Pannonia Gravel: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
Strecke A is the long distance of the Pannonia Gravel: 73 kilometres with around 1,150 metres of climbing on gravel and farm tracks around Winden am See, partly through the otherwise-closed Truppenübungsplatz Bruckneudorf. A rolling race built from eight short climbs rather than long mountains; traction, sustained speed and pacing matter more than pure climbing power.
Course & Elevation
The 73-kilometre course is the long distance of the Pannonia Gravel in northern Burgenland. Start and finish sit on the Kirschblüten cycle path in Winden am See at the foot of the Leitha mountains; the loop runs over gravel and farm tracks through the Seewinkel landscape by the Neusiedler See and part of the otherwise-closed Truppenübungsplatz Bruckneudorf.
The profile is distinctly rolling: about 1,150 metres of climbing spread at roughly 16 vertical metres per kilometre, with no climb longer than a little over a kilometre. The hardest ramp comes at kilometre 10.9: a good kilometre averaging 8.6 percent and touching 14 percent (category 4). A second, equally steep climb follows at kilometre 25.4 with pitches up to 17 percent.
Because the long loop rides part of the shorter circuit a second time, both key climbs return in the back half: the category-4 ascent at kilometre 43.4 and the steep ramp at kilometre 57.9. Only about a quarter of the course is flat, and a little over four percent is steep uphill. The surface alternates between firm gravel and loose farm tracks, making tyre choice and handling a subject of their own.
Pacing Strategy
Strecke A is a race of constant surges: eight short climbs, rolling ground between them and only a quarter of the course flat. The first small climb at kilometre 0.9 arrives cold but is not the race; don't overcook it.
The decisive efforts are the two category-4 ramps at kilometre 10.9 and, in the second half, at kilometre 43.4, each a good kilometre at 8.6 percent. Because the long loop rides the key climbs a second time, that second pass hits you with kilometres already in the legs; anyone who spends themselves on the first loses exactly there.
The classic gravel trap is the short steep stingers up to 17 percent on loose ground: stand up in a big gear and traction breaks away. Stay seated, spin a round cadence and hold pace in the draft on the flat, often windy sections. Eat and drink early and regularly so the climbs of the second half stay rideable.
Training plan for Pannonia Gravel: 12-week build
Plan on three to four and a half hours for the 73 kilometres and roughly 1,150 metres of climbing, depending on your fitness. The effort is fundamentally aerobic but constantly punctured by short, hard spikes: none of the eight climbs is longer than a little over a kilometre, yet the steep ramps up to 17 percent push you well above threshold every time; that staccato, rather than any single long mountain, is the defining demand.
The second half decides the race: because the long loop repeats the key climbs, the category-4 ascent at kilometre 43.4 and the steep ramp at kilometre 57.9 land on already-tired legs. The large share of rolling and flat sections matters too; riding those alone into the Neusiedlersee wind costs more time than any climb.
Build your preparation to match: long endurance rides of three to five hours, ideally with plenty of gravel to make line choice, tyre choice and traction on loose ground automatic, plus short, hard hill efforts of one to three minutes placed late in long sessions to mimic the late ramps on tired legs. Because the race falls in late October, cool temperatures, wind exposure on the open plain and tested autumn kit belong in the plan as much as endurance does.
Course Map
Profile Parameters
Slope Distribution
Climbs on Route
| Start (km) | Length | Ø Gradient | Max Gradient | Elev Gain | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM 0.9 | 0.7 km | 5.5% | 8.4% | +40m | — |
| KM 10.8 | 1.1 km | 8.6% | 14.0% | +91m | Cat. 4 |
| KM 21.7 | 1.3 km | 3.5% | 8.0% | +46m | — |
| KM 25.4 | 0.8 km | 7.2% | 17.4% | +61m | — |
| KM 32.8 | 0.5 km | 10.5% | 14.7% | +47m | — |
| KM 43.4 | 1.1 km | 8.5% | 13.8% | +91m | Cat. 4 |
| KM 57.9 | 0.8 km | 7.2% | 17.7% | +61m | — |
| KM 65.4 | 0.6 km | 8.4% | 14.7% | +48m | — |
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.
Course as GPX
Download the Strecke A 73 km course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Adaptive race preparation
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Pannonia Gravel dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Pannonia Gravel?
Pannonia Gravel is 73 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 Pannonia Gravel have?
Pannonia Gravel has around 1,150 m of elevation gain over 73 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Pannonia Gravel?
Pannonia Gravel is classified as Rolling, averaging 16.5 vertical metres per kilometre. 25% of the route is flat, 35% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 4% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Pannonia Gravel have?
The hardest climb of Pannonia Gravel starts at kilometre 10.9, runs for 1.1 km at an average of 8.6% and gains 91 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 4. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Pannonia Gravel a loop course?
Yes, Pannonia Gravel is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
How should I prepare for Pannonia Gravel?
Preparation for Pannonia Gravel should account for 73 km, 1,150 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 Pannonia Gravel?
The pacing strategy for Pannonia Gravel should reflect 73 km, 1,150 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 Pannonia Gravel 2026 take place?
Pannonia Gravel 2026 takes place on October 25, 2026.
Where does Pannonia Gravel 2026 take place?
Pannonia Gravel 2026 takes place in Winden am See, Austria.
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