Ostalb Gravel.
Ostalb Gravel is a loop through the rolling landscape around Aalen, with three categorized climbs breaking up a course that is otherwise a mix of flat and undulating gravel and forest roads. Riders who ration their effort across all three climbs, rather than spending it on the first one, finish strongest.
Ostalb Gravel 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
Ostalb Gravel starts and finishes in Aalen, at the Spedition Brucker depot, tracing a roughly 57-kilometer loop through the Ostalb region on a mix of forest roads, gravel and paved connector sections. The opening kilometres bite early: two short, uncategorized ramps at kilometer 0.3 and 1.85 sort the field before things settle down. The first categorized climb, a Category 4 effort just over three kilometers long, begins at kilometer 15 – the longest climb of the day. A second, shorter Category 4 climb follows at kilometer 22.7, after which the route calms again past the halfway point.
The defining moment comes late: a third Category 4 climb starts at kilometer 42.5, more than 40 kilometers into the ride. Two short ramps near the finish, at kilometer 49.4 and 53.7, close out the climbing before the run back to the start. Overall the course is rolling rather than mountainous – steep gradients make up only a small share of the profile, with flat and undulating riding dominating. Since climbing and descending balance out almost exactly over the lap, energy spent on the way up largely comes back on the way down.
Ostalb Gravel runs as its own event alongside the established Ostalb Giro marathon, aimed at both ambitious gravel riders and those riding for enjoyment.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 1.9 | 0.6 km | 5.7 % | 7.8 % | +35 m | — |
| km 15.8 | 2.3 km | 4.1 % | 6.8 % | +94 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 18.4 | 0.7 km | 5 % | 6.2 % | +36 m | — |
| km 22.7 | 1.9 km | 5.7 % | 11.3 % | +105 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 36.5 | 0.5 km | 3.7 % | 5.1 % | +18 m | — |
| km 42.5 | 2.2 km | 6.9 % | 11.7 % | +152 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 47.6 | 0.4 km | 6.2 % | 9.2 % | +23 m | — |
| km 49.4 | 0.6 km | 7 % | 9.9 % | +40 m | — |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Ostalb Gravel.
Sit in early
The real pacing trap at Ostalb Gravel sits in the middle third of the course: after the two early ramps and the long climb at kilometer 15, the route feels flat and inviting all the way to kilometer 40 – riding hard or chasing wheels through this stretch burns exactly the reserves needed for the third climb at kilometer 42.5. That climb decides the race, arriving after more than 40 kilometers and two prior Category 4 efforts, exposing anyone who spent too much earlier.
Ration your effort
Treat the first climb at kilometer 15 as an early test, not a race-winning move – it is long, the longest on the course, but it comes too soon to matter much if you overcook it. Use the calmer stretch between kilometer 23 and 40 to recover rather than to push the pace.
Race the finale
The two short ramps near the end, at kilometer 49 and 54, then demand one more sharp, short effort – riders who paced disciplined until then will have it in the tank.
Training plan for Ostalb Gravel: 12-week build
Build endurance
At roughly 57 kilometers and just under 800 meters of climbing, expect an effort lasting somewhere between two and three and a half hours depending on your level. The demand is mostly steady aerobic riding, punctuated by harder efforts: the three Category 4 climbs at kilometer 15, 22.7 and 42.5, plus the short uncategorized ramps near the start and finish, each call for a burst of anaerobic effort inside an otherwise rolling aerobic base.
Train the climbs
The race is decided on the third climb at kilometer 42.5 – it arrives late, after two earlier climbs have already taken a toll, and rewards the ability to still produce a multi-minute effort on tired legs. That makes it worth structuring some training rides so a harder climb comes two to three hours in, rather than always climbing fresh.
Ride race-specific
Intervals in the three-to-eight-minute range, matching the length of the climbs on course, build the ability to repeat hard efforts on gradients without blowing up.
Arrive fresh
And because forest roads and gravel sections make up part of the route, some preparation should happen on similar surfaces, to build line choice and balance on changing grip.
Courses
Download the Ostalb Gravel course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
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Everything about Ostalb Gravel.
How long is Ostalb Gravel?
Ostalb Gravel is 57 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Ostalb Gravel have?
Ostalb Gravel has around 855 m of elevation gain over 57 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Ostalb Gravel?
Ostalb Gravel is classified as Rolling, averaging 14.9 vertical metres per kilometre. 26% of the route is flat, 35% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 3% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Ostalb Gravel have?
The hardest climb of Ostalb Gravel starts at kilometre 42.5, runs for 2.2 km at an average of 6.9% and gains 152 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 4. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Ostalb Gravel a loop course?
Yes, Ostalb Gravel is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Ostalb Gravel course?
Yes. The Ostalb Gravel course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Ostalb Gravel?
Preparation for Ostalb Gravel should account for 57 km, 855 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Ostalb Gravel?
The pacing strategy for Ostalb Gravel should reflect 57 km, 855 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Ostalb Gravel take place?
Ostalb Gravel takes place on April 11, 2027.
Where does Ostalb Gravel take place?
Ostalb Gravel takes place in Aalen, Germany.
How do I register for Ostalb Gravel?
Registration runs through the organiser: ostalbgravel.de. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
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