gravel

Kielder Triple Crown

North England, United Kingdom · 29 August 2026

Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal

This brutal 186km gravel event in the UK features over 3,650m of climbing across mixed off-road terrain, including smooth fire roads and rugged border trails. It's considered one of the toughest challenges of the season, requiring significant endurance.

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Distances
186km · 114km · 57km
Elevation
3,650 m
Surface
gravel, dirt, tarmac
Typical W/kg
2.8–3.8

Rider fit

Who it's for

This event is ideal for experienced gravel riders seeking a monumental challenge with varied terrain and substantial climbing across the Scottish border.

Who will struggle

Riders new to long-distance gravel, those unprepared for sustained climbing, or anyone expecting a purely smooth ride will find the full Triple Crown extremely demanding.

Training focus

Prioritize long endurance rides with significant elevation gain, practicing sustained climbs and spending many hours in the saddle on varied off-road surfaces.

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 available distances and their respective elevations?+

There are three route options: the Triple Crown (186km with 3,650m of elevation), the Double Crown (114km with 2,400m of elevation), and the Kielder Crown (57km with 1,100m of elevation).

Can you describe the terrain and technical difficulty?+

The course is approximately 85% off-road, mostly consisting of smooth fire roads. However, there are sections with deep gravel and rougher, more rugged trails, particularly on the loop heading into Scotland.

What level of rider is this event suitable for?+

While the shortest 57km route is suitable for all abilities, both the 114km and 186km distances are considered very challenging due to their long distances and significant climbing, best suited for experienced riders.

What is the estimated completion time for the longest route?+

Participants on the 186km Triple Crown route should expect to be in the saddle for most of the day, with estimated completion times ranging from 9 to 12 hours.

What kind of support is provided during the ride?+

Riders can expect fully signed routes, GPX files, well-stocked checkpoints with food and drink (including tea, coffee, cake, sandwiches), mechanics at aid stations and the village, and support vans for major issues. A beer is also offered at the finish.

What are the recommended bike and tyre types?+

Gravel bikes are recommended for this route, though hardtail mountain bikes are also suitable. Standard all-rounder tyres between 40-50mm are advised.

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