I need an event for 2026. I’m kind of burnt out on crit racing. But need a big event to train for to stay motivated. I’m heavily considering a 70.3 IM. But I might just pick a big gravel or fondo event. I’m looking for something that I can travel to and do, but then also have time to be a tourist. So outside of the US. Here’s my list so far, I’m looking for inspiration. And these are just thoughts, I’m not doing them all. In no particular order.
The Traka 200 - Girona, Spain - May 2, 2026
The Rift - Iceland - July 18, 2026
Peaks Challenge Falls Creek - Australia - March 8, 2026
Ironman 70.3 Alghero - Sardinia, Italy - June 7, 2026
Paris Roubaix Challenge - France - April 11, 2026 (could maybe double up with Flanders)
Tour of Flanders Sportive - Belgium - April 4, 2026 (could maybe double up with Roubaix)
I’d put the Fred Whitton Challenge in the Lake District, UK on that list. One of the hardest days out on bike you’ll have but in some of the best scenery
I’ve always thought the Whaka 100 in New Zealand looks pretty cool, and from the videos I’ve seen, might be manageable for an intermediate XC rider from the upper midwest…
Maratona Dles Dolomites? Awesome event in stunning scenery in the European summer, you could do Venice/Milan and other stuff in Northern Italy around it. 138km but 4000m+ of climbing. Can be tricky to register for (ballot) unless you pay for an accommodation package with a tour operator. I loved it and want to go again soon.
The cobbled duo of Roubaix and Flanders would be cool, I’ve been told Roubaix is a bit of an ordeal though, you and your bike shaken to bits for hours on end, no-one seems to want to repeat it! Its likely to be cold and damp in this part of the world, if its a really wet one then even more of a battle.
Never has a day out on a bike broken me like The Fred did in 2024. Had to walk the top of the final two passes. Roll on May 2026
Unsurprisingly, most of the events I’d come here to list are already listed.
Mallorca 312 (225 route is the one to chose IMHO) is awesome but sells out in 3 mins, so either click in hope or book a package tour inc. entry. Well worth doing… Mallorca is cycling nirvana.
I’ve always fancied the Alp d’Huez long course tri personally.
Ironman Lanzarote if you’re hard enough?
L’Etape has been mentioned. As has Dolomiti. La Marmotte is the other classic big entry granfondo.
There’s so many Fondos in the Alps/Pyr that you could conceivably do two or three in a two week visit, if you can recover. Or just sign up for a Raid Pyrenean, or Haute Route Alps event. But then we’re talking multi-day.
I’m hovering over the enter button on The Rift so maybe see you there
If you are a fan of bike racing, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Flanders and Roubaix combo. And definitely combine them if you are going to do it. That said, you don’t have to do both sporttifs, especially if you were traveling with friends, it is so easy to make your own ride out of parts of the courses. But in one week you could watch Flanders, Scheldeprijs (if desired), mens and women’s Roubaix and do 3 or 4 days of riding that include both the Flanders and Roubaix courses.
I’d also add the Fred Whitton to this list. 30%+ switchbacks at 96 miles in is character building. Clearing the whole event without walking remains my greatest achievement in cycling. There is an overseas entry option. Entry | Fred Whitton Challenge
