.8–3.6
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is ideal for gravel enthusiasts and bikepackers of all experience levels, from beginners seeking an introduction to multi-day riding to experienced adventurers looking for a significant challenge, all eager to explore the authentic landscapes and flavors of Emilia at their own pace.
Who will struggle
Riders unprepared for significant cumulative elevation gains across varied terrain, including challenging dirt roads and singletrack, or those who prefer fully supported races with strict time limits, might find the longer routes particularly demanding.
Training focus
Training should prioritize building multi-day endurance, developing climbing strength for sustained ascents, and honing bike handling skills for navigating diverse surfaces such as gravel, dirt roads, and potential technical sections.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What are the different route options available for Emilia Gravel?+
There are three distinct routes: the TOURING route (200 km with 3,000 m D+), the SHORT route (220 km with 3,400 m D+), and the LONG/Classico route (300 km with 5,600 m D+).
Is Emilia Gravel a self-supported event?+
Yes, Emilia Gravel is a fully self-supported bikepacking adventure, meaning participants are solely responsible for their own navigation, food, and accommodation along the route, with no organizer support provided.
Is there a time limit to complete the routes?+
No, there is no official time limit to complete the adventure; participants are free to decide their own pace and how many days it takes to reach the destination in Reggio Emilia.
What type of terrain can riders expect on the Emilia Gravel routes?+
The routes feature a variety of surfaces, including white roads, bike paths, paved roads, winding secondary roads, challenging dirt roads, ridges, and forest trails, with the Touring route offering less technical terrain.
Are there any accommodation options provided during the event?+
For 2026, two free, basic base camps (typically gyms) with showers will be available in Sala Baganza and Casina for participants to use if they wish to split their journey, requiring them to bring their own mat and sleeping bag.
Where are the start and finish locations for the event?+
Emilia Gravel is an A→B route, starting in Busseto and finishing in Reggio Emilia, which offers convenient train access, showers, a bike wash area, and parking upon arrival.