If you want to make fast progress both off-road and on tarmac, a gravel bike is the perfect choice. In the USA, the new bikes with road bike handlebars, disc brakes, slightly wider tires and a longer wheelbase are already a real hit. "The Black Forest Ultra Bike Marathon is known for its pioneering spirit. Gravel bikes are not yet so widespread in Europe, but we firmly believe that they will soon become a big trend here too," says Benjamin Rudiger, Managing Director of Black Forest Ultra Bike UG. And the organizer wants to be prepared for this trend. The new route, on which only gravel or cross bikes are permitted, is called the Gravel Track. It covers a little over 50 kilometers and around 1,670 meters in altitude. The route starts on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 08:30 in Kirchzarten, riding past the Hinterwaldkopf, over the Rinken to the Stollenbach, past the Rappeneck and back to Kirchzarten.

The Black Forest Ultra Bike Marathon is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This anniversary will be celebrated with two German Championships: The German Championship MTB Sprint on Friday, June 15 and the German Marathon Championship on Sunday, June 17, 2018. "The Gravel Track is therefore another highlight that we are presenting in our anniversary year," says a delighted Rudiger.