Kielder Triple Crown
📍 North England, United Kingdom
gravel
Date
29 August 2026
Distance
186km · 114km · 57km
Elevation
3,650 m
Difficulty
gravel
Kielder Triple Crown
Kielder, United Kingdom · 29 August 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
The Kielder Triple Crown is a brutal 186km gravel monument with 3,650m of elevation, traversing 85% off-road terrain ranging from smooth fire roads to rugged Scottish trails. Expect a full day in the saddle with continuous climbing, making it one of the toughest challenges of the season.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 186km · 114km · 57km
- Elevation
- 3,650 m
- Surface
- gravel, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 2.8–3.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is designed for regular, well-trained riders who are comfortable with long distances, significant climbing, and mixed off-road conditions, especially those seeking a major gravel challenge.
Who will struggle
Riders new to long-distance gravel events, those unprepared for sustained climbing, or individuals who haven't trained for 9-12 hours in the saddle will find the longest route exceptionally difficult.
Training focus
Focus on sustained long-distance endurance, power for extended climbs, and developing resilience for a full day of mixed off-road riding, including some rugged 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 available route distances and their respective elevations?+
Riders can choose from three options: the Triple Crown at 186km with 3,650m of elevation, the Double Crown at 114km with 2,400m of elevation, or the Kielder Crown at 57km with 1,100m of elevation.
What kind of terrain and surface conditions should I expect on the route?+
The route is approximately 85% off-road, predominantly on smooth fire roads. However, some sections, particularly on the second loop into Scotland, feature rougher trails. Be aware that the gravel can be deep in places due to ongoing forestry work.
How difficult is the Kielder Triple Crown, and what is the estimated completion time?+
The 186km Triple Crown is rated as one of the hardest routes, earning five stars for ride difficulty. It involves long distances, numerous challenging climbs, and is expected to take riders between 9 to 12 hours to complete.
What are the recommendations for bikes and tires for this event?+
The route is designed for gravel bikes, but a hardtail mountain bike would also be suitable. It is recommended to use a standard, all-rounder tire in the 40-50mm range. Specific tire advice will be provided closer to the event date.
What kind of support and amenities are provided during the race?+
The event includes a fully signed route, accurate GPX files, checkpoints with proper food and drinks (tea, coffee, cake, sandwiches, crisps) approximately every 30-40km, mechanics at the village and selected feed stops, and support vans. Finishers also receive a beer at the finish line.
What is the schedule for event day?+
On August 29th, the ride village opens at Kielder Castle at 6:30 AM, with ride number collection taking about 10 minutes. The ride starts between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM in small groups after a brief briefing. The rider village closes at 8:00 PM.
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