MittelgebirgeClassique

MittelgebirgeClassique is a demanding unsupported ultracycling challenge through the mountain ranges of southwest Germany and eastern France. Starting in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, the 2026 route covers approximately 1,140 km and 24,000 m of climbing, giving riders 112 hours to complete a relentless succession of climbs, descents and rolling mountain roads.

The route crosses around 40 mountain passes, linking the Palatinate Forest, Black Forest, Jura and Vosges. While predominantly paved and suitable for a road bike, the course includes some short gravel sections. The highest passes rise above 1,400 m, with the route repeatedly moving between valleys and high mountain roads rather than following a single continuous Alpine corridor.

MittelgebirgeClassique is fully self-supported: riders must complete the official GPX route without external assistance, drafting is prohibited, and a GPS tracker is provided for monitoring. The 2026 edition starts on 17 May at 06:00, with the finish closing 112 hours later.

With more than 21 metres of climbing for every kilometre, the challenge is defined by its accumulation of smaller and larger passes rather than one iconic summit. Long days in the saddle, repeated 1,000 m-plus climbs and potentially changing weather across four mountain regions make MittelgebirgeClassique a serious test of endurance, pacing and self-sufficiency.