Date: September 2026
Location: Shkodër, Albania
Distance: ~550 km
Event Type: Unsupported Bikepacking Race
The Illyrian Loop is the third official route of the Seven Serpents series—an uncompromising, unsupported bikepacking race through the wild and dramatic landscapes of northern Albania. Starting and finishing in Shkodër, this 550 km loop takes riders deep into the heart of the Albanian Alps, following a mix of gravel tracks, remote secondary roads, and rugged mountain terrain.
This event is built for experienced riders. The loop demands strength, skill, and self-sufficiency, with wide tires, reliable gearing, and even front suspension strongly recommended. There are no feed zones, no outside help, and no shortcuts—just riders, their gear, and the relentless landscapes of the Balkans. With resupply points often spread far apart, careful planning becomes as important as physical endurance.
Route Highlights
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Theth & Drisht: Early in the race, riders climb into the mountains on a breathtakingly scenic paved route before looping back down into valleys rich with history.
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Vau i Dejës Reservoir: A vast water reservoir shaped by the Drin River, surrounded by mountains and remote farmland.
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Koman Lake: Perhaps the jewel of the route, where emerald waters and towering cliffs form one of the most beautiful backdrops in all of Europe.
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Peshkopi & Rezhit: Towns in the Dibër region, offering glimpses of cultural heritage alongside the quiet rhythms of rural Albanian life.
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Qafë Mollës Lake: A tranquil mountain pass and lake that signals the approach of the final stretch back into Shkodër.
The Illyrian Loop is not just a bike race—it’s a journey through landscapes that still feel raw and untamed, across a region where traces of history and tradition remain vivid. Riders will encounter mountain goats, jackals, and the occasional bear or wolf, as well as the famous Balkan shepherd dogs guarding livestock. At the same time, they’ll discover the warmth of local hospitality, even when language barriers exist.
This is a race where the environment itself is the greatest rival: long climbs, rocky terrain, isolation, and the sheer vastness of Albania’s highlands. But for those who take on the challenge, the Illyrian Loop delivers an unforgettable bikepacking experience—one that lingers long after the finish line in Shkodër.
Illyrian Loop — wild roads, rugged mountains, and the spirit of true adventure in the heart of the Balkans.
