Date: July 18, 2026
Location: Hvolsvöllur, Southern Iceland
Distances: 60 km • 140 km • 200 km • 330 km
Event Type: Extreme Gravel Race & Ultra Endurance Ride
Event Description
The Rift Gravel Race is one of the most dramatic gravel events on the global calendar — a high-adrenaline journey through the raw volcanic interior of Iceland where the Earth’s tectonic plates meet and the landscape feels otherworldly. Based out of the small town of Hvolsvöllur, this event invites riders to explore exposed highland terrain and vast lava fields, riding across a setting shaped by fire, ice, wind, and time.
The Rift offers multiple route options to suit a range of ambitions and capabilities. The 60 km “Crack” provides a compact taste of Iceland’s volcanic gravel and sweeping highland views. The 140 km distance delivers a deeper look into rugged terrain with sustained climbing and remote roads. The 200 km “classic” Rift is the headline challenge, carrying riders deep into volcanic deserts, across lava fields, and over river crossings that test endurance and bike handling alike. For those seeking the ultimate test of grit and stamina, the 330 km “Abyss” transforms the ride into an ultra-endurance odyssey through Iceland’s untamed interior — a course where navigation and self-reliance are as essential as fitness.
Riding in The Rift is an experience unlike most gravel races: rough volcanic gravel, braided river plains, black sand tracks, and exposed ridges create conditions that challenge both body and mind. Weather in Iceland’s highlands can shift rapidly, adding another dimension to the challenge as riders contend with wind, temperature swings, and the unpredictability of remote terrain.
The event attracts riders from around the world who are drawn to Iceland’s alien landscapes, remote geology, and the sense of riding at the edge of nature itself. Each course showcases volcanic crags, sweeping valleys, and endless horizons that make every kilometre unforgettable.
The Rift Gravel Race — volcanic gravel, raw interior roads, and an unforgettable test of endurance and spirit in Iceland’s highland wilderness.
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- 20/07/2024
- 07:00
- 22/07/2023
- 17:00
- -1
- https://www.therift.bike/
- Hvolsvöllur, Iceland