Octopus
What to Expect on Octopus
RIDE & DANCE IN THE HEART OF THE ALP
Imagine the main event area to be the head and body of the Octopus, and the climbs to be the arms. All 7 arms are dead-end gravel climbs and lead back to the main event area, giving you the possibility to rest, have some food and drinks, listen to some great beats and check out the event expo, before then tackling the next segment. Challenge yourself and find out how many of the 7 gravel climbs you can do in a day. On top of every climb you receive a stamp. The maximum amount of riding would be 155km with 4450 vertical gain.
OFFICIAL RANKING
Let’s race! Octopus Gravel also offers 4 timed climbs between 4K and 6K. Only bikers who complete a minimum of six of the seven legs, including the 4 timed sections, will be part of the official classification and will obtain points for the Gravel Earth Series ranking.
Bike Setup for Octopus
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Octopus?
At 155 km with 4550 m of elevation gain, Octopus is roughly the distance of 4 marathons back to back, with climbing that adds up to close to a third of the height of Mount Everest.
What bike do I need?
Octopus's terrain calls for a Gravel Bike, ideally running 45-50mm Tubeless tires. On the drivetrain side, a 38-40T (1x) chainring matched to a 10-51T cassette gives enough range for the climbing involved.
How difficult is it?
We rate Octopus as Beginner overall. Riders should be ready for rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, steadily rolling, with a healthy amount of climbing elevation gain, and mild and generally comfortable conditions.
When does it take place?
Octopus runs on June 20, 2026, placing it firmly in the summer riding season, with long daylight hours, though heat can become a real factor.
What surface is it?
Octopus's route is gravel. Plan your tire choice around 45-50mm Tubeless for the best combination of speed and comfort.