I pedal, feeling the wind in my face. Uphill and downhill over rough terrain. Above me, a sky in dark red colours - with a glance at the clock, I realise that it's just before midnight. The sun doesn't really set, but rises again straight away. Where is that possible? You can go gravel biking in the midnight sun in Finland, in Lahti. A one-day race will take place there for the first time in Europe as part of the FNLD GRVL festival on 10 June.
In the USA, the gravel festival "SBT GRVL" is already an integral part of gravel culture and a major event for numerous bike sports enthusiasts. It takes place in Colorado in the town of Steamboat Springs and is a combination of gravel bike race and "good vibes" festival.
FNLD GRVL
This event is now being held in Europe for the first time. The FNLD GRVL Festival starts on 8 June 2023 and lasts until 11 June 2023. 1500 active participants are expected to take part. For the one-day race, gravel bikers can compete on three different routes, depending on their ability, stamina and motivation. The shortest route is the "Forest Route", 40 kilometres long, through the middle of Finland's dense forests. The 77-kilometre "Lakes Route" leads along numerous lakes. If you are looking for a real challenge, choose the unique "Midnight Sun Route" with 177 kilometres - but also with the experience of climbing the mountains under the Finnish midnight sun. Each route has its own unique character. Prize money totalling 20,000 euros is also up for grabs.
Made possible by EU GRVL. A partnership between Tiffany Cromwell (Canyon/SRAM WMNCYCLING), brand ambassador for Canyon, the Finnish Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas and the US-based SBT GRVL.
"Good vibes" made in Europe
True to the motto of the American version, the FNLD GRVL Festival also offers an extensive supporting programme for participants from all over the world. These include group rides and a large expo area. Amy Charity, co-founder of FNLD GRVL, is particularly enthusiastic about the special atmosphere she has experienced at gravel events in the USA: "We are really looking forward to bringing the concept that we implemented so successfully in Steamboat Springs to Europe".
Gravel biking in Lahti, Finland
About 100 kilometres north of Helsinki is the city of Lahti - the eighth largest city in Finland. The region is characterised by a forested plateau and countless lakes that dot the landscape. The routes for the FNLD GRVL offer the best gravel conditions with dense forests and gravel roads. The city was also recognised as the "European Green Capital" in 2021. For co-organiser and F1 star Valtteri Bottas, the festival is a very special event: "A ticket for FNLD GRVL is more than just participating in an event - it's a passport to my home town and the Lahti region."
As well as the one-day race, part of the festival is also about feeling the good vibes. If you want to get to know the gravel pros, you can do so with a VIP package and go on a morning Coffee & Pastry Ride with Tiffany Cromwell and Valtteri Bottas.
Canyon is a partner of FNLD GRVL Race
The Canyon Bikes team will be on site with their entire portfolio, from adventure bikes to gravel bikes. For participants in the FNLD GRVL event, Canyon will have repair and support stations directly on the race course. Canyon athletes will be among those taking part in the race, including Peter Stetina, Carolin Schiff and Griffin Easter, as well as Tiffany Cromwell and Valtteri Bottas.
You can now register for FNLD GRVL via the BikeReg.com website, where you will also find information on entry fees. Further details about the festival can be found on the website fnldgrvl.com.
