The Traka Girona: why thousands of gravel riders are afraid of missing the ultimate gravel week of Europe

You probably know the feeling. You see images on Instagram again of dusty gravel roads, sun-drenched climbs, and finish photos from Girona… while at home you think: “Why have I never done this before?”

That feeling grows stronger every year during The Traka in Girona. What once started as a small local gravel initiative has grown into one of the biggest and most iconic gravel races in Europe. And honestly: if gravel is your passion, The Traka is probably already secretly on your bucket list.

Also read: why more and more cyclists are drawn to Girona

Why The Traka attracts so many cyclists

At a time when many granfondos are becoming increasingly crowded and commercial, The Traka feels like an adventure. Not just a race, but a complete gravel experience. The combination of rugged gravel roads, endless nature, technical descents, and the unique atmosphere of Girona makes this event different from anything you ride in the Netherlands or Belgium. According to the organizers, the event revolves around community, inclusivity, and adventure.

In addition, the location helps enormously. Girona is seen by many cyclists as the gravel mecca of Europe. Around the city you will find:

• fast white gravel strips à la Strade Bianche
• technical trails towards the Pyrenees
• coastal roads along the Costa Brava
• Endless gravel routes directly from the city center

From hidden event to European gravel phenomenon

What makes The Traka special is how fast it grew. In 2019, fewer than a hundred participants lined up at the start. By now, the various distances attract more than 4,000 riders from dozens of countries. As a result, the event has grown into a fixture on the international gravel calendar. Not only amateurs travel to Girona, but also pros and former WorldTour riders appear at the start. In recent editions, names like Mads Würtz Schmidt and Rosa Klöser won the tough 360 km edition.

Also read: Why Girona is the ultimate cycling escape in winter.

What distances can you drive during The Traka?

One of The Traka's greatest strengths is that virtually every gravel rider finds a suitable challenge.

The Traka 100 – ideal as a first major gravel experience

Do you want to get a taste of the atmosphere without getting completely wrecked right away? Then the 100 km is perfect. You get the same epic surroundings, the same finish in Girona, and the same gravel experience, but without the extreme endurance strain of the longer distances.

The Traka 200 – the most popular part

The 200 kilometers has by now become the real main event. Why? Because this distance is tough enough to feel heroic, yet remains achievable for strong amateurs. With approximately 2,250 meters of elevation gain, you get a day full of dust, climbing, speed, and a mental battle. For many gravel riders, this is the distance they train for for months.

The Traka 360 – the ultimate test

This is where dreams and nightmares meet. More than 300 kilometers of gravel, thousands of meters of elevation gain, and hours of riding through the Catalan countryside. According to participants, during this ride you literally experience almost the entire gravel area around Girona. The Traka 360 is no longer an ordinary race. It is a mental expedition.

The Traka Adventure 560 – for ultra riders

For bikepackers and ultra-endurance fanatics, there is even a 560-kilometer edition. Here, everything revolves around survival, pacing, and mental resilience.

Why Girona is perfect for a gravel holiday

Even outside of The Traka, Girona is a paradise for cyclists. Many participants stay for several days or even weeks. That makes sense, because from the city you can literally ride a completely different gravel route every day. And at least as important: the atmosphere in Girona breathes cycling.

You will find there:

• specialty coffee bars full of cyclists
• Bike cafes run by ex-pros
• high-quality bike shops
• excellent Catalan restaurants
• car-free roads around the city

Many travelers therefore combine The Traka with a complete cycling holiday in Spain.

Also read: The three most beautiful gravel routes in Girona

The real reason why cyclists keep coming back

What makes The Traka special isn't just the kilometers. It lies in that moment when you ride back into Girona after hours of breathing in dust. When you see the terraces full of cyclists. Hear the music. And realize that you have done something that seemed impossible just months earlier. That feeling is what keeps many participants returning year after year. Because ultimately, gravel isn't just about speed. It's about adventure, freedom, and stories you'll be telling for years to come.

Is The Traka right for you?

If you like:

• long days on the bike
• adventure over perfect asphalt roads
• epic nature
• international cycling atmosphere
• challenge yourself physically and mentally

…then chances are high that The Traka is exactly the event you are looking for. And perhaps even more importantly: Girona is one of those places you want to have been to at least once as a cyclist before everyone says you are too late.

More information and registration is available via The Traka Official Website.

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