Is this savvy business acumen or a shocking betrayal in the thrilling world of gravel cycling? The Gravel Earth Series has just unveiled its 2026 schedule, igniting a firestorm of debate that has left fans and insiders alike scratching their heads. But here's where it gets controversial—stay tuned to see why some are calling it a masterstroke while others cry foul play.
Updated November 16, 2025, at 02:15 PM
This week, the Gravel Earth Series (GES) rolled out its lineup for next year, and right away, it stirred up a hornet's nest of reactions. As the series gears up for its fourth season, organizers have shuffled dates, overhauled the points system, and most notably, swapped out a beloved staple event for something strikingly similar. These tweaks, particularly the calendar shift, have bewildered race coordinators and competitors everywhere.
Gone from the schedule is The Rift (http://velo.outsideonline.com/tag/the-rift), supplanted by a newcomer dubbed Cuckoo Gravel, branded under the 'By The Traka' label. For those new to the international gravel racing scene—think long-distance bike rides on rugged, unpaved paths through breathtaking landscapes—The Rift stands as a cornerstone event in this burgeoning sport, whereas Cuckoo Gravel is launching its maiden year. To clarify for beginners, gravel racing combines the endurance of road cycling with the adventure of off-road trails, often covering hundreds of kilometers and attracting riders from around the globe seeking a mix of challenge and natural beauty.
'If the Traka represents the pinnacle of the GES, then The Rift was its close runner-up,' penned Joe Laverick, a gravel racer and Substack columnist, in a piece published the day after the news broke (https://www.joelaverick.com/p/gravel-earth-2026-a-series-of-unfortunate). 'Since its debut in 2019, this Icelandic gem has carved out a reputation as one of Europe's gravel icons. It's been a fixture in the GES from day one and ranks among the most eagerly awaited stops on the circuit.'
Laverick went on to dissect why the replacement felt suspicious almost immediately upon release. 'Not only did we lose The Rift, but the launch of Cuckoo Gravel—a Klassmark-backed event in Iceland—has left many with a bad taste,' he explained. 'It's slated just two weeks prior to The Rift, and based on available details, it unfolds in a comparable area with a route that's eerily alike. This feels off, especially for a series that prides itself on teamwork, and it's strikingly insensitive.'
He continued, 'There's no denying that Cuckoo Gravel treads directly on The Rift's territory. With participants potentially divided between the two, Klassmark's fresh race could seriously impede the growth that elevated The Rift to international stardom.' And this is the part most people miss—how one event's rise might undermine another's legacy, sparking questions about fair play in a sport still finding its footing.
A partnership that worked wonders for both sides
The Rift Gravel Race reigns as Iceland's top gravel competition, and alongside the Traka, it helped spark Europe's first major gravel boom back in 2019. That wave of enthusiasm catapulted this 200-kilometer adventure across Iceland's awe-inspiring terrains into the elite tier of worldwide gravel events. It sells out months ahead, drawing thrill-seekers from the Americas and Europe who view it as a unique off-the-beaten-path escapade.
When Klassmark, the team behind the Traka, introduced the Gravel Earth Series in 2023, The Rift's inclusion was no surprise—it instantly lent the GES a layer of credibility beyond its Spanish roots. Moreover, their goals meshed seamlessly with the Traka's emphasis on eco-friendly practices, a shared priority for both races since their 2019 launches.
For The Rift, the alliance proved advantageous too, tapping into the GES's network within Europe's gravel community. 'We saw the Gravel Earth Series as an opportunity worth joining, not just for the environmental angle, but also for the backing we needed,' shared Dana Rún Hákonardóttir, who works with Lauf and is involved in The Rift's operations. 'Running this event costs a fortune—what with airfare, lodging, and most folks needing to rent vehicles since it's remote from urban centers. This partnership acted as our support network, and it truly boosted European sign-ups by connecting us to the series.'
Cracks begin to show
As 2025 approached, The Rift had recommitted for another season with the Gravel Earth Series following two fruitful years. The notion of it dropping out for 2026 seemed unthinkable. In fact, they invested in the premium media package, an extra cost for enhanced on-site coverage and vibrant social media content.
