Gravel Tro Breizh : Heading Towards the 10th Edition of a 100% Breton Legend

Since 2018, Brittany has been the stage for an extraordinary ritual. In 2027, the Gravel Tro Breizh is preparing to celebrate its historic 10th edition—a major milestone that will welcome a new wave of adventurers into its legend. Gathering from all over France and far beyond its borders, cyclists will once again meet at the gates of the mythical Brocéliande forest.

The challenge remains unchanged, carved in stone: set out to discover a raw Brittany, its wild landscapes, and its timeless tales, while braving the hidden paths, trails, and secret roads of this land of character.

Under the ruthless gaze of the Ankou, the absolute master of these moors, only the bravest will conquer this memorable 1300 km journey. It will take extraordinary courage to dare to sign up, stand on the starting line, and challenge these legendary lands. Taking that step to register is already completing half the journey toward an adventure that will leave its mark on you forever.

In 2027, will you be among those who write the tenth chapter of the mythical and legendary Gravel Tro Breizh!?

2027 Edition – May 1st to May 8th

Come and test yourself against this monument of ultra-distance cycling.

Keep in mind that the Gravel Tro Breizh is an off-road adventure lived in absolute autonomy (fully self-supported).

To tackle this route, your choice of bike will be crucial: gravel, monstercross, or mountain bike—the choice is yours based on your physical and technical skills. If you choose a traditional gravel bike, beware: narrow tire clearances could become a serious handicap in the most fun and technical sections. We can never say it enough: the Gravel Tro Breizh is not designed solely for smooth roads and easy paths!

The Challenge in Figures: 1,300 km / 180 hours

The event offers a colossal challenge of around 1,300 km, to be completed within a relatively tight time limit of 180 hours (which means 7 days and 12 hours). To have a chance at conquering this journey and finishing on time, you will need to maintain an average of at least 165 km per day.

Even though the Gravel Tro Breizh remains a non-competitive event, such a feat cannot be improvised. Finishing this route demands excellent physical conditioning and the ability to push through incredibly long days in the saddle. The adventure awaits—get ready to push your limits.

A Balanced Route in the Heart of Breton Diversity

The route is meticulously designed to offer the best possible balance, skillfully alternating between fast-rolling sections and more demanding segments. This rhythm is closely tied to Brittany’s geography: the terrain naturally gets tougher and hillier inland and in Central Brittany, while areas like southern Morbihan offer a gentler profile.

To guarantee you the ultimate adventure, the route takes these unique geographical and economic features into account. Rest assured, the ratio of fast-rolling tracks, easy paths, and quiet country roads remains higher than the purely playful or rugged sections.

Furthermore, the route is completely redrawn every year to let you explore the infinite richness and variety of the Breton landscapes. Edition after edition, participants praise the quality of this route, widely recognized for being perfectly balanced and offering the most beautiful immersion into Breton Land.

The Golden Rule: Absolute Self-Sufficiency

And of course, it can never be repeated enough: the Gravel Tro Breizh is a fully self-supported event. You must rely on yourself and yourself alone. Any outside assistance—whether it comes from friends and family or from pre-planned mutual aid between competitors—is strictly forbidden! Alone against your route and the elements: that is how true legends are written.

Core Principles of the Gravel Tro Breizh:

  • Bikepacking
  • Ultra-distance
  • Unsupported (Self-supported)
  • Non-competitive
  • Non-stop progression
  • Live tracking

The Gravel Tro Breizh is a non-stop progression event. Participants are entirely free to manage their rest and sleep periods as they see fit.

Bikepacking:

Driven by a quest for autonomy and lightness, minimalist gear allows any bike to be fitted with bags (handlebar bag, saddle bag, frame bag, etc.) attached with straps directly to the frame or components, eliminating the need for traditional racks. The goal is to carry only the strict essentials to remain as light as possible and cover long distances more easily.

Unsupported:

No assistance of any kind is allowed. Participants must be fully self-sufficient; neither the organization, family, nor friends can provide any help. It is strictly forbidden for participants to stop or sleep at the homes of friends or family members.

Participants must be completely autonomous regarding:

  • Lodging and accommodation,
  • Food and resupply,
  • Mechanical issues and repairs…

Here is a document outlining these rules. In the event of an infraction, the rider will be disqualified. Even though this is not a race, the rules are in place to maintain fairness among all participants. Penalties up to disqualification from the event will be applied in case of non-compliance with the regulations.

Looking for a more accessible challenge on the same dates ? The GTB Series Spring Edition is made for you!

A Secret Route, Surprises, and Brand-New Sectors for the 10th Edition!

For this historic 10th edition in 2027, we have prepared a route packed with surprises and completely unridden sectors. But don’t expect us to reveal the secret just yet! True to the spirit of the event, we want to preserve the mystery and the thrill of adventure for as long as possible.

Since 2021, the peaceful and green setting of Lake Trémelin has welcomed us to kick off the event and celebrate the returns from this roughly 1,300 km journey. A true haven of peace in the heart of nature, it is the perfect place to focus before the grand depart and unwind after the effort.

