UCI World Gravel Series: Gravel, Grit'n'Grind Halmstad
Gravel Grit’n’Grind sets itself apart from other European gravel races in a few key ways that make it truly special.
First off, the location is simply breathtaking. Taking place in Halmstad, Sweden, the race winds through sprawling forests, rolling hills, and stunning gravel roads. The scenery alone is a major draw, but the race is also based at Wapnö farm, known for its environmental sustainability and circular economy practices. This means participants get to enjoy a beautiful setting while also supporting eco-friendly initiatives.
The vast majority of Sweden’s population lives right on the coast. As soon as the race course heads inland, you leave behind towns and villages and ride through seemingly untouched wilderness dotted by the occasional romantic farmstead and isolated cabin. There is no “go hard, go left” gravel here, each road is a rolling roller coaster of fun, punctuated with short sharp climbs of up to 30% gradient. The route is designed by passionate local cyclists who constantly seek out the most exciting mix of gravel, from scabby dual track farm trails to speedy gravel roads that have better surfaces than most British highways.
Gravel, Grit’n’Grind is unique in that it is a 3 day race, including an ITT on day one. Day two, the Queen stage, sees the longest and toughest day, with more than 130 km of gravel and 1800 m of climbing (we count it at over 90%) and finally, the third day sees a 96 km route with 12oo more meters of going up. Instead of spending 2 days traveling for 1 day of racing, this is an event worth the travel. Not only do you get to explore the fun coastal city of Halmstad, famous for beach and, sadly, golf.
But it’s not just about the race. Gravel Grit’n’Grind is designed to be inclusive and family-friendly. There are plenty of activities for families, from children’s cycling events to live music and entertainment. The two-day cycle festival at Wapnö features food trucks, a beer tent, and a market, creating a fun, festive atmosphere for everyone, not just the racers.
The international appeal is another standout feature. With a large number of participants coming from Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, it’s a truly international event. There is a Stena ferry from Grenaa, Denmark to Halmstad make it easy for international participants to join in the fun. Halmstad is also very easy to access from Copenhagen, Malmö or Gothenburg airports.
And let’s not forget the high-caliber competition. Last year the race attracted world-class cyclists like Nikki Terpstra and Marianne Vos, adding serious prestige and providing an exciting challenge for all competitors. The course itself is tough, with over 90% on gravel roads and covering 250 km, making it a great test for serious cyclists. Mr. Terpstra managed an insane pace last year of more than 37 km/h.
Lastly, the event fosters a strong sense of community and offers excellent networking opportunities. Local businesses and communities are heavily involved, creating a supportive and engaging atmosphere. Plus, it’s a great chance for participants and sponsors to connect within the cycling world and beyond.
All these elements come together to make Gravel Grit’n’Grind not just a race, but a unique and memorable experience for everyone involved.