Bianchi Etyek Gravel

Road surface and terrain

Race

66% - paved – low-traffic asphalt and concrete roads, including some public roads where traffic will be present.
34% - unpaved – the majority of which consists of high-quality gravel roads. This route remains very stable and less muddy even in the event of precipitation.

Tour

50% - paved – low-traffic asphalt and concrete roads, bicycle paths.
50% - unpaved – the majority of which consists of gravel-covered roads. This route remains very stable and less muddy even in the event of precipitation.

The nature of the course

Gravel Race Description: In terms of surface, the Etyek gravel course is fast and not overly technical. The greatest challenge lies in the several short, steep climbs where strength differences truly become apparent. From a racing dynamics perspective, this is a course where drafting and riding in a group can provide a significant advantage.

Gravel Tour Description: The tour is a very pleasant route suitable for intermediate riders, leading out on the Buba path toward the Váli Valley, where it follows a high-quality gravel waterworks road. The flat, fast pace is interrupted at the village of Vál by a steeper but short climb that leads all the way to the Love Statue. This is a well-balanced test of strength: it asks for a lot but gives back plenty, as the top reveals a unique panoramic view of the valley. After taking in the sights, we bypass the Alcsút Arboretum and arrive in Felcsút. We will ride along high-quality gravel paths by the stream and encounter several landmarks in this small but famous Hungarian village. We will pass the narrow-gauge railway and even the Pancho Arena training pitches. A road connection brings us to Bicske, from where we climb back over toward Etyek via the quarry.

Feed zones

Race Distance

The event’s single aid station will be located at the race center, by the lap turnaround point. Water, isotonic drinks, energy gels, and sports bars will be available. The staff will not hand out supplies directly; everything will be laid out on a row of tables for self-service.

Personal Support: Assistants may hand out personal bottles or nutrition, but only within the designated zone at the race center. Providing supplies or technical assistance anywhere else on the course is strictly prohibited.

Spare parts and wheels may also be placed within this refreshment zone. While the replacement of any component is permitted, swapping the entire bicycle during the race is not allowed. External technical assistance is prohibited; all participants must perform their own repairs or part replacements.

New for 2026: At both the race and the tour aid stations, we will provide a "KLND Tech kit," which includes a floor pump, spare tubes, basic tools, and a first aid kit.

Finish Line Refreshment

At the finish line, everyone will be welcomed with a slice of pizza and a soft drink. For further meals and refreshments, our partner, Daniel’s Pizza restaurant, and the on-site buffet will provide excellent options.

2026 Etyek Gravel event distances

Race Distances in Women's Categories:
(short and long distances are not evaluated separately here)

U19 – 2 laps - 70 km - 742 m (only short distance)
Adult short – 2 laps - 70 km - 742 m
Adult long - 3 laps - 105 km - 1113 m
Master short – 2 laps - 70 km - 742 m
Master long - 3 laps - 105 km - 1113 m 
Grand Master – 2 laps - 74,8 km - 1544 m (only short distance)

Race Distances in Men's Categories:

U19 – 2 laps - 70 km - 742 m (only short distance)
Adult short – 2 laps - 70 km - 742 m
Adult long - 3 laps - 105 km - 1113 m
Master short – 2 laps - 70 km - 742 m
Master long - 3 laps - 105 km - 1113 m 
Grand Master – 2 laps - 74,8 km - 1544 m (only short distance)

Gravel tour:
73 km

Competition rules

The gravel race competition rules issued by the Hungarian Cycling Association Gravel branch are the governing regulations for gravel race events.

Awards

The 1st-3rd place finishers in each category will receive a medal and a gift package

Hungarian Cup overall classification

We are also announcing the overall points competition for the racers for the 2026 season, which includes all three Hungarian Cup races and the National Championship. We will evaluate all age groups and distances in the overall classification. In events where there are no different distances in an age-group, we only give points in that one distance/category. The results will be announced at the end of the series in Hévíz.
The description of the overall scoring is based on point 82 of the regulations.

The overall standings are available here.

Start procedure

Start Order (Call-up Order for the Mass Start)

1. Adult men
2. Master men
3. Adult women
4. Grand Master men
5. Master women
6. U19 men and women
7. Grand Master women
8. Seniors
9. Tour participants

The start procedure begins 5 minutes before departure by calling up the top 5 finishers from each category of the Bianchi Mád Gravel. The call-up follows the order mentioned above, starting with the seeded MK overall leaders in each category, followed by all other participants in the category in order of arrival. The start line will be closed by the tour participants, who will start 1 minute after the main field without a lead vehicle.

The event features a mass start. A lead motorcycle will guide the field through a neutral start for approximately 1.2 km at a slow pace to the foot of the first climb, where the race will officially begin.