GravelBirken
Gravel riding in spectacular mountain terrain
On Saturday 29 August 2026, the race is held for the 2nd time. GravelBirken takes you onto gravel roads through forests, mountain farms and into the highlands, with start and finish in Lillehammer. The course is varied and demanding, with long climbs and fast descents.
GravelBirken 100 – a tough and inspiring challenge for riders who want to experience gravel cycling in true Birken terrain. (approx 110 km)
GravelBirken 200 – a longer and more demanding ride for those who want to test their endurance and push their limits. (Approx. 195 km - final route coming soon)
Important information for GravelBirken 200: All participants must download and follow the official GPS track. Each rider is responsible for navigating correctly and ensuring their equipment – whether watch, phone, or bike computer – has sufficient battery life for the entire race.
What they share is the feeling of achievement, nature and true cycling joy in the mountains. All participants aged 17 and older as of 31.12.2026 can take part. GravelBirken is part of the Birkebeiner Triple (unranked category).
GravelBirken
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Track and distances
Note: The total elevation gain may vary slightly depending on the GPS device, watch, or app used. The stated elevation gain is calculated based on our official GPX files and map data.Maps and GPX files for GravelBirken 200 are coming soon.
GravelBirken 100 – Course description
Note: Changes/adjustments can be made for 2026
An accessible route that still offers a genuine gravel experience. You’ll ride on wide hard-packed gravel roads, combined with narrower forest tracks and a section of singletrack. Less technical than the 200 km course, but still varied with around 1,800 meters of climbing. Perfect as the “beginner’s edition” of GravelBirken 200.GravelBirken 200 – Course description
Note: Changes/adjustments can be made for 2026
The ultimate challenge – a course built to match international gravel standards. 200 km with more than 3,000 meters of climbing, mixed gravel surfaces, forest roads, singletrack sections and “hike a bike” elements. Technical, demanding, and spectacularly scenic – a full day on the bike that will truly put you to the test. -
Starting times and classes
Preliminary starting times and classes
- GravelBirken 200
Classes
Men Elite and Women Elite + age classes:
Women: W17-29, W30-39, W40-49, W50+
Men: M17-29, M30-39, M40-49, M50-59, M60+
Starting time
Women Elite: 06:25
Men Elite and age classes: 06:45
All starts at master start/start shot
- GravelBirken 100:
Classes
Age classes:
Women: W17-29, W30-39, W40-49, W50+ and Para
Men: M17-29, M30-39, M40-49, M50-59, M60+ and Para
Starting time
All classes: 08:45
All starts at master start/start shot
Age from 17 years old pr 31.12.2026
- GravelBirken 200
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Prizes GravelBirken
Choose a medal or make a donation
For 2026, GravelBirken introduces a new choice during registration. Participants can decide whether they would like to receive a finisher medal, or instead donate the value of the medal to charitable work through Right To Play.
As part of the effort to reduce unnecessary consumption, this gives riders the opportunity to make a small choice that can both reduce resource use and contribute to something bigger.Timing diploma
Everyone also receives a time diploma showing the time at each intermediate time, as well as at the finish. The diploma can be collected inside Håkons Hall on race day or downloaded from My Page later on.Prizes for top 3
Top 3 in each age class in GravelBirken 200 and GravelBirken 100 can collect their prizes inside Håkons Hall.Ceremony Elite classes GravelBirken 200
Awards ceremony for top 3 in the Elite classes for Men and Women on the ceremony stage, Håkons Hall.
1. prize: NOK 10 000,-
2. prize: NOK 5 000,-
3. .prize: NOK 2 500,-
Ceremony for top 3 men and women in total GravelBirken 100
Award ceremony from the ceremony stage, Håkons Hall.All prizes, participant medals and timing diplomas must be collected inside Håkons Hall on race day.
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Food, drink and service
GravelBirken 100
Refill of water and Maxim sports drink at the start, drink station at Bleka, and food/drinks at Bringbu, Kvarstadsætra and Elgåsen – as well as at the finish by Håkons Hall.GravelBirken 200
Food and drink stations: Refill of water and Maxim sports drink at the start, drink station at Bleka, and food/drinks at Bringbu, Kvarstadsætra, Snultra, Hita and Korsen (Øyerfjellet), Elgåsen – as well as at the finish by Håkons Hall.Bike Service
Self-service tool kits with bike tools, tubes, etc. are available at Snultra, Hitra, Korsen, and Mesnasaga.Water Refill
You can refill your own bottles at all food and drink stations.All drinks, food and nutrition that are distributed both along the way at the drinking stations and at the finish line are included in the registration fee
Be Environmentally Friendly
Please use the waste bins at the food stations and dispose of trash in the designated drop zones. -
Elite classes GravelBirken 200
Elite classes GravelBirken 200
Age minimum 17 years old by 31.12.2026
Entrants in the elite classes and/or junior elite classes must hold a valid licence issued by a National Federation affiliated to the UCI, which must be presented on registration. If the licence cannot be used as identification, the participant must show another type of identification.Starting time at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium:
- Women elite: 06.25
- Men elite: 06.45
- Race rules GravelBirken
Need to know in advance
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Deadlines
August 16.- Change of Bib pick up place
August 28.
