Three Peaks Bike Race

Three Peaks Bike Race – Vienna, Austria

• Date: July 3, 2027
• Location: Vienna, Austria
• Distances: Self-planned route
• Event Type: Unsupported Bikepacking Race

The Three Peaks Bike Race is an unsupported ultra cycling race from Vienna that charts a personal course across the mountains of Europe. Beginning at the elegant Schönbrunn Palace, riders are set loose upon the continent, tasked with navigating their own way to Barcelona. The route is not fixed; instead, participants must visit three mandatory high-altitude peaks, creating a unique journey that balances strategy with endurance and a deep connection to the changing terrain beneath their tyres.

For the 2026 edition, the mandatory checkpoints are the Mangart Saddle, the Kitzbüheler Horn, and the formidable Col de la Loze. The freedom of the event lies in the rider's ability to choose the order of these peaks and the path that connects them. This strategic element defines the race. One might opt for a direct, mountainous route between checkpoints, while another may choose flatter, longer roads. Each decision shapes the individual narrative of the ride, making every participant's experience distinct.

The course unfolds as a grand traverse of Europe. From the historic avenues of its starting city, the route takes riders through some of the continent's most impressive landscapes. The event is a departure from typical races held in a single region; it offers a chance to experience the diversity of landscape and culture found across the heart of the continent. The journey through Austria offers a sense of the scale of the Alps, and riders can find inspiration from other gravel events in Austria which share this rugged backdrop.

At its core, the Three Peaks Bike Race is a testament to the spirit of self-sufficiency. As an unsupported event, riders are entirely responsible for their own logistics, from navigation and nutrition to mechanical support and lodging. There is no predetermined path, no aid stations, no prize money. This ethos fosters a quiet resilience and a profound sense of accomplishment, where the rhythm of pedalling and the hum of tyres on pavement become the primary soundtrack to a solitary journey.

The event can be undertaken solo or in teams of two to four riders, all tracked via GPS for the general classification. The race officially begins at 13:00 on July 3rd, with a final finish time of 18:00 on July 15th in Barcelona. This generous window allows for different paces and strategies, turning the race into a long-form adventure against the clock, the landscape, and oneself. It is a true point-to-point challenge on a continental scale.

Ultimately, the race is a celebration of personal exploration and endurance. It is an invitation to connect with the mountains and the long roads in between, relying on one's own strength and resourcefulness. The finish line in Barcelona marks the end of a significant physical and mental journey, an experience defined less by competition and more by the personal accomplishment of the ride itself. More details can be found on the official event website.