On Sunday 13 October 2024, the Asiago Plateau will host the second edition of the European Gravel Championship, an event that will see some of the best cyclists on the continent compete on a spectacular route immersed in the natural and historical beauty of the area. 

The 2024 edition of the UEC Gravel European Championships will offer athletes a challenging and evocative track, which winds through the most scenic dirt roads of the Plateau, offering a real challenge for both professionals and amateur cyclists.

But what is gravel? It is a cycling discipline that combines stretches of paved road and dirt tracks, created to allow you to explore mixed and adventurous territories, with bikes designed to tackle different types of terrain. Gravel is gaining more and more popularity among cycling lovers, thanks to its ability to combine sport and nature.

The race will start from the heart of Asiago and will continue along a route that will touch some of the most iconic points in the area. Participants will have the opportunity to pass by the majestic Military Memorial of Asiago, historical memory of the First World War, and then proceed to the green meadows near the Asiago Golf Club.

After crossing a small bridge, the runners will be faced with the most demanding challenge of the race: a 10 km climb that winds through the dense forests of the Plateau, offering breathtaking landscapes but putting a strain on the endurance of the athletes. 

Once you reach the top, the route includes a technical descent that will take the cyclists back to Asiago, where the race will end with a passage in the suggestive Regina Margherita Park, also known as Millepini Park. The last kilometer will take place in the city center, guaranteeing an exciting and energetic finish.

The circuit measures 51 km and consists of 70% dirt roads and 30% paved roads, with a total elevation gain of 800 meters per lap. 

The number of laps to be completed varies according to the category to which you belong, with distances reaching up to 153 km for the Men Elite category.

Here are the details of the laps for each category:

• Men Elite: 3 laps (153 km, 2400 m elevation gain)
• Women Elite: 2 laps (102 km, 1600 m elevation gain)
• Men Masters 35-54: 3 laps (153 km, 2400 m elevation gain)
• Women Masters 35-54: 2 laps (102 km, 1600 m elevation gain)
• Men Masters 55-64: 2 laps (102 km, 1600 m elevation gain)
• Men Masters 65+: 1 lap (51 km, 800 m elevation gain)
• Women Masters 55+: 1 lap (51 km, 800 m elevation gain)

The event, which will attract gravel enthusiasts from all over Europe, represents not only a great sporting competition, but also an opportunity to explore the Plateau of the Seven Municipalities and discover its enchanting landscapes, combining sport, nature and culture in an unforgettable experience.