Hıttıte gravel race
Self-supported race around ancient cities of Hittite civilization, including Hattuşa, the well-known Cappadocia and Gobeklitepe. A new and yet amazing adventure to discover remote places and cultures of Anatolia.
RACE SUMMARY
Start
START
Race will start on October 3rd, 2025. Riders will meet in Boğazkale, Çorum. Details for the start location will be announced soon.
Race will start on June 6th, 2026. Riders will meet in Boğazkale, Çorum. Details for the start location will be announced soon.
Race
ROUTE
1600 km route will include gravel, tarmac and single tracks. 3 checkpoints will welcome riders along the race.
1400 km route will include gravel, tarmac and single tracks. 3 checkpoints will welcome riders along the race.
Fınısh
FINISH
October 12th, 2025 at 23:59 finish will be closed on Göbeklitepe. You should push harder on pedals for finishers' party.
June 14th, 2026 at 23:59 finish will be closed on Göbeklitepe. You should push harder on pedals for finishers' party.
RACE DETAILS
Hittite Gravel Race is a self-supported fixed route gravel race passing through ancient civilizations and perfect gravel roads in Anatolia. In this inaugural edition we would like to share the joy of riding on remote places and well-known hospitality of Türkiye.
From the centre of the mainland, route will take you by dirt roads, good quality gravel, quiet back roads between small villages, corn fields to mountains and lakes.
There will be no support along the race, all participants should be on their own adventure. Details of the race, POI's, detailed rules etc. will be shared to participants as a race manual. Please don't hesitate to contact for further questions.
RULES
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RIDE UNSUPPORTED
We mean unsupported. Always be self-reliant, plan ahead and remember this is a ride for yourself. No drafting, no home HQ to book in advance on the ride etc. Every commercial support should be available to everyone.
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KEEP UP GOOD ETHICS
Always be honest to yourself and to others. Having a strong ethics about the spirit of self-supported races, please ride responsibly.
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SAFETY FIRST
Obey all the traffic rules, always be aware of dangers on and off the road. Follow the rules and recommendations written on the race manual.
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LEAVE NO TRACE
We all know what this means: leave no waste, no camp fires, be careful and respect animals/wild life, greet everyone, leave as you find.
Please check Leave No Trace Principles.
WHAT TO BRING
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WHAT KIND OF BIKE?
You can ride whatever you want on this route. A gravel bike with 40 mm mixed terrain tires will get you to the finish line.
Comfortable? Depends on you. Hardtail mtb may be an overkill but you will have less body damage for sure.
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HOW TO GET THERE?
Start point is 150 km away from Merzifon Airport. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus have frequent flights from İstanbul airports. Finish point is 50 km away from Sanlıurfa Airport. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus have flights over Istanbul and Sunexpress have direct flights to most of the EU countries.
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WEATHER
We expect a fair weather for this time of the year. You should be ready for rain, sunny days and chill nights. Temperatures may vary from 0-35C , Higher temperatures will hit on lower altitudes as you ride through finish line.