At Erminig, we make it a point of honor to polish and refine the route down to the smallest detail through numerous field-scouting rides to deliver a flawless experience.

This is also why—and to guarantee total immersion and a true taste of the unknown—the GPS tracks are only sent out to participants one week before the start. Prepare for the unexpected: the 10th edition is going to surprise you!

What to expect from the route?

The Gravel Tro Breizh is a monument of fully self-supported, off-road ultra-distance cycling. While you are completely free to choose your bike (gravel, monstercross, or mountain bike) based on your physical and technical skills, here is what actually awaits you out on the terrain :

1. A Mostly Accessible Yet Rhythmic Profile

The route offers a vast majority of tracks, fast-rolling paths, and quiet asphalt roads that are perfectly accessible with proper training. However, certain portions of the course feature slightly more playful or technical sections depending on your skill level. Rest assured: these zones are never very long, and their inclusion is always justified to lead you to a unique viewpoint or a must-see passage!

2. Brittany is Far From Flat!

Do not underestimate the Breton terrain. In certain sectors, you should expect pronounced elevation changes, marked by short but sometimes very steep climbs. A valuable piece of advice: make sure to adapt your gear ratio (your development) beforehand, especially since your bike will be weighed down with your bivouac and self-sufficiency gear!

3. A Closer Look at the Elevation: What are we talking about?

The total elevation gain is always announced as an approximation, as no calculation method can define it with absolute precision. To help you find your bearings in Brittany, keep these benchmarks in mind:

  • Overall average: generally sits around 1,500 to 2,000 m of D+ per 100 km.
  • “Flat” zones (coastline, etc.): around 1,000 m of D+ per 100 km.
  • Rugged zones (Central Brittany): up to 2,500 m of D+ per 100 km.

A Perfect Balance for Adventure

No matter the terrain, the reputation of the Gravel Tro Breizh rests on its ideal balance. The route is thought out as a whole to intelligently alternate between physically demanding sections and recovery zones, as well as off-road segments that are sometimes fast-rolling and sometimes more playful. It is up to you to manage your effort to make it to the end of the legend!

💡 Looking for a more accessible route? The GTB Series – Spring Edition is made for you!

A Guide & Regulations: Your Roadmap

To ensure your adventure goes as smoothly as possible, a key reference document is made available to you as soon as registrations open:

  • The Participant’s Guide: To be downloaded and read carefully right here.

This essential guide contains the complete Official Rules and Regulations of the event, as well as all the practical, logistical, and technical information indispensable for approaching the Gravel Tro Breizh with peace of mind.

  • A living document: This guide is regularly updated by the organization to reflect real-world terrain conditions and the specific needs of the 2027 edition.
  • Your responsibility: It must be read with the utmost attention before you register, and must imperatively be re-read before the grand depart and after every new update.

⚠️ Important Reminder: Validating your registration implies the unreserved acceptance of the rules and this guide. You are preparing to challenge a legend—make sure you know its rules!

The Route Guide & GPS Tracks: The Countdown is On !

An essential companion to the Official Guide, the Route Guide is the strategic document that every single one of you will be eagerly waiting for.

To preserve the mystery and spice up the adventure, this guide—along with the final GPX tracks—will only be revealed and sent out on the weekend of April 24th and 25th, 2027.

This ultra-comprehensive document will serve as the true roadmap for every Adventurer. It will gather all the crucial, last-minute information you need:

  • The Checkpoints (CPs): Exact locations and opening/closing times.
  • Live Tracking: Detailed user manual, activation steps, and rules for using the GPS trackers (beacons).
  • Route Logistics: Practical navigation info and tips to help you tackle the course in the best possible way.

Until then, sharpen your legs, prep your bike… the thrilling chill of the unknown begins the moment you receive this guide!

Official Rules Excerpt

To keep the adventure fair, safe, and true to its core values, every participant commits to respecting strict rules. The complete set of regulations can be found in the Participant’s Guide.

🌲 The Spirit of the Event: Non-Competitive but Demanding

  • No stopwatch, no podium: The Gravel Tro Breizh is not a race; it is a non-competitive event.
  • Zero selection process: No resume review, no lottery. The registration operates strictly on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
  • The complete route: Participants must cover the entirety of the official route, without any shortcuts or route-cutting.

🎒 The Golden Rule: Absolute Self-Sufficiency (Solo Only)

  • Your own ride, your own destiny: Registrations are strictly individual (there is no DUO category). The Gravel Tro Breizh is a solo adventure: sharing equipment between participants is forbidden.
  • A true nomad’s life: To respect the spirit of adventure and adapt to unpredictable factors (weather, mechanicals, physical state), it is formally forbidden to book your accommodations before the start. Once the event is underway, you are completely free to book wherever you like.
  • What is allowed: The only valid forms of assistance are commercial services that you find on your own along the route (shops, restaurants, hotels, bakeries, etc.).
  • What is forbidden: Any assistance from relatives, family, friends, or acquaintances is strictly prohibited.
  • Neutral Checkpoints: Due to the wild nature of this adventure, the volunteers stationed at checkpoints (CPs) are not authorized to assist you. You must manage everything yourself: lodging, food, mechanical trouble, or physical issues.