- Registration and reregistration at 21.00 if available spots
- Ordering cycle license
Note:
- No registration/entry on race day
- Registration after August 25. for Birkebeinerrittet: You must pick up your Bib in Rena
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Travel and accommodation
Birkebeinerrittet
Start: Rena and Finsih: Håkons Hall, Lillehammer
Travel and accommodation
Bus transport for participants and bicycles is also available for these events, from Oslo and Lillehammer to Rena.
Bus transport
Accommodation Rena and LillehammerBuses and trains
Buses from Oslo and Lillehammer to Rena is available for booking through your My Page from two weeks prior to the race. Booking must be made before 20.00 the evening before the race, or you can buy your ticket in Håkons Hall, Lillehammer.
Train: Check departures and order at VYNearest airport:
Oslo airport, GardermoenIf you are arriving by car, please view recommended driving pattern in Rena and Lillehammer.
Travelling by car from Oslo is not difficult. Follow the E6 north. If you are going to Rena, take the exit to Elverum, and follow the road signs from there. Rena is approximately 2,5 hours from Oslo. Travelling to Lillehammer - follow the E6 until Lillehammer is on your right, this takes about two hours.
If you have more questions, or need help booking - please contact us. -
Bus
Bus transport incl. bikes
Bus transport for participants (incl. bikes) - see bus table for dates, times and departures. You can pre-order bus transport through My Page , until 20.00 the day before your departure. There is no refund for unused tickets.UltraBirken and HalvBirken - bus to start at Pellestova
- from the roundabout v/ Håkons Hall to the start UltraBirken: Departure "Lhmr (HH Rundkjøring)"
- from Sigrid Undsets road to the start HalvBirken
Note: There are no return buses back to Pellestova, we recommend parking at Håkons Hall and taking the bus to the start.
Cycle transport are included when ordering bus
Cycles are transported on lorries at your own risk. We advise you to protect your cycle with fabric or bubble wrap. -
License
All participants from the age of age 13 years old must have a valid license to start in cycle events in Norway. If you have a valid license through national cycling federetaion, please bring your license card when retrieving your BIB.
Purchase
The license is not included in the entry fee. It can be purchased when entering, through your My Page, or at the race office when retrieving your BIB.
Prices
One time license: NOK 220,-
One time license UngdomsBirken cycle (13-16 years old): NOK 50,-
The Norwegian Cycling Federation
The license is an insurance through the Norwegian Cycling Federation, and should you be injured while participating in an Birken cycle event, this license makes sure that your treatment is covered. Please find more information regarding the license: - GPX files Birken Cycling
On race day
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What happens when ?
Thursday August 27.
- 15.00 - 21.00 Sport 1 market in Håkons Hall, Lillehammer
Friday August 28.
Rena Åmot kulturhus, Rena Torg- 11.00-21.00 Distribution of start number's and registration
- 15.30 - Registration and distribution of start number's BarneBirken cyckle.
- 17:00 - Social ride with Steffan Repshus
- 17.00-18.00 - Start BarneBirken 0-11 years old
- Activities for kids
Lillehammer
Håkons Hall- 10.00-21.00 Distribution of start number's and registration
- 10.00-21.00 Sport 1 market
- 17.00 - Women’s Social Ride
- 17.00-17.50 Start BarneBirken sykkel
- 18.00 - Scott Social Ride
Saturday August 29.
