We have cycled hundreds of different routes and have completed many trips, but what sticks in our memory are the ones where we overcame significant challenges. Whether it was pushing our physical limits, handling tough terrain, or solving technical problems, those are the rides we remember. This is why we decided to create a new race: Gravel Odyssey.
After the second edition of Race through Slovakia, the first road endurance race of its kind in Slovakia until 2023, we decided to organize a gravel version. The most fitting name for the new race concept seemed to be an odyssey, as cyclists will indeed face many obstacles. We believe Gravel Odyssey will leave you with amazing memories and a sense of pride in your accomplishments.
Route Designers from the Gravel Scene
We have experience creating balanced and interesting routes for road races from two editions of Race through Slovakia. However, how do we do this for gravel? We asked Lucia Fabiánová and Roman Facuna, who are preparing for the Spanish gravel race Badlands this season, to help us design the route. The result of their work is 600 kilometers of mixed terrain and 10,000 meters of elevation, awaiting the participants of Gravel Odyssey this fall.
Listen to the podcast about route design and Lucia and Roman’s preparation for Badlands here:
Gravel Odyssey – nové preteky na mape slovenskej gravel scény
What to Expect from Gravel Odyssey
The race route starts in Bratislava and ends above Banská Bystrica at a recreational tourist lodge. Everyone who comes to the race will have the opportunity to freshen up, shower, rest, or stay overnight at the lodge. Refreshments will also be provided. From Banská Bystrica, there is convenient train access to all corners of Slovakia.
During the start in Bratislava, the peloton will be escorted by the city police to help cyclists safely navigate the city streets. Participants will then follow a pre-determined route, equipped with GPS trackers, so their family and friends can track their progress. This is also a safety feature. In case of an accident or other situations, we will be able to locate the racers. However, there are minor limitations to consider. In areas without mobile network coverage, GPS trackers will not send real-time locations, leading to possible outages. Our trackers are generally set to send location updates every five minutes.
Lucia during the Race through Slovakia in 2023. Photo: Lukáš Abrhán
Briefly about Race Rules
Gravel Odyssey is a self-supported race. This means you can rely on yourself and commercial services available to all competitors. Assistance from friends or family is not allowed.
You can leave the mandatory route at any time, for example, to shop or sleep in a hotel. However, you must return to the exact point where you left the route.
If any part of the route becomes impassable (e.g., a collapsed bridge, landslide), you need to find an alternative route and return to the original path as soon as possible.
We will always inform participants of all situations through WhatsApp, Instagram, and updates on our website.
You can find the complete rules and answers to frequently asked questions on our website.
Weather can also challenge the cyclists in addition to the prepared kilometers. Photo: Adam Popovec
Winners not only on the Podium
We are not competing for ill-fitting jerseys or unsuitable bike gear. Gravel Odyssey is primarily about the experience, which you largely create yourself. We aim to ensure you have as many memories as possible, particularly through photographs.
We will have at least two photographers on the route who will move among you and capture as many memories of this experience as possible. Additionally, we will print a map from your GPX file from your bike computer, Strava, or tracker to remind you of these challenging races.
Honor and glory to the winners. We will always be interested in who wins and look forward to exciting battles. However, such races are not just about the winners but about your individual stories, challenges, and adventures. They are about pushing the limits of what you think you can achieve, overcoming obstacles, and feeling proud when you complete the race.