🛑 Entry Requirements & Required Profile

  • Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of the start. Minors, even if accompanied by an adult or parent, are not accepted.
  • Medical fitness: You must be medically fit to practice ultra-distance cycling. No medical certificate will be requested; you are fully responsible for your own health. We strongly advise you to undergo a medical check-up or a stress test beforehand.
  • 100% Muscle: Electric bikes (E-bikes) are strictly forbidden.

🦺 Mandatory Safety Gear

  • Wearing a helmet is mandatory at all times.
  • Wearing a high-visibility safety vest is mandatory from dusk until dawn, or whenever visibility is poor (fog, heavy rain).
  • Your bike must be equipped with fixed and powerful lighting: white at the front, red at the rear.

⚠️ Penalties: In the event of non-compliance with these rules—and particularly in the case of cheating regarding outside assistance—the organization will apply time penalties up to immediate disqualification.

The Event Agreement

In addition to the guide and the regulations, participation in the event is governed by an official agreement binding the organization and each participant.

👉 Download the Official Agreement – Gravel Tro Breizh 2027

The Golden Rule: The “Self-Supported” Spirit

By validating your registration for the Gravel Tro Breizh, you sign a pact with the organization, but also with all the other participants: to scrupulously respect the “self-supported” rule.

Fairness at the Heart of the Adventure Although the Gravel Tro Breizh is not a timed race, strict rules guarantee that all adventurers face the elements on a perfectly equal footing. It would be unfair for inequalities to develop over the kilometers due to non-compliance with these core principles.

We deeply believe that our community is driven by a spirit of loyalty, integrity, and respect for the regulations. This is why the event management always favors a flexible, human, and accommodating approach.

A Firm Commitment To ensure the boundaries of the challenge remain clear for everyone, we provide a reference document detailing the main prohibitions related to this concept of absolute autonomy.

👉 Consult the official document: Reminder of the “Self-Supported” Rules

⚠️ Important Reminder: The organization will not tolerate cheating. Time penalties, up to definitive disqualification from the event, will be applied to anyone failing to respect these clauses. By registering, you commit to pushing your limits by your own means!

Participation Conditions & Registration Procedure

Do you feel ready to take on the challenge and enter the legend of this historic 10th edition? Here are all the requirements and the procedure to follow to secure your spot for the Gravel Tro Breizh, taking place from May 1st to May 8th, 2027.

Event Identity Card: What to Know Before Registering

  • Before clicking that registration button, make sure you check all the boxes of this adventurer profile:
  • Age Requirement: 🔞 18+ years old (Event strictly forbidden to minors, even if accompanied).
  • Health: 💪 Medical fitness is essential for ultra-distance cycling (high-endurance capacity).
  • Format: 👤 Solo only (No duos, no equipment sharing).
  • Cap: 🎟️ 100 spots available in total, not one more.
  • Selection: ⏱️ Registration race: First come, first served!
  • Time Limit:180 hours maximum (7 days and 12 hours) to complete the route.

The registration fee is 195 euros and includes:

🎁 The “Degemer Mat Bag” (Your Welcome Pack)

An exclusive pack handed out during check-in, which includes:

  • 2 bio-compostable TACX water bottles, customized with the colors of the Gravel Tro Breizh.
  • 1 collector cycling cap from the 2027 event (register early to get your first name or nickname personalized on the visor).
  • The official Road Book of the event, essential for validating your hard-earned passages at the various Checkpoints (CPs).

🛠️ Logistics & Safety

  • The loan of a MadCap GPS tracker: An autonomous beacon to ensure your safety and allow your loved ones to follow your progress live online via a dedicated application.
  • The final GPS track: The precise route file to upload to your GPS bike computer or smartphone.

🤝 Hospitality & Amenities

  • Pre-race event: The official pre-start briefing, followed by a friendly drinks reception to meet the community.
  • Finish-line welcome at Lake Trémelin: Access to showers to freshen up, alongside a well-deserved meal/snack to celebrate your finisher status.
  • The Erminig Organization: The entire logistical infrastructure, the supportive presence of our volunteers on the ground, and the deployment of a dedicated media team to capture your adventure for prosperity.

Before Validating Your Registration: The 4 Commandments

Do not jump in blindly! The Gravel Tro Breizh is an extraordinary adventure that requires full awareness of its specific demands. Before clicking the registration button, make sure you validate the following points:

1. Read the Official Guide & Agreement You commit to having carefully read the “Participant’s Guide: 2027 Rules and Information” as well as the official Event Agreement. These documents contain essential legal, logistical, and safety clauses required for your participation (see the Rules/Agreement tab).

2. Accept the Rules of the Game Your registration acts as an electronic signature. It implies your full, complete, and unreserved acceptance of the internal rules and the event agreement.

