Vianden, Luxembourg 21 Jun 2026 Class UGS – UCI Gravel World Series
Source: https://www.eislekgravelluxembourg.com/en/
The Eislek Gravel Luxembourg is a major cycling event based in the historic town of Vianden. Part of the prestigious UCI Gravel World Series, the event serves as an official qualifying race for the UCI Gravel World Championships.
The weekend schedule features a mix of casual riding, community vibe, and elite-level competition:
Weekend Program
Saturday, June 20, 2026: Community & Preparation
- Eislek Gravel Social Ride: A non-competitive, relaxed group ride welcoming gravel enthusiasts who want to discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Eislek region at a friendly, casual pace.
- Partner Expo: A dedicated commercial area showcasing event partner brands, cycling gear, and innovations.
- Bib Collection: Registered racers for Sunday’s events can pick up their official race numbers and participant packs.
Sunday, June 21, 2026: Race Day (UCI Gravel World Series)
- Start Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: Starts at Rue du Vieux-Marché and finishes on the Grand-Rue in Vianden.
- The Main Event: Elite and age-group racers compete across a punishing but scenic circuit to secure their spots for the World Championships.
The Course & Formats
The revised course features a beautifully challenging loop that tests climbers, rouleurs, and technical handlers alike, offering two main distance formats depending on age and category:
- Long Distance (approx. 110 km – 115 km): Features roughly $2,350\text{m}$ to $2,670\text{m}$ of elevation gain. Most categories (including Elite) complete multiple laps of the circuit.
- Short Distance (approx. 70 km – 73 km): Features roughly $1,780\text{m}$ of elevation gain, standard for Men 60+ and Women 50+.
Route Highlights
- The Cobbled Climb: Right from the starting line, riders tackle a striking, steep cobblestone climb up to the iconic Vianden Castle.
- Vianden Forest: After passing the castle, the route dives into dense forest with a grueling $10\text{ km}$ progressive ascent hitting a peak altitude of $510\text{ meters}$ (with sections exceeding $10\%$ gradient).
- Our River Sector: Fast, winding, and playful forest tracks and greenways trace along the majestic Our River dam, bringing riders seamlessly back into the heart of Vianden to complete their laps.
