La Cinque Terre

La Cinque Terre – Strasbourg, France

• Date:July 31–August 7, 2027
• Location: Strasbourg, France to Riomaggiore, Italy
• Distances: 1500 km
• Event Type: Ultra-distance bikepacking

The La Cinque Terre ultra cycling event offers a journey across the heart of Europe, from the historic city of Strasbourg to the Italian Riviera. This self-supported bikepacking adventure traces a 1500-kilometre path through five countries, inviting riders into a quiet landscape of significant challenge and profound beauty. With 25,000 metres of elevation gain, the route is defined by its passage over major Alpine passes, rewarding effort with expansive views and a deep sense of accomplishment. The event is not a race in the traditional sense, but a personal challenge against the clock and the terrain.

The route begins in France and threads its way through Germany, the Republic of Saugeais, and Switzerland, before its final descent into Italy. Participants navigate using a supplied GPX file, carrying all their own gear and sourcing their own refreshments. The format emphasizes resourcefulness and resilience, hallmarks of the ultra-distance discipline. This unsupported style fosters a unique atmosphere on the road, where riders share a common purpose but ride at their own rhythm, creating a solitary yet connected experience that makes this ultra cycling event so memorable.

Crossing the Alps on this scale is a significant undertaking. The route has been designed to incorporate some of the most beautiful roads and passes the region has to offer, creating a memorable traverse. Riders will pedal through shifting landscapes, from the forested foothills and rolling roads of the initial stages to the stark, high-altitude world of the great mountain climbs. Each country offers a distinct character, adding cultural texture to the physical journey and making this a truly international ultra cycling event. Other other gravel events in France offer different experiences, but few cover such a wide array of landscapes.

The event schedule is simple and clear. Participants gather in Strasbourg for a pre-start briefing on the morning of Saturday, August 1st, 2026. The official start takes place in the early afternoon, giving riders 168 hours, or seven full days, to complete the parcours. The finish line is in the vibrant coastal village of Riomaggiore, one of the five towns that make up the famous Cinque Terre. The arrival on the shores of the Ligurian Sea provides a stunning contrast to the mountain terrain that precedes it.

Limited to just 99 participants, the event cultivates a close-knit feel. While on the road, riders are largely self-sufficient, but the shared start and the knowledge of others on the same journey create a subtle sense of community. The registration includes a GPS tracker for live monitoring, a validation card for checkpoints, and other small items to support the ride. This framework provides structure without compromising the spirit of unsupported adventure, which is central to this ultra cycling event.

La Cinque Terre is more than a test of endurance; it is an exploration of both landscape and personal limits. The journey from the heart of Alsace to the Italian coast is a long one, filled with the quiet rhythm of pedalling and the steady breathing of the climb. It is an opportunity to experience a vast and varied slice of Europe at a human pace. For further details on the route and registration, consult the official event website.