3. Consult the FAQ You certify that you have reviewed the FAQ tab and have properly informed yourself about the actual nature and high demands of the Gravel Tro Breizh. You know exactly what you are getting your wheels into!

4. Sign the Pact of Absolute Self-Sufficiency You pledge on your honor to scrupulously respect the “Self-Supported” rule. Every point detailed in the reminder document must be fully understood and integrated.

By validating your registration, you join the start list and are officially ready to enter the legend of this 10th edition!

How to Register?

🚀 Registration Launch & “Early Bird” Privilege

Mark your calendar: the official grand launch of registrations for this historic 10th edition will take place in September 2026.

But to celebrate this milestone, we have decided to spoil the most passionate among you: 50 exclusive spots will be available for early access (Until June 30th) ! By becoming one of these 50 pioneers, you will enjoy unique advantages:

  1. Your guaranteed spot: Secure your presence on the starting line before the general public opening and skip the stress of the ticket rush.
  2. The collector’s gift: Receive an exclusive, brand-new piece of gear specially created for early-bird registrants. A true badge of honor that you won’t find anywhere else.
  3. The “Unique” bonus: We personalize your cap’s visor with your first name or nickname. Proudly wear a one-of-a-kind gift on the slopes!
  4. “Direct Line” VIP access: Join a privileged exchange group before the event. You will have direct access to ask all your questions to the organization, as well as to ultra-distance specialists and veteran finishers of the Gravel Tro Breizh. This is the absolute best way to fine-tune your preparation, gear choices, and strategy with those who know the terrain inside out!

Secure one of the 50 exclusive spots right now!

How to Register?

  • Read all the information on the website to fully understand the philosophy of the Gravel Tro Breizh regarding physical commitment, the route, and equipment.
  • Carefully read the agreement and the regulations (registering acts as your official acceptance of both).
  • Registration opening: Monday, September 1st, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM.
  • Registration deadline: Sunday, April 19th, 2026 (or as soon as the maximum rider capacity is reached).

Insurance & Refunds: Please Read Carefully

Cancellation insurance is available when you register. It covers all unpredictable and sudden causes. In the event of an unforeseen and/or accidental inability to participate in the Gravel Tro Breizh, you will be refunded up to the close of registrations (which is Sunday, April 11th, 2027)—subject to a 20% deductible.

We strongly recommend taking out this insurance to cover last-minute complications; an injury in the final weeks is always possible and deeply regrettable. Please note that no refunds will be issued by the association without this insurance. For just a few extra euros, it would be a shame to go without it!

Outside of the cancellation insurance option, no refunds, resales, or registration transfers to a future edition are permitted (your registration implies your acceptance of this clause).

No, the Gravel Tro Breizh is not a race : there is nothing to win. Your only reward is overcoming the challenge and completing the route in under 180 hours to validate your GTB. Of course, there will always be riders who set the fastest times, but every single finisher earns the exact same “prestige”: having conquered the course.

As a result, while the organizer provides an event framework, it does not replace common sense. Participants tackle the route entirely at their own risk and under their own responsibility. They must respect the rules of an independent, self-supported journey, guided solely by their own choices and decisions.

Yes, time is ticking, but the challenge remains within reach! To officially earn the title of Gravel Tro Breizh finisher, you must complete the entire route within a maximum time limit of 180 hours (which is exactly 7 days and 12 hours) after your official departure time.

To give you an idea of what that looks like, it requires covering an average of at least 165 kilometers per day, without ever easing up on the effort.

If you cross the finish line past this 180-hour cutoff, you will be considered “outside the time limit” (hors délais). Of course, a warm welcome always awaits everyone at Lake Trémelin, but your ride cannot be officially validated in the registry of this historic 10th edition. That is exactly what makes the Gravel Tro Breizh so rewarding: a challenge that requires precision time and sleep management!

The organization absolutely does not forbid starting as a group, with friends, or with family to share this incredible experience.

However, keep two fundamental rules of the Gravel Tro Breizh firmly in mind:

  • A strictly solo and self-supported adventure: Registrations are strictly individual. Even if you ride in a group, you must be 100% self-sufficient. Sharing equipment (tools, spare parts, bivouac gear, etc.) is forbidden. Every single rider must be capable of handling unexpected situations entirely on their own.
  • The reality of ultra-distance: Over a 1,300 km journey, maintaining the exact same pace consistently is extremely difficult. Widening physical gaps as the days go by, fatigue, sleep management, or mechanical troubles can quickly strain group cohesion. By trying to stay together at all costs, you risk slowing down your collective progress and finding yourselves outside the time limit at the finish line.

The GTB Spirit: While you are more than welcome to start the adventure together, the Gravel Tro Breizh is, above all, an incredible human catalyst. Along the trails, you will naturally find yourself sharing sections of the route with other participants you didn’t know the day before—and who will undoubtedly become lifelong friends!

