Tierra Estella Epic Gravel

Tierra Estella Epic Gravel is a gravel event in Navarra, northern Spain. The next edition is scheduled for Saturday 17 April 2027, starting from Villatuerta (Bilatorta in Basque), in the Tierra Estella region. It is the gravel counterpart of the Tierra Estella Epic mountain-bike marathon, which is held separately in autumn.

Routes and distances

The organiser offers three route options: Largo (long), Corto (short) and Starter. The 2027 distances and elevation figures have not been published on the official website yet, so check the organiser’s page for the final routes. According to the organiser, the course follows tracks and trails through the Yerri and Valdemañeru valleys.

In the 2026 edition, held on Saturday 18 April, the start was in the area of the Villatuerta sports centre (Calle Regueta). Riders set off in waves from 9:00 am: the competitive categories first, followed by the non-competitive gravel riders, with gravel e-bikes and mountain bikes also admitted in the later wave. There were three feed stations with cut-off points along the route.

Registration

Registration for the 2027 edition has not been announced yet. For the 2026 edition, entries opened in mid-December and prices ranged from 43 to 54 euros depending on the date and whether the rider held a federation licence, with the same fee for all three routes. Expect a similar calendar for 2027, but confirm everything on the official website.

Why ride it

The event combines a well-established organisation with the varied terrain of the Tierra Estella area, and three route lengths make it accessible to both competitive riders and those who simply want to enjoy a day on the gravel. The mid-April date places it early in the gravel season.

Where to stay

Villatuerta is a small town, and our certified cycling-friendly accommodation sits a short drive away in the wider Navarra countryside. Arriving on the Friday gives you time to collect your number, check your bike and get a proper night’s sleep before the 9:00 am waves roll out. The two options below suit riders who would rather drive in for the start than sleep in a tiny village.

Sercotel Hola Tafalla – Tafalla, about 30 km from the start. This 4-star hotel stands next to the Tafalla Velodrome and is clearly set up for riders: secure bike storage with controlled access, a bike cleaning station and a maintenance area with basic tools. That means you can wash off the gravel, tighten up before the Saturday start and have your kit laundered afterwards, with breakfast and a restaurant on site for refuelling.

Hotel Villava Pamplona – Villava, about 36 km from the start. Holding the Bronze Cycling Friendly certification, this hotel on the edge of Pamplona offers bike parking, a cycling centre with tools, e-bike charging stations, a free gym and a sports menu with picnic options. It also has route information, bike rental, laundry and a discount at a nearby spa for tired legs, and it is the better pick if you want to combine the event with a day in Pamplona and its connections by public transport.

Event weekend fills up quickly, so book early to secure a bike-friendly room, and browse more cycling-friendly accommodation across Navarra.