Yet, that's when things started veering off course. 'Over the year, we sensed we weren't receiving the full value for our investment,' Hákonardóttir recalled. 'Sure, they distributed content during the event weekends, but it didn't drive pre-registrations. Being featured on their map was valuable, but beyond that, there was little ongoing sharing.'
When discussions shifted to the off-season and the following year, Klassmark pushed to deepen the tie through their new 'By the Traka' branding. This marked a significant pivot for both groups. 'With the introduction of 'By the Traka,' they aimed to take control of our event—either hand it over or charge us to run it,' Hákonardóttir noted. 'We preferred to maintain The Rift's autonomy, concentrating solely on crafting that unparalleled experience.'
And just like that, the collaboration dissolved. Initially, it appeared cordial, but soon after, news of the GES's Icelandic debut reached The Rift team, turning perceptions hostile. The fresh race, endorsed by 'By the Traka,' implied significant oversight and offered bonus points, setting it apart from standard GES events.
'They responded professionally when we exited, but then, about 10 days later, we learned of this new venture,' Hákonardóttir said. 'Gerard reached out to a colleague via email, casually mentioning, 'just so you know, we're putting together a new gravel event in Iceland' with a local guy we're acquainted with. Several of them attended The Rift this summer, and it felt like we'd been outmaneuvered. After three years of partnership, discovering they'd been scheming this behind the scenes was disheartening.'
Klassmark insists the new Icelandic race has roots stretching back years
Overall, swapping Iceland's races in the Gravel Earth Series fits into a broader overhaul: fewer competitions, fewer nations, and a stronger Traka imprint. This reflects Klassmark's drive—a lean team of six, spearheaded by CEO and co-founder Gerard Freixes of the Traka, Klassmark, and GES.
'We've noticed our shift towards a more streamlined series, prioritizing events that embody the true essence of gravel and our core principles,' Freixes stated to Velo when queried about the updates. 'Smaller races are struggling with membership criteria, so we're honing in on fewer, high-caliber ones that attract top talent, fostering a more equitable and intense rivalry.'
After chatting with The Rift's crew, we contacted Klassmark for insights on the schedule revisions and the breakup. In their response to Velo, they clarified that the Icelandic event predated The Rift's departure and was conceived long before recent events. 'On The Rift, the facts are straightforward,' Freixes explained. 'They opted out of next year's series, much like Gravel Worlds. Simultaneously, a local Icelandic promoter pitched us a gravel race idea three years ago. At the time, we couldn't add it due to The Rift and Lauf's existing involvement, aiming to stay transparent and equitable. Now that The Rift has stepped away, it seems the perfect time to spotlight this fresh initiative. It's a modest, heartfelt endeavor—not on The Rift's scale—but it's growing naturally, upholding our cherished ideals.'
'We hold The Rift in high esteem for their accomplishments. This move isn't about rivalry; it's our contribution to gravel's advancement. The discipline remains small and specialized, so instead of stirring pointless conflicts, let's emphasize unity and expansion.'
'Let's get this sorted'
The Rift isn't the only one bidding farewell to the Gravel Earth Series. Gravel Worlds, a standout U.S. event, has exited, and the Grasshopper Adventure Series in Northern California withdrew one of its races. On the brighter side, Lost and Found Gravel and the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder are back, injecting some American flair, though shedding two prominent fixtures remains a notable loss.
While Klassmark might view this as ancient history, their perceived overreach has likely damaged relationships. 'It's baffling because we openly support all gravel races—we're not Iceland's sole option,' Hákonardóttir remarked. 'There are numerous events here, and more variety is fantastic, but must it overlap geographically? They could have chosen the East Coast or another spot; ours is merely a 20-minute drive away. Perhaps a joint effort or consecutive weekends could have worked.'
'She added, 'The key for us organizers is considering the participants—the folks who travel to join in. Entities like Life Time and the Gravel Earth Series exist, but at the start, events sprang from passion. It's wonderful if organizers can earn a livelihood, but actions should make logical sense. Avoid decisions driven purely by profit.'
And here's the controversial twist most people overlook: Is Klassmark innovating for the sport's growth, or are they prioritizing their brand at the expense of partners? Do you see this as entrepreneurial spirit or a lack of foresight? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you side with The Rift's call for fair collaboration, or does Klassmark's push for a 'compact series' make sense to you? What if this sets a precedent for other events chasing their own paths? We'd love to hear your take!