The core principle of the Gravel Tro Breizh is self-sufficiency with zero outside assistance.

This is the foundational pillar of the Gravel Tro Breizh. “Self-supported” (sans assistance) means you must cross Brittany by your own means, relying solely on your legs and your resourcefulness.

In concrete terms, this implies that neither the organization nor your loved ones (family, friends, acquaintances) can step in to make your journey easier.

You must be capable of managing everything in total autonomy:

  • Your lodging: Finding where to spend the night or set up your bivouac as you go (without any prior reservations before the start).
  • Your resupply: Managing your food and water based on the commercial shops available along your route.
  • Your mechanicals: Repairing your bike in the event of a breakdown or a puncture using your own tools or by finding a local bike shop.
  • Your physical state: Managing energy crashes, minor injuries, and sleep.

❌ STRICTLY FORBIDDEN

  • No support vehicles: Having a support car or a camper van waiting for you at various stages.
  • No delivery from loved ones: Asking a relative or friend to bring you a mechanical part, clean clothes, or food on the course.
  • No network accommodations: Sleeping in a bed at a friend’s or acquaintance’s house located along the route.

ALLOWED

  • Commercial and public services: Utilizing any commercial or public services accessible to any other road user (bakeries, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, local bike shops).

⚠️ In conclusion: Cheating on assistance compromises the fairness of the challenge for everyone else. The organization operates a zero-tolerance policy on this matter: any violation caught (notably via the GPS tracking beacons) will result in heavy time penalties up to immediate disqualification.

Keep in mind that the event takes place on all types of terrain—ranging from smooth roads to trails that are very close to mountain biking. Therefore, road bikes and “road-oriented” gravel bikes are completely unsuited for this challenge!

You need to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses to make your choice: while a gravel bike will be faster than a mountain bike on rolling sections, it will also be more physically demanding and fatiguing on technical parts. “Monstercross” or “monster gravel” bikes can be an excellent compromise.

Please note the following guidelines:

  • We strongly recommend knobby tires with a minimum width of 42c. If you ride a standard gravel bike, a 45mm width is ideal.
  • The organization completes all route scouting on a monstercross/monster gravel bike (700×50), as the route designer prioritizes comfort and grip.
  • Mountain bikes (MTBs) are fully allowed.

Ultimately, there is no single ideal bike; different styles will have an advantage on different parts of the route. Your choice should also depend on your technical skills and physical fitness.

Tire Selection: The Crucial Choice for Your Adventure

Your choice of tires is undoubtedly the most critical technical decision of your preparation. Punctures and loss of traction can ruin your adventure, which is why we advise you not to underestimate this setup.

❖ If you are riding a Gravel Bike:

  • The absolute minimum: The organization strongly recommends never dropping below a 700×40c width.
  • The ideal compromise: A knobby tire in a 700×42c or 700×45c width. This size offers an excellent volume of air, guaranteeing maximum grip on the terrain and essential comfort to protect your joints on the roughest sections of the course.
  • The 650b alternative: Running 650b wheels with high-volume tires (such as 650×47c or wider) is also an excellent strategy to prioritize comfort and absorb vibrations.
  • ❌ Strictly forbidden: Smooth or slick tires. Brittany offers varied and sometimes slippery terrain; without knobs, you will severely lack traction.

❖ If you are riding a Mountain Bike (MTB):

  • The ideal compromise: We advise choosing a tire with a “fast-rolling cross-country” profile (low center knobs for efficiency on tarmac and reliable side knobs for cornering). A 29×2.0″ (or 29×2.1″) width proves to be the perfect balance between speed and obstacle clearance.

💡 Bonus Tip: No matter your bike choice, a Tubeless setup (without inner tubes, using liquid sealant) is highly recommended if you want to avoid spending your days repairing pinch flats or thorn punctures.

Gear Ratios & Drivetrain: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard

Don’t let yourself be surprised: Brittany might not have high mountains, but it is far from flat! While the climbs rarely exceed a few kilometers, they are characterized by short, punchy kickers with occasionally breathtaking gradients. Furthermore, the off-road terrain can be highly energy-consuming.

The absolute ultimate trap would be setting off with gear ratios that are too big (too hard to turn). Remember that you will be riding in a bikepacking configuration: with your bags, sleep setup, tools, food, and water, your bike will weigh several kilograms more than it does during training. That is a lot of dead weight you will have to haul to the top of every single hill.

⚙️ Drivetrain Configurations Recommended by the Organization

To help you calibrate your transmission, here is what actually works out on the terrain:

  • With a Double Chainring (2x11s or 2x12s): The organization’s scouting trips are done using a 46-32T crankset paired with an 11-42T cassette. This versatile configuration allows you to maintain a good rhythm on flat sections while clearing absolutely every climb without forcing or draining your muscular reserves.
  • With a Single Chainring (1x11s or 1x12s): Fans of 1x setups generally lean toward a small 34T or 36T chainring, paired with a wide-range cassette (such as 10-42T, 11-46T, or even 10-51T / 10-52T).

