The organisers of the legendary BIKE-Transalp and TOUR-Transalp are starting a new chapter in 2026. Gravel Peaks is bringing a six-day stage event specifically for gravel bikers to the Alps for the first time. The mix of gravel race and group ride will take place from 11 to 16 May 2026 and lead through the Austrian province of Salzburg. "It's not just about cycling - it's about freedom, adventure and getting off the beaten track," explains Linda Wanzke from the event team at Delius Klasing Verlag as the organiser. Registration is already open until 30 November 2025 with an attractive early bird discount. A maximum of 500 participants can register for the exclusive event.
Spectacular routes at a glance
A few explanatory sentences about the new Transalp race for gravel fans: Each stage will be timed in segments. Many will be going full throttle here. In between, however, there will also be time for regeneration, socialising and enjoyment. On each of the six stages, the timed segments will make up at least a third of the total distance.
Route director Marc Schneider, who was responsible for the BIKE-Transalp for many years, is developing a route through four Austrian regions. "The six stages in the Saalfelden Leogang, Hochkönig, Flachau and Lungau regions offer epic gravel tracks to the box seats with the jaw-dropping panoramas," says Schneider.
You decide: three or six stages
Gravel Peaks offers various participation options. You have the choice: the full-week package with all six stages or the half-week package with three stages (either stages 1 to 3 or stages 4 to 6). For participants under 23, there is the U23 special, naturally also at a special price. Each daily stage covers between 80 and 100 kilometres with 1,200 to 1,500 metres of climbing. In total, 500 to 600 kilometres and 8,000 to 9,000 metres in altitude are covered. The route avoids high alpine terrain and is perfect for hobby cyclists of all abilities.
Community experience with premium service
Between full throttle and group ride
The event combines a sporting challenge with a community experience. How does it work? The timekeeping records at least one third of the day's distance. Individual uphill sections are timed and the stopwatch stops at viewpoints for souvenir photos. In other words: between the timed segments, there is an opportunity to enjoy the views, take a deep breath and chat with others.
Chill-out areas with a social hub, catering, music and lounges await participants at the finish every day. The Gravel community can look forward to pasta evenings with regional specialities and barbecue events with vegetarian and vegan options. To keep up to date, there is a WhatsApp group and an information website with tracking. Luggage transport, refreshments along the route and at the finish line as well as technical and medical care are all part of the service.
Where to sleep and look forward to the next day? Gravel Peaks 2026 offers all the options between hotel, glamping and camping. Massage services relax tired legs, while deluxe bike support helps with technical problems. Opening and closing events with parties round off the programme.
Event details:
- Date: 11-16 May 2026
- Registration: as of now >> possible here
- Participants: maximum 500
- Stages: 6 daily stages
- Daily distance: 80-100 km, 1,200-1,500 metres altitude difference
- Total distance: 500-600 km, 8,000-9,000 metres altitude difference
Routing:
- Region: Salzburger Land, Austria
- Start: Saalfelden basin
- Stage locations: Leogang, Maria Alm, Flachau, Lungau
- Character: moderate terrain without high alpine passages
All packages - until 30.11.2025 at the early bird price:
- Full Week Package: 6 stages
- Half Week Package: 3 stages
- U23 Special: for participants under 23 years of age
