Destination Gravel 2026
📍 East Sussex, United Kingdom
gravel
Date
5 July 2026
Distance
50km · 100km
Difficulty
gravelbeginner friendly
Sherwood Pines Trophy
Nottinghamshire, England, United Kingdom · 10–11 October 2026
Difficulty: 3/5 — Hard
This 58.4km gravel race, featuring 712m of elevation, offers rolling terrain with mixed surfaces including fire roads, singletrack, and sandy sections. Rated as a moderate difficulty, it provides a challenging yet accessible experience suitable for various skill levels.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 58.4km
- Elevation
- 712 m
- Surface
- gravel, singletrack, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 2.8–3.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This race is ideal for anyone seeking an accessible entry into gravel racing, from first-timers to competitive elite athletes, who enjoy varied terrain and a lively race atmosphere.
Who will struggle
Riders who lack bike handling skills on technical terrain or struggle with short, punchy climbs might find parts of this course challenging, especially if conditions are muddy or sandy.
Training focus
Training should prioritize consistent power output for rolling terrain, specific bike handling skills for singletrack and sandy sections, and endurance for the approximate 2.5-hour duration.
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 type of bike can I use?+
You can use any type of bicycle including road, mountain, hybrid, or cyclocross bikes, but tandems, e-bikes, recumbents, and time trial bikes are not permitted.
What are the age categories for racing?+
Riders compete in specific age categories for both women's and open races, including 19-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.
What is the race course like?+
The course consists of four 15km laps through Sherwood Pines, featuring a mix of wide fire roads, flowy singletrack, some sandy sections, and a couple of minor climbs.
What support is available on race day?+
There will be a mechanic stand at the start/finish and a feed and mechanic stop at the end of each lap where riders can leave bottles or receive support.
When can I collect my race number?+
Registration for race number collection opens one hour before each specific race start time, for example, 8 am for the 9 am women's race.
Can spectators watch the race?+
Yes, there's a spectator area in the race village, and you can also walk along the course to see riders at different points of each lap.