Rena, Åmot kulturhus og Rena Torg
- From 07.00 Distribution of start number's in Åmot kulturhus
- 07.00-13.00 Sport 1 market
- 09.00-12.00 Start Birkebeinerrittet
- 09.00 start Men Elite
- 09.55 start Women Elite
Lillehammer
Birkebeineren skistadion
- 05.00-06.00 distribution of start number's GravelBirken 200
- 06.25 Start GravelBirken 200 Women Elite
- 06.45 Start GravelBirken 200 Men Elite
- From 07.30 distribution of start number's UngdomsBirken sykkel and GravelBirken 100
- 08.45 Start GravelBirken 100
- 09.00-09.30 start UngdomsBirken sykkel
Pellestova, Hafjell
- From 06.30 distribution of start number's UltraBirken and HalvBirken cycle
- 08.00-08.20 start UltraBirken cycle
- 13.00-13.15 start HalvBirken cycle
Håkons Hall
- 09.00-19.00 Sport 1 market
- 09.00-20.00 Race office, diplomas and prizes
- 09.00-20.00 shower and wardrobe
- appr. 09.30 first participant UngdomsBirken
- appr. 10.45 Prize ceremony UngdomsBirken and Ungdomstrippelen
- appr. 11.30 first Men Elite expected to the finish
- appr. 12.05 first participant GravelBirken 100
- appr. 12.55 first Women Elite expected to the finish
- appr. 12.15 first paticipant GravelBirken 200
- 13.00 Prize ceremony Men and Women Elite
- appr. 13.15 First participant UltraBirken cycle
- appr. 14.05 First participant HalvBirken cycle
- appr. from 14.00-18.00 Prize ceremonies Birkebeinerrittet, Birkebeinertrippelen and GravelBirken
- appr. from 15.30-18.00 Prize ceremonies UltraBirken cycle and HalvBirken cycle
Sunday 30.08
- 12.00 - 15.00 Lost and found in Haakons Hall
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Distribution of start number's
Lillehammer, Håkons Hall
Birkebeinerrittet, UltraBirken cycle, HalvBirken cycle, GravelBirken, UngdomsBirken and BarneBirken- Friday August 28th: 10.00-21.00
Pellestova
UltraBirken cycle and HalvBirken cycle- Saturday August 29th from 6.30
Birkebeineren Skistadion
GravelBirken 200- Saturday August 29th 05.30-06.45
UngdomsBirken and GravelBirken 100
- Saturday August 29th from 7.00
Rena, Åmot kulturhus
Birkebeinerrittet- Friday August 28th: 11.00 - 21.00
- Saturday August 29th: 07.00 - until the last start
Birkebeinerrittet
Race packets that is ordered to Lillehammer and not been retrieved in Lillehammer the day before the race, may be picked up in Åmot kulturhus Rena, on race day.On the race day
Race packets must be collected at least 1 hour before your starting time. Allow for some extra time as traffic will be heavy.
Please show your starting card to testify paid entry fee, license and bib number. -
Luggage
Transportation of luggage from start to finish is included in the entry fee.
Deliver your luggage
Birkebeinerrittet:
Deliver your luggage at the starting area - the trucks will be on the parking area, east of Åmot kulturhus, Rena.
HalvBirken and UltraBirken cycle
You can deliver your luggage at either at Håkons Hall before entering the bus to the start or in the starting area at Pellestova.
GravelBirken 100 and GravelBirken 200
You can deliver your luggage at either at Håkons Hall before entering the bus to the start or in the starting area at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium.
Luggage claim
At the finish outside Håkons Hall, Lillehammer.It is your own responsibility to tag your luggage and hand it in to the truck labelled with your wave. Tags are included in your race packet. In the event of heavy rain, you will be given plastic bags to keep your luggage dry.
Note: All transportation of luggage is at your own risk.
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Traffic / parking
Parking at Rena and Lillehammer at Birken Cycle
Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards.
Tickets for parking costs NOK 110,- and may be bought both online or on site. -
Time keeping
Timing / Bib
The bib must be fastened to the handlebar according to instructions.
Your result is registered in the chip that is integrated in your start number.
Time keeping starts when crossing the start mat.
Exeption: Start at start shot
Start shot (the start time is registered by start shot) applies for:Birkebeinerrittet:
- The elite classes, Men and Women Elite Jr. and Sr.
- Wave 1
UngdomsBirken cycle: All classes and waves.
UltraBirken cycle: All waves
HalvBirken cycle: All waves
GravelBirken: All waves (GravelBirken100: neutral start)
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Cut Off times
Participants which has not reached the following destinations by the listet hour, will not be allowed to finish the race due to safety reasons
- Pellestova by 13.00 (UltraBirken cycle)
- Ytre Reina kl 14.30 (GravelBirken 200)
- Kvarstad by 16.00
- Elgåsen by 18.00
All participants are expected to cross the finish line by 19.30
If you need to abandon the race please try to get to the nearest food station, alert the MC patrols, call ti abandon the race +47 90 55 90 03. It will be limited possiblities for transporation in the track.
Tansport for competitors abandoning the race
From Rena
Departuer from the Birken office, Fabrikkveien 2, Rena to Håkons Hall, Lillehammer approximately 11.00 and 15.00From Kvarstad
Departure form Kvarstad to Håkons Hall, Lillehammer
approximately 13.30 and kl. 17.00If you need medical assistance call alarm number: +47 911 08 707.
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Cycle service
We offer simple service such as changing of hose, chain, brake pads, as well as adjusting the gears and brakes before start and at the service stations along the track.
- Bringbusætra
- Kvarstad
- Mesnasaga (Youth)
The service is performed by experienced mechanics.
It will be possible to clean (flush) dirt off your bike at the service stations.
We recommend that your bike is well maintained and checked before you arrive at Rena. It is also important to bring some equipment for bike care in your backpack, such as hose, small tools and a pump. -
Bike parking
Bike Parking
Bike parking is free after the finish line until 8:30 PM. We encourage everyone to use the bike parking. Please note that it is not permitted to bring bikes into Håkons Hall.When collecting your bike:
Your start card/wristband/luggage tag confirms that the bike belongs to you. Do not remove the wristband or the bike’s race number, as these are used to identify the owner and the bike.
