FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Once you’ve completed the entire route and returned to our village, you’ll need to pick up your race pack. During the indicated times, you’ll have the option of eating at one of our stands located within our village.

Important: If you arrive at night (outside the indicated hours), you may not find anything open to eat, and you certainly won’t be able to pick up your event pack.

YES. For this edition, we have decided to limit the number of participants to a maximum of 150. Subject to possible changes to the slots.

NO. It’s not a competition. ABRUZZO GRAVEL 2026 is a scheduled event that takes place during the summer and will be held in unsupported bikepacking mode, to be done completely independently.

YES. Popoli Terme is easily accessible via the main Popoli/Vittorito station or by public transport from Pescara or from Rome. By plane from Abruzzo International Airport in Pescara. Before purchasing your ticket, check whether you can take your bicycle on local transport; unfortunately, this isn’t always possible.

NO. At the moment there are no indications/signs and/or warnings of any kind (we hope to be able to do so in the future… it’s in the works). Since it is unsupported, the only indications available are the track in GPX format that will be provided to you along with a booklet containing all the information. (Nothing forbids the use of tools like Google Maps or Apple Maps). For the rest, your on-board computer and your desire to explore will guide you along the route.

YES. All participants in ABRUZZO GRAVEL 2026 will find a list of shops and/or bicycle repair shops where they can rent a bike or request mechanical assistance for their vehicle. They can also purchase spare parts or technical materials (not provided by the organizers).

ABRUZZO GRAVEL 2026 is an unsupported cycle tour; there is no assistance of any kind along the entire route. Participants must ensure their bicycles are in good condition and have all the necessary equipment and spare parts to resolve any mechanical problems that may arise (punctures, broken chains, etc.). It is recommended to wear a helmet, install adequate front and rear lights on the bicycle, carry a bell, have a GPS device, and possibly a solar power bank. We recommend that all participants bring appropriate clothing, taking into account possible weather conditions and travel times (a rain jacket, spare t-shirt, heavier jersey, windbreaker, etc.). A tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, lights, etc. are also recommended for those who wish to spend the night outdoors.

NO. ABRUZZO GRAVEL 2026 does not include a list of local food outlets (e.g., bars, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, etc.) or places to stay. We do not have any special agreements along the route other than those indicated in the program. The best way to find a place to sleep or eat is to use technology (Google Maps is excellent).

NO. As per the regulations, you MUST read the rules before registering. There are no refunds. Nor is it possible to use the fee to register someone else or to transfer it to pay for the following year’s registration.

YES. All participants are MANDATORY to send/present to the organization a medical certificate certifying their fitness for cycling, compliant with Ministerial Decrees 18/02/1982 and/or 26/04/2013, issued by a Sports Medical Center or a qualified physician. The medical certificate must be specific to CYCLING; we cannot accept medical certificates issued for other types of sports. The medical certificate must expire after the end of September 28, 2026. If the medical certificate does not comply, it will be rejected and cancelled. Anyone who does not comply with this requirement will be considered not registered and will not be entitled to a refund of the registration fee.

Two weeks before the start of the event, participants will receive a .gpx file of the entire route to upload to their on-board GPS computer. In addition, in addition to the electronic file, they will also receive (during registration, before the start) a Race Kit containing a map with all the information.

NO. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of registering for ABRUZZO GRAVEL 2026 outside the registration deadline. The registration period is 6 months and is the only time you can register. Registration will open in January and close in July if the maximum number of participants is not reached.

The route was designed and developed for gravel bikes, but all types of bicycles suitable for use on cycle paths, dirt roads, paved roads, off-road, secondary roads, and trails (hills or mountains) are permitted. Mountain bikes, fat bikes, and road or pedal-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) suitable for bikepacking are permitted.

YES. There are paid and free public parking lots near the event.

YES. The showers will be open until 8:00 PM on Monday, June 2nd and are located at the PopoliTerme municipal gym.

YES. At the various checkpoints there are affiliated facilities where you can stay.

YES. During the registration process, you must indicate the course you wish to undertake.

The event basecamp is located in Popoli Terme (PE).

Getting there:

• BY TRAIN: Popoli Terme is served by the Popoli–Vittorito train station, a strategic hub for the following lines: • Rome–Pescara • Sulmona–L’Aquila
  There are direct or connecting connections from Rome, Pescara, and Sulmona, with the option of transporting bikes (always check the conditions of the railway company). From the station, you can reach the basecamp in just a few minutes, even by bike.
• BY BUS:
  Popoli Terme is connected by regional bus lines to the main towns in Abruzzo’s interior and along the coast. The main stops are located near the town center, allowing easy access to the basecamp.
• LAST PART: By bike.
  Once you arrive in Popoli Terme, getting around is quick and convenient by bike: the town is compact and easily navigable. Choosing public transportation means starting your ABRUZZO GRAVEL experience with a focus on sustainability and adventure, traveling light and stress-free.