💡 In conclusion: It is far better to have a “too easy” bailout gear so you can spin your legs when fatigue sets in after 500 km, rather than being forced to unclip and walk. Honestly assess your physical capabilities and practice riding with a fully loaded bike during training to validate your gear ratios well before the start!

Here is the English translation, formatted to emphasize the crucial mechanical preparation required for this ultra-distance challenge:

Mechanical Reliability: Your Bike is Your Life Support

Riding 1,300 km on Breton trails—with weather that can shift from bright sunshine to pouring rain in a matter of hours—is a true crash test for your equipment. Because of the “self-supported” rule, you must be your own mechanic.

Even a brand-new bike straight from the shop will inevitably suffer: dust, mud, and sand act like grinding paste on your drivetrain and brakes.

🛠️ The 3 Golden Rules of Mechanical Preparation:

  1. The “Zero Compromise” Overhaul: Never set off with half-worn components. Your chain, cassette, brake pads, and tires should ideally be brand new or very recent. A set of brake pads can vanish in just two days if conditions get very wet.
  2. Never Test Anything on Day One: Have you just changed your saddle, switched to a new bikepacking bag setup, or modified your cockpit? You must test absolutely everything during several long rides, fully loaded in real-world configurations, before showing up at the starting line. On departure day, it is too late for adjustments.
  3. Master the Basics of Trailside Repairs: You absolutely must know how to fix a broken chain (using a chain breaker tool and a quick-link), repair a gash in a tubeless tire (using plugs), change a spoke, or replace a derailleur cable.

🧰 The Minimum Tool Kit to Carry:

  • A high-quality multi-tool (with an integrated chain breaker).
  • Tubeless plugs and a small backup bottle of sealant (as well as an emergency inner tube in case the tire is too badly torn).
  • A spare derailleur hanger (specifically matching your frame model).
  • Two pairs of brand-new brake pads compatible with your calipers.
  • A small bottle of chain lubricant (to be applied every evening).
  • An efficient hand pump or CO2 cartridges.

💡 In short: If you take care of your steed, it will take care of you. Keep your mind at ease by preparing for the worst, and remember that in the event of a major mechanical failure, your only legal option is to push your bike to the nearest local bike shop!

The Route: Pure Technical Riding Pleasure

The route of the Gravel Tro Breizh is a true ode to the diversity of Breton landscapes, but make no mistake: by nature, the terrain can be rough and physically demanding. As a land of granite, the ground is rarely smooth!

The network used consists primarily of agricultural farm tracks, forestry roads, and hiking trails. The organization makes it a point of honor to offer an ultra-balanced route:

  • A varied mix: You will alternate between small, deserted asphalt roads, wide and fast-rolling gravel tracks, and fun little singletracks (which can sometimes be technical depending on your bike-handling skills).
  • Pure riding fun: The Gravel Tro Breizh is by no means a mountain bike enduro race. The entire route is 100% rideable on a gravel bike. Naturally, on the roughest sections, you will go a bit slower than you would on a mountain bike, but with a maximum of feedback and handling fun.

📈 The Terrain: The Trap of the Breton “Leg-Breaker”

Take the elevation gain very seriously. In Brittany, there are no Alpine mountain passes or 10-kilometer climbs, but the topography is a relentless, non-stop roller coaster. The gradients on certain short kickers can be staggering. It is this endless succession of climbs and constant accelerations that proves to be exhausting and incredibly punishing over time.

💬 Finisher Insights: A Demanding but Fair Route

According to the vast majority of participants from previous editions, the course is beautifully balanced. The route designer knows exactly what they are doing: after every major difficulty or technical section, you will systematically be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama, a magical woodland trail, or an easier asphalt stretch to recover and spin your legs.

Is It Too Hard? A Clear and Honest Look at the Challenge

We are not going to lie to you: yes, the Gravel Tro Breizh is a difficult and demanding event. Conquering a route like this cannot be improvised; it requires true physical preparation, a resilient mindset, and gear that has been tested inside and out.

By lining up at the start, you must be fully aware of what lies ahead:

  • The accumulation of very long days in the saddle (often more than 10 to 12 hours a day).
  • Managing sleep deprivation, setting up camp, and riding through the night.
  • Handling rough terrain on a bike weighted down by your bags, water, and food.
  • Repeating this intense effort for a full week for those riding at a more relaxed pace.

The Good News: It’s All About Preparation!

Do not let this discourage you! Many finishers of previous editions discovered the world of bikepacking and ultra-distance cycling specifically by throwing themselves into the Gravel Tro Breizh. It is an immense challenge, but a magnificent one if you respect the event.

To succeed, the secret lies in three words: training, discipline, and management. Practice riding several days in a row with your bike fully loaded in real-world conditions well before the big day.

💡 A Recommendation from the Organization: If you have doubts, still lack experience in self-supported riding, or feel a bit physically short of digesting 1,300 km in one go, we highly recommend cutting your teeth on the GTB Series – Spring Edition. It is the perfect format to test your gear, validate your technical choices, and learn how to pace your effort over a more accessible distance before tackling the main monument!

