Location: Silvi, Italy
Formats: Legend • Epic • Rookie
Event Type: Single-stage, self-supported gravel & bikepacking challenge
Empire Lands is a gravel and bikepacking odyssey that traces the ancient spine of Italy — from sea to sea, through historic villages, national parks, and the rugged beauty of the Apennines. Designed for riders who crave exploration as much as endurance, the event blends Roman history with modern adventure, guiding participants across centuries-old routes, untouched natural landscapes, and the diverse terrain that defines central Italy.
The event offers three routes, each carrying the same spirit of discovery, but scaled to different levels of ambition:
Legend — Around 915 km with roughly 13,000 m of climbing. A true coast-to-coast epic crossing three regions, four national parks, and twice traversing the Apennines. It links the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Adriatic through long gravel stretches, forest roads, ancient routes, and remote mountain passes.
Epic — Approximately 390 km and 6,500 m of ascent. This mid-distance adventure follows historic consular roads, traces iconic landscapes, and culminates in Rome’s timeless setting.
Rookie — A shorter, more approachable route created for newcomers or riders who want a taste of Empire Lands without the ultra-distance demand.
All routes combine Italy’s trademark variety: rolling vineyard hills, rugged high-country ridges, forested gravel roads, riverside tracks, and the last remaining segments of ancient Roman roads. Gravel bikes are recommended, though MTBs are fully suitable for the more technical stretches.
Empire Lands is strictly self-supported, meaning riders must manage food, water, sleep, repairs, and navigation independently. The clock runs continuously, and the route must be followed precisely — no shortcuts, no outside help, and no drafting from support vehicles. It’s a pure test of endurance and self-reliance set against one of Europe’s most culturally rich backdrops.
Expect long climbs, remote landscapes, star-filled nights, and moments of solitude balanced with encounters in villages where history still shapes everyday life. Empire Lands is more than a challenge — it’s a journey across the Italy of yesterday and today, where every kilometer adds a new chapter to your own story.
Empire Lands — ride the legacy, cross the mountains, and create your own piece of adventure history.
