HYSK Gravel Classic Yakurai presented by GRAVELKING
📍 Kami Town, Japan
gravel
Date
22 August 2026
Distance
53km · 106km
Elevation
2,616 m
Difficulty
gravelmtb
Silk Road Mountain Race
Kyrgyzstan · 15-29th August, 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
The Silk Road Mountain Race is a 2,052-kilometer unsupported, single-stage bikepacking race through the high mountains of Kyrgyzstan, featuring roughly 35,362 meters of elevation gain. This brutal event is characterized by untouched wilderness, unpredictable weather, and demanding terrain over approximately 14 days.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 1900km · 2052km
- Elevation
- 35,362 m
- Surface
- gravel, singletrack, dirt, tarmac
- Typical W/kg
- 3.5–4.5
Rider fit
Who it's for
This race is for highly experienced bikepackers who thrive on extreme self-reliance in remote, high-altitude, mountainous environments and have a proven track record in multi-day off-road trips.
Who will struggle
Beginners or riders lacking extensive experience in harsh, unsupported, multi-day off-road racing will find this event overwhelmingly challenging due to its extreme distance, massive elevation, and logistical demands between resupply points.
Training focus
Training must prioritize sustained multi-day endurance, high-altitude acclimatization, developing robust self-reliance skills for remote environments, and mental resilience for continuous effort in unpredictable conditions.
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 kind of terrain can riders expect?+
The route primarily consists of gravel, singletrack, doubletrack, and old soviet roads, with very little tarmac, accounting for only about 20% of the route. Riders should also anticipate significant hike-a-bike sections, including a major climb over Ukok pass.
How difficult is the Silk Road Mountain Race?+
It is an extremely difficult and serious undertaking in a tough, high-altitude, mountainous environment. Riders require extensive experience in multi-day off-road bikepacking and strong self-reliance. This year's edition is noted as the longest ever with the most elevation gain.
What are the general route statistics for this year?+
The eighth edition of the race covers 2,052 kilometers with approximately 35,362 meters of elevation gain. Riders are expected to complete the route in around 14 days, starting in Talas in northwest Kyrgyzstan and finishing in Cholpon Ata on the north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
What is included in the entry fee?+
The entry fee covers race logistics (registration, 3 staffed checkpoints, control/medical cars, 24/7 race HQ, dotwatchers), a race manual, a fully validated GPX track, GPS tracker rental with online tracking, a race t-shirt, sponsor goodies, a numbered race cap, bike box transfer to the finish line, an after-party, and access to all race photography for personal use.
What are the requirements to apply for the race?+
All prospective racers must complete an application that assesses their ability to make safe decisions in the mountains. Ideally, riders should have prior experience with multi-day off-road bikepacking trips in remote areas.
Are there any resupply points along the route?+
Yes, there are resupply points; however, riders must be prepared for significant distances between them. The race requires careful planning and self-sufficiency, as some areas have large gaps between services.
