Event Details
Introduction
Everything You Need to Know
Whether you're here to race, ride, or soak up the atmosphere, this is where you’ll find all the key info to plan your Merciless experience. From race day logistics and entry categories to travel tips and what to pack—we’ve got you covered. It’s more than a ride. It’s a journey into the heart of Messenia.
The Route
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.
Ride Format
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.
What’s Included in Your Entry
More than just the ride
Gravel is about much more than just the ride. Enjoy up to four days of celebration, entertainment, cultural activities and plenty of time on the beach with the gravel and adventure community.
Feed Zones
Three feed zones span the route. Each stocked with a variety of water, energy drink mix, nutritional bars, fruits. You'll also find a Tech Zone with a selection of spares, tools and a mechanic to help you with any issues.
Off-bike experience
Prepare for a stellar line-up of panel talks, shakeout rides, live music, entertainment, welcome drinks, after-party and much more throughout the event.
Fully signposted routes
The incredible route is fully signposted so you can focus on your riding and not worry about going the wrong way. GPX files for the route are also available.
Mechanical Support
Gravel racing can be tough on your bike so we’ve got a team of experienced mechanics on hand in the Event Village to help make sure your bike is ready for the challenge.
Tech Boxes
The route will feature several Tech Boxes strategically positioned around the course containing tools and spares to help you in a mechanical emergency.
No Outside Assistance
This is your challenge to conquer.
While our team will provide full on-course support—including feed zones, medical assistance, and mechanical support—riders must not accept support from anyone outside the event staff and official support crews.
Merciless Gravel is designed to be a true personal test. No team cars, no hand-ups from friends—just you, your bike, and the gravel ahead.
Timing and Results
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).
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