Hegau Gravel Festival took place for the first time in 2024 in Singen who already hosted the UCI mountainbike marathon world championships in 2017 and big parts of the course as used for the gravel event.
Course
The course is a combination of a 52km lap and a 32km lap. Elite riders and younger age groups do two 52km laps plus one 32km lap for a total distance of 136km. Older age groups do one 52km lap followed by one 32km lap for a total distance of 84km.
All courses start and finish in front of the townhall (Rathaus) in the city centre of Singen and leave town next to the Radolfzeller Aach river for the first 2km where the first short climb starts. Two third of the course is offroad with some small paved sections in between. It’s a mix of farmer roads, woods and paved roads.
The 32km course has the same first and last part as the 52km course but makes a shortcut halfway to return faster to the finish line.
33km lap
52km lap
Profile
The 52km lap has an elevation of 1067m while the 32km lap has 576m of climbing skipping the two major climbs on the course.
Total elevation for the younger age groups is therefore 2710m while the older categories have a bit more than half resulting in 1643m of climbing.
The first climb after 2km is 6% average with a peak up to 9.2% and 1.5km long, the climb towards the Magdeberg comes after 15km on the long course and has 2.5km of climbing at an average rate of 3.6% with gradients going up to 8%, starting offroad to have a second part on the road. The toughest climb on the course is coming after 23km with a 3km climb at 5.2% average and peaks up to 13% towards the Hohenstoffeln. The first part of that climb is offroad to finish on hard soil before the top.
The 32km skips the two last climbs but the shortcut also has a 3.6km climb, mainly offroad at 4.7% average.
SINGEN
Singen is a picturesque city located in the southwestern part of Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Nestled at the northern foothills of the Alps, Singen enjoys a strategic location close to the Swiss border and the beautiful Lake Constance. With a rich history dating back to Roman times, Singen offers a delightful blend of historical significance and modern amenities. The city covers an area of approximately 25 square kilometers and has a population of around 45,000 residents. Singen is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a fantastic destination for travelers of all kinds.
Here are some of the key attractions and activities for visitors to explore:
- Hohentwiel Fortress: One of the city’s iconic landmarks, Hohentwiel Fortress is perched on a volcanic hill, providing panoramic views of the surrounding region. This medieval fortress offers a glimpse into Singen’s history and provides a fantastic backdrop for hiking and picnics.
- Lake Constance (Bodensee): Just a short drive from Singen, Lake Constance is a stunning destination for water enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can take boat trips, visit the Mainau Island with its beautiful gardens, or simply relax on the lake’s shores.
- Historic Old Town: Stroll through Singen’s charming old town, characterized by its well-preserved half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and quaint shops. The town square, with its fountain and local cafes, is a delightful place to savor the local culture.
- Singener Aachquelle: This natural spring, known as the source of the Aach River, is a serene and beautiful location for a peaceful walk or picnic. The clear waters and lush surroundings make it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
- Martin’s Church: This historic church, dating back to the 11th century, showcases stunning architecture and hosts various cultural events and concerts throughout the year.
- Singen Art Museum: For those interested in art and culture, the Singen Art Museum offers a diverse collection of contemporary and historical artworks.
For more information : https://www.bodenseewest.eu/de/singen