Niseko Gravel
📍 Hokkaido, Japan
gravelBeginner friendly
Date
19–20 September 2026
Distance
60km · 110km · 160km
Elevation
2,100 m
Difficulty
gravel
HYSK Gravel Classic Yakurai presented by GRAVELKING
Kami Town, Japan · 22 August 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
The HYSK Gravel Classic Yakurai offers two challenging distances, 53km and 106km, with significant elevation gain across predominantly off-road terrain. Featuring steep categorized climbs and stunning Japanese scenery, it's a demanding UCI Gravel World Series event.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 53km · 106km
- Elevation
- 2,616 m
- Surface
- gravel, dirt, tarmac
- Typical W/kg
- 3.5–4.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This race is ideal for experienced gravel riders seeking a tough, mountainous challenge and the chance to qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships.
Who will struggle
Beginner riders or those unprepared for sustained climbing on rough surfaces, especially the steep gradients, will find this event extremely difficult.
Training focus
Training should heavily emphasize sustained power on varied off-road climbs, technical handling skills for descents, and endurance for the challenging 106km distance.
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 race distances and who is eligible for each?+
The main distance is 106km for men aged 19-59 and women aged 19-49. A shorter 53km option is available for men over 60 and women over 50.
What is the total elevation gain for each course?+
The 106km course has a total elevation of 2616m, while the 53km course has 1260m of elevation.
What percentage of the course is off-road?+
The 106km course is 92% off-road, and the 53km course is 72% off-road.
Are there categorized climbs on the course?+
Yes, there are five categorized climbs spread over the course per lap, with average gradients up to 8.2% and maximum gradients up to 18.2%.
Where are the start and finish located?+
The start and finish are located at the Kamimachi General Gymnasium and Sports Park.
Is this a UCI qualifying event?+
Yes, the 2026 edition of the HYSK Gravel Classic Yakurai will feature for the first time a GRAVELKING UCI Gravel World Series round.