Navigation: Mastering Your GPS Is Half the Battle

Navigation is handled exclusively digitally using a GPS track that will be sent to you via email. There is absolutely no physical signage or course marking on the ground.

To preserve the element of surprise and respect the event’s spirit of adventure, the final route will be shared with you no earlier than 10 days before the start.

🧭 Knowing Your GPS Is Just as Important as Pedaling

You must be able to navigate in total autonomy. This means you need to perfectly master your navigation device—whether it is a dedicated bike computer (such as Garmin, Wahoo, Bryton) or a smartphone navigation app (like Komoot or RideWithGPS).

At every edition, we see too many participants take the start without fully understanding how their device functions. This is the number one cause of course errors, stress, and wasted time and energy. Before the start, make sure you know how to:

  • Follow a track at night or in pouring rain.
  • Manage your device’s battery life (charging while riding via an external power bank or a dynamo hub).
  • Relaunch navigation after an accidental device shutdown.

⛔ The Entire Route, with Zero Shortcuts

Adherence to the official route is closely monitored thanks to the GPS trackers provided to each participant. You must scrupulously follow the itinerary designed by the organization.

⚠️ Important: In the event of cutting the course, taking intentional shortcuts, or failing to correct a navigation error (you must rejoin the track exactly where you left it), heavy time penalties up to immediate disqualification will be strictly enforced.

DNF (Did Not Finish): How to Handle a Withdrawal Safely

Withdrawing is an integral part of ultra-endurance racing, and there is absolutely no shame in it. When facing extreme fatigue, a major mechanical failure, or an injury, knowing when to stop is sometimes the wisest decision. However, for obvious safety reasons, a withdrawal must be handled properly.

If you decide to throw in the towel, you must strictly respect the following three rules:

1. Immediately Inform Race Control This is your number one obligation. You must call or send a text message to the organization’s emergency number (printed in your Road Book). Until you notify us, we consider you to be actively out on the course. Please do not leave us panicking over a motionless GPS tracking beacon!

2. Return Your MadCap GPS Tracker The tracker is an expensive safety tool that does not belong to you. You must hand it over to us if you withdraw at a Checkpoint (CP) or at the finish line, or mail it back to us via registered post as soon as possible, following the detailed instructions in the rider’s guide.

3. Manage Your Return Logistics in Total Autonomy In line with the “self-supported” rule, the organization does not provide any shuttle or repatriation service for participants or their bicycles. You must organize your own transport back home.

🚂 Logistical Tip for a Hard Day

Brittany is generally very well connected by the regional and high-speed rail networks (TER and TGV). In the event of a stroke of bad luck, try to head toward a mid-sized town with a train station (such as Vannes, Brest, Quimper, Saint-Brieuc, Rennes, or Carhaix) to make your return—and that of your bike—much easier.

Where to Sleep? The Logistics of Rest

You are entirely free to choose your own strategy, as long as you strictly respect the rules! As a reminder, it is strictly forbidden to book any accommodation before the grand depart. You must therefore create your own itinerary day by day, based on your fatigue and actual progress.

Two major philosophies are open to you:

🏢 The Comfort Option: Hotels, Gites, B&Bs, or Campsites

  • Who is it for? Those who prioritize a proper night’s sleep, a hot shower, and maximum recovery to start fresh the next day.
  • How it works: You will need to search for, call, and book your accommodations directly while on the road as the day progresses.
  • The trap: Brittany is a popular tourist destination. Depending on the areas you cross or the extended holiday weekends in May, some sectors can fully book up quickly. Start making your calls by late afternoon!

⛺ The Wild Option: Bivouacking (Tent, Tarp, or Bivy)

  • Who is it for? Adventure purists looking for total freedom. No booking stress—you stop when you want, where you want, as close to Breton nature as possible.
  • How it works: You must carry your entire sleep setup on your bike (sleeping bag, mat, shelter).
  • The trap: The Breton climate in May can be unpredictable (chilly nights, coastal dampness, drizzle). Furthermore, you must strictly respect local regulations: wild camping is forbidden on beaches, in listed heritage sites, and in protected natural zones (such as certain sectors of the Monts d’Arrée or the coastline). Bivouacking (setting up your tent at sunset and leaving at sunrise) is tolerated, provided it is practiced with absolute respect for the environment (Leave No Trace).

💡 A Recommendation from the Organization: Whichever option you choose, test your gear in real-world conditions before the event. Sleeping outside in 7°C weather in the rain after pedaling 150 km is not something you want to improvise!

Weather & Climate: Expect the Unexpected

In Brittany, if there is one golden rule to remember, it is that the climate can throw absolutely anything at you within the span of a few hours. Early May is a magnificent transitional period, but it is particularly fickle.

