Innsbruck to host new gravel bike festival

Tuesday, 6 August 2019 Mark Sutton

A new multi-terrain festival is to launch in the Innsbruck region this September.

Gravel Innsbruck – Ride With Passion, will offer a selection of spectacular routes, with beautiful trails around Innsbruck as well as a ride through the Bergisel Ski Jump arena and the unique opportunity to pedal up the demanding 1.2km Olympic bobsleigh track at Igls, which has a consistent eight to 12 per cent gradient.

The highlight of the festival will be the Highway to Höll – a leg-trembling 28 per cent gradient guarded by tour devil mascot Didi Senft, who will accompany riders through ‘hell.’

DJs and food trucks will add to the festival atmosphere at Innsbruck Rennweg, which marks the start and finish point of the ride.

Peter Unsinn, Head of Market Management for Innsbruck Tourism, said: “Just a year after Innsbruck hosted the UCI Road World Championships, we are delighted to welcome cyclists to this unique festival which celebrates the simple joy of riding together across a variety of terrains.”

Cyclists can enter as individuals or a team, although there will be no rankings following the ride, as the event aims to embrace the enjoyment of riding together on historic, exclusive and challenging routes.

Registration for Gravel Innsbruck – Ride With Passion is open now at www.gravelinnsbruck.com.

There are direct flights to Innsbruck from major UK airports, with the city centre just minutes away.