The expo zone, bike tests, first rides and conversations about the routes meant that the weekend began long before the first starting signal.
Izery Bike Festival
A three-day cycling event at Polana Jakuszycka, combining gravel races from the UCI Gravel World Series with the classic Bike Maraton. Its main goal is to create a space for amateurs and professionals to celebrate sport together in the picturesque Izera Mountains. The festival offered not only competition over various distances, but also the chance to socialise through the expo zone, bike tests and evening activities such as night excursions to the Izera Dark-Sky Park.
Gravel Adventure
Races held as part of the UCI Gravel World Series for elite riders and age groups. Bike Maraton was the festival finale, with routes of varying difficulty, from the Amarok Ultra 103 km to the FUN 18 km, as well as races for children.
The first day was a warm-up before the weekend, offering the opportunity to collect race packs, test bikes and take part in evening activities. Throughout the festival, an expo stand and tests of SCOTT bikes, including gravel bikes and e-bikes, were available.
The evening attractions included a bonfire with "gravel sausage" and guided excursions to the Izera Dark-Sky Park.
The main event location was Polana Jakuszycka, which became the centre of cycling life thanks to the starts, finishes and meeting places.
The only event of its kind in Poland – the qualifying rounds of the UCI Gravel World Series World Championships attracted nearly 500 competitors from around the world to Jakuszyce. Over distances of 66 and 120 km, the riders competed not only for victory, but also for qualification for the World Championships. Participants could also take part in cycling trips, including an excursion to the Czech Republic, as well as test the latest bikes and equipment.
Bike Maraton
The marathon brought together 700 riders on routes through the Izera Mountains. Participants competed over the FUN (18 km), CLASSIC (32 km), MEGA (55 km) and ULTRA (103 km) distances. There were also races for the youngest riders, with 80 young cyclists taking part.
The organisers thank all the competitors, supporters, partners, volunteers and organisers for creating a wonderful atmosphere. See you at the next events!
What do we need for cycling events?
Confident riding on gravel and forest roads – gravel routes run mainly along dirt, gravel and forest roads. It is worth knowing how to maintain a stable line on loose surfaces. Braking and speed control on descents – on gravel, grip is lower than on asphalt, so it is important to have a feel for the brakes and be able to anticipate bends.
Fitness
For shorter distances (e.g. 60–70 km), basic recreational riding is enough. If you regularly ride 1–2 times a week for 30–50 km, you are ready. Longer routes (100+ km) require better endurance, but still not at an athlete’s level – the key is the ability to maintain an even pace and manage your energy.
Practical skills
Basic bike maintenance – knowing how to repair a puncture is the absolute minimum. You may get a flat on the route, and technical assistance is not always immediately available. Being prepared on the route – knowing the route-marking rules and how to use GPS on a bike computer or phone.
What is NOT needed?
- Racing experience – most amateurs enter gravel races as their first competition.
- Expensive equipment – a gravel bike with gravel tyres and a helmet are enough. You do not need a bike costing tens of thousands.
- A racing licence – it is not required for amateur races (outside the UCI elite category).