109km of Challenge, Culture, and Wild Beauty

The Merciless route is a true test of grit and adventure: 109km with 1,664m of climbing, winding through olive groves, ancient ruins, and remote highland trails. It’s a course that builds in intensity, with tough climbs packed into the middle, followed by fast, flowing gravel stretches that carry you toward the sea. You’ll finish at the edge of the Mediterranean, just steps from the beach—tired, proud, and part of something unforgettable.

Race it. Ride it. Own it your way.

‍Merciless Gravel is built for all kinds of riders—whether you’re chasing a podium or chasing the adventure.

At the front of the field, the Elite/Pro Race will feature some of the strongest gravel racers taking on the full course at race pace, battling for glory on one of the most dramatic courses in Europe.

Behind them, we’ll run Masters Age Group Races, giving amateur competitors the chance to test themselves in a structured race format—against others in their category, and against the course itself.

And for those who want the full experience without the racing pressure, the Merciless Challenge Ride offers the same epic route, fully supported, with plenty of time to soak up the scenery, the culture, and the journey.

However you line up, it’s the same course, the same atmosphere, and the same sense of achievement at the finish line.

Your Time. Your Ride. Your Result.

All timing and results are determined by electronic timing using a timing chip attached to the fork of your bike.

All riders in the Elite/Pro category and in the Age Group races will receive the same “time of day” (Gun time) start time as everyone else in their Start Pen. Gun time is your time from when the start gun/horn goes off until you cross the finish line. All results in the Elite/Pro category and Age Group Races are determined by your gun time. Riders in the Merciless Challenge Ride will receive their chip time (the time from when they cross the start line to when they cross the finish line).

Staggered waves for a smooth, safe, and unforgettable ride.

‍Merciless Gravel will feature separate start waves to ensure every rider gets the best possible experience on the course.

The day kicks off with the Elite / Pro Race, followed by Masters Age Group race waves.

As is standard at all Red On Sports events, we’re proud to host a standalone Women’s Race, creating a safe, fair, and exciting environment for female competitors.

Once all race waves are underway, the Challenge Ride will depart, giving riders a relaxed, pressure-free start and ensuring no overlap with racing participants.

Exact start times will be confirmed closer to the event, but you can expect:
‍First starts from 08:00–09:00
Final Challenge Ride start by 10:00

‍Whether you’re racing for position or riding for the journey, you’ll have the space, time, and support to enjoy every moment on the course.

Refuel. Regroup. Roll on.

‍Throughout the course, a series of three well-placed Feed Zones will keep you energised and ready for the next stretch. Each stop will offer a mix of water, energy drink mix, bananas, oranges, nuts, bars, gels, and other ride-ready fuel to keep you going strong.

Every Feed Zone also includes a dedicated Tech Zone, complete with tools, spares, a workstand—and a professional mechanic on hand to help with any issues and keep you rolling smoothly.

Whether you’re racing hard or riding for the experience, you’ll be fully supported from start to finish.

Your safety is our top priority.

‍At Red On Sports, we take rider safety seriously—because great events start with great care.

Throughout Merciless Gravel, a dedicated on-course safety team will be in place, including route marshals, police, medics, and support vehicles, all working together to keep you safe and supported at every stage of the ride.

At the heart of it all is our Race Control Room, based in the Event Village. Staffed by our experienced operations team, it maintains constant radio contact with every marshal, medic, and vehicle on the route—ensuring rapid response to any issue and seamless oversight of the entire event.

Whether you’re tackling the course at race pace or riding for the journey, you’ll be looked after from start to finish.

Four Days of Gravel, Culture & Celebration

‍Merciless Gravel is more than a one-day ride—it’s a four-day adventure in the heart of Greece. From sunset welcome drinks in the hills above Kalamata to guided rideouts, cultural excursions, and a beachside after party, the experience blends challenge with community, discovery, and unforgettable moments.

Turn event week into a holiday.

‍The best way to experience Merciless Gravel? Stay with us at the Messini Beach Club, our official accommodation partner. As part of our exclusive holiday package, you’ll enjoy 7 nights of beachfront comfort, guided rideouts, cultural excursions, delicious local food, and hassle-free airport transfers—all in one stunning location.

Prefer to make your own plans? Kalamata and the surrounding area offer a wide range of excellent accommodation options, from boutique hotels and seaside resorts to cosy guesthouses in the hills. There’s something for every style and budget.

Whatever you choose, you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy everything the region—and the event—has to offer.

Getting Here is Easy

‍Don’t let the location fool you—Greece is closer than you think. With regular flights to Athens from across Europe and convenient onward travel to Kalamata, accessing the heart of the Peloponnese is simple.

‍Visit our Travel page to explore flight options, transfers, and how we’re making your journey to Merciless Gravel smooth and stress-free.