To ride with peace of mind, you must be prepared to face three distinct weather scenarios:

☀️ The Ideal Scenario: The Breton Microclimate

If a high-pressure system is locked in, you will enjoy magical days: wide blue skies, landscapes sublimated by spring light, and mild daytime temperatures (around 15°C to 18°C). It is absolute bliss for riding—just watch out for that coastal sunburn!

🌬️ The Classic Scenario: Dampness and Headwinds

The oceanic climate loves to play games. The famous Breton crachin (a fine but incredibly penetrating drizzle), sudden downpours, or morning sea fog are all part of the adventure. Often, even more than the rain, it is the wind that wears you down along coastal stretches or exposed ridges. Facing a sustained headwind for 100 km can quickly double your fatigue.

🥶 The Trap: Freezing Nights Inland

Do not let pleasant afternoon temperatures fool you. As soon as the sun sets, the thermometer drops sharply, especially if you are riding or bivouacking inland (such as Central Brittany or around the Monts d’Arrée). Nighttime temperatures can easily plummet to 3°C or 5°C, with a very high humidity level that amplifies the sensation of cold.

🧥 Our Gear Recommendation: The 3-Layer System

Do not pack too light! Your clothing setup must be versatile and easily adaptable on the fly. Your saddle pack should absolutely contain:

  • A high-quality, waterproof, and breathable rain jacket (e.g., Gore-Tex).
  • Arm warmers and leg warmers.
  • Full-finger gloves.
  • A warm, technical base layer for night riding.
  • A compact down jacket if you choose to bivouac.

💡 Remember: In Brittany, there is no such thing as bad weather, only poorly equipped cyclists!

💬 Still have a question?

If you haven’t found the answer to your question, don’t panic! The spirit of the Gravel Tro Breizh is also all about mutual support and sharing experiences.

  • Connect with the Community : To chat with riders from previous editions and gather expert tips from veterans on gear, sleep management, or gear ratios, join the Facebook group Erminig Cycling Club! It is the perfect place to ask the community’s enthusiasts your questions.
  • Contact Us Directly : If your inquiry concerns the organization or a specific administrative point, feel free to send us an email. We will do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible.

See you very soon on the trail!

2026 Edition – 9the Edition

  • Distance: 1,360 km
  • Elevation Gain: 20,000 m

🚴‍♂️ Men’s Top Times

PositionRiderNationalityTime
1stFrançois LEMANCEL🇫🇷 French4 days 7 hours 54 minutes
2ndPatrick BESSONFrench4 days 23 hours 20 minutes
3rdRomain BOULLAND🇫🇷 French5 days 5 hours 27 minutes
4thPhilippe FRANCIS-CAIGNEUX🇫🇷 French5 days 5 hours 41 minutes
5thGuillaume DE CEZAC Suisse5 days 5 hours 56 minutes


🥇 Fastest Women’s Time
Clara THILLAYE – 6 days 18 hours 46 minutes

  • 📊 Event Statistics
    Number of Starters: 84
    Number of Finishers (within time limit): 48
    Number of Finishers (outside time limit): 1

Past Editions Stats: 2025 Edition – 8th Edition

  • Distance: 1,363 km
  • Elevation Gain: 20,000 m

🚴‍♂️ Men’s Top Times

PositionRiderNationalityTime
1stYoan DERCOURT🇫🇷 French3 days 20 hours 15 minutes
2ndLucas BECKER🇩🇪 German3 days 21 hours 2 minutes
3rdEtienne HAMON🇫🇷 French4 days 12 hours 52 minutes
4thCamille MINARD🇫🇷 French4 days 14 hours 39 minutes
5thStefano SEMENZATO🇮🇹 Italian4 days 20 hours 19 minutes

🚴‍♀️ Women’s Top Times

PositionRiderNationalityTime
1stLeila SERBOUTI🇫🇷 French6 days 16 hours 48 minutes
2ndMuriel ROHAUT🇫🇷 French6 days 18 hours 5 minutes
3rdHeidi Lina HERTACH🇨🇭 Swiss7 days 7 hours 36 minutes

📊 Event Statistics

Disqualified: 2

Starters: 139

Finishers: 77

Past Editions Stats: 2024 Edition – 7th Edition

  • Distance: 1,310 km
  • Elevation Gain: 19,500 m

🚴‍♂️ Men’s Top Times

PositionRiderTime
1stJudicaël SOLIER4 days 11 hours 9 minutes
2ndMarc LE ROY4 days 13 hours 44 minutes
3rdStevan ROUE4 days 20 hours 25 minutes
4thJeremy JACQUEMIN5 days 3 hours 52 minutes
5thJulien PONTOREAU5 days 5 hours 15 minutes

🚴‍♀️ Women’s Top Times

PositionRiderTime
1stMarie GEST5 days 18 hours 54 minutes
2ndChloé MIEZE6 days 5 hours 8 minutes
3rdCamille RENARD6 days 14 hours 20 minutes
4thEmilie VERNEY6 days 18 hours 50 minutes
5thMarie Line PHARISAT7 days 8 hours 58 minutes

📊 Event Statistics

Finishers: 106

Starters: 197