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31.03.2026 23:59: The early bird registration deadline ends. From this point, tickets will increase by 10%. A maximum of 1000 participants can register for the event. If you are a previous participant or a Hungarian citizen, you are eligible for the Super Early Bird discount. If you missed this in our mailshot, please email us directly.
26 .08.2026 - 16.00-19.00 Registration will be open for guests arriving early. In the evening, we invite you to a ‘Sundowner’ drink on the pier, offering your first taste of the beautiful Lake Balaton.”
27.08.2026 – 10.00-18.00: Registration open all day, pre-event ride out starting at 10.30 for a gentle leg loosener. Discover the expo and our partners. Ride out could be subject to change, information will be shared in the days leading up to the start of the event.
28.08.2026 05:00 – 05:30: Meet and preparation for the start. Please be at the start line for 05.45.
28.08.2026 06:00: Start 370km Challenge and Adventure distance.
28.08.2026 07:00: Start 100km Explore distance.
28.08.2026 15:00: Finish 100km Explore distance.
29.08.2026 00:00: Finish of the 2026 Balaton Gravel Derby Challenge distance. Time limit for the 370km (42 hours or less).
30.08.2026 18:00: Finish of the 2026 Balaton Gravel Derby, event party and ceremonial awards for categories.
Registration for the 2026 Balaton Gravel Derby is open until 30.06.2026. This deadline is necessary as most equipment orders need to be finalised by this date. Or entries will close once we have reached the maximum capacity or the organisers deem the event has reach its limit.
The start and finish location will be in Badacsony.
We will start and finish at:
Badacsonytomaj Tourist Center at Tátika
Badacsonytomaj, Egry stny. 21, 8261 Magyarország
Badacsony, our host town for the Balaton Gravel Derby, is one of Lake Balaton’s most charming destinations a perfect blend of cycling, culture, and culinary delight. Set among volcanic hills and vineyards, it’s a place where riders can unwind after a big day on the gravel with great food, local wine, and breathtaking views over the lake. The area is known for its fresh fish dishes, homemade Hungarian classics, and award-winning wines such as Olaszrizling and Kéknyelű. There’s ample parking available with easy access to the start and finish areas.
The route plan for the 2026 Balaton Gravel Derby will be emailed to participants three weeks before the start of the event. For the long distance, you can expect approximately 370 km with 4,000 m of climbing, and for the shorter distance approximately 100 km with 1,000 m of climbing. These figures are subject to change, but the distances and elevation will not vary significantly unless an unexpected situation outside of our control arises.
The final course will be sent to participants along with a link to download the route. You are welcome to view our route page for planning, scouting, studying, or preparation, but please keep in mind that it is not final. We do not anticipate major changes to the distance or elevation, although some fine-tuning might occur.
Course Deviation and DNF
If you need to leave the official course for mechanical issues, supplies, food, water, or similar reasons, you will not be penalised. You will also need return to nearest point of the course and not misss out more than 5km of the official route. However, if you repeatedly leave the course and the event team determines that you are not following the route provided, you will be disqualified and will not receive an official result.
If you decide not to finish the ride, it is your responsibility to inform the organisers by email at info@balatongravelderby.com and to return your GPS tracking device to HQ by 13:00 the following day.
At the Balaton Gravel Derby, we use Follow My Challenge GPS tracking and timing system, experts in long distance event and is used by many other companies including the famous badlands challenge.
Challenge
Adventure
Explore
For the best experience, choose accommodation near the start and finish area along the lakefront. Options include hotels, guest houses, and campsites. We have several suggestions on our accommodation recommendation page. Lake Balaton also offers many other nearby options, giving you plenty of choice to find your perfect stay.
The finalisation of the refreshment points is still in progress. Along the full route, you’ll have access to a minimum of 3 refreshment points as well as the start/finish station.
At the refreshment points:
Challenge/Adventure
Terrain
The Balaton Gravel Derby route is predominantly off-road, mostly on wide, relatively easy-to-navigate paths. Only about 10% of the route requires advanced technical skills. Since this is not a race, many participants prioritize safety and simply dismount to push their bikes through these tougher sections. The route includes around 10 short, steep climbs that demand significant effort. Beginner cyclists may need to walk their bikes on these parts.
Fitness
Advanced and endurance cycling fitness is needed to finish within the time limit for the challenge distance, participants should be able to ride average speed 9 km/ph to finish within the 42 hour cut-off, this is of course without stopping which needs to be factored in.
Explore
Terrain
This is also an off-road route, and you’ll need to work for those stunning views! The Explore has punchy climbs, some technical trails and some points you might need to go cyclocross for a few sections. However, the route is a great option if you are new to gravel.
Fitness
Basic fitness is required, meaning you should have previously ridden a similar distance and have experience riding off-road and have practise descending gravel trails.
Let me know if you need more tips for preparation! 🚴♂️
It's compulsory to use a gravel or mountain bike for the event. However, E-bikes are allowed but wont be included on the official timings and can only be used for the adventure and explore distances.
We recommend your bike has tires at least 45 mm wide. However, this can vary depending on your experience and off-road riding skills.
For maximum comfort, the wider the tires, the better. We recommend Kenda tyres our official title sponsor to assist with the best setup. Kenda ensures stability and comfort on mixed terrain.
PAIRS CATEGORY - Only for Challenge and Adventure
Yes, however, teams with at least one participant using an e-bike will not be included in the official final listings and e-bikes can only be used for the adventure category.
In the case of participating as a pair, you need one person to enter with two email addresses for each participant. This will ensure both participants receive up to date information about the event.
If you are unable to attend the event, please notify us in writing at info@balatongravelderby.com, including your order reference number.
Within 14 days of ticket purchase
You will receive a 100% refund of the ticket price.
After 14 days
Refunds are no longer possible under any circumstances. However, tickets can be transferred to another person or rolled over to the following year. Please note that credits can only be rolled over to the following year and cannot be applied to any other future event. Credits are non-transferable and cannot be assigned to another person.
Please note that all such requests are handled exclusively via email. We kindly ask that you do not initiate these requests by phone or in person.
Event Cancellation Due to Extreme Conditions
If extreme weather or government unrest creates unsafe conditions, the organisers may postpone, alter, or cancel the event. Participant safety is our top priority. Any decisions will follow official guidance, and all registered riders will be notified as soon as possible. A rearranged date or credit for the following event may be offered, but this is not guaranteed, as it may affect the sustainability and financial stability of the organisation.
Stay safe, be smart, use common sense and enjoy the ride.
Team Balaton Gravel Derby