The Great Gravel Rift: A Tale of Collaboration and Betrayal?
In the world of international gravel racing, a dramatic split has left many questioning the ethics of business in this beloved sport. The Gravel Earth Series, a prominent racing calendar, has recently undergone a significant transformation, and not everyone is happy about it.
This week, the Series unveiled its 2026 schedule, and it sparked a controversy that has left the racing community divided. The changes, especially the replacement of a well-established event, have caused a stir among organizers and riders alike.
The Rift's Rise and Fall
The Rift, a renowned gravel race in Iceland, has been a staple in the gravel racing scene since its inception in 2019. It quickly gained recognition as one of Europe's gravel monuments, attracting riders from across the globe. However, its future in the Gravel Earth Series is now uncertain.
In its place, the Series has introduced Cuckoo Gravel, an event organized by The Traka, the very same promoters who created the Gravel Earth Series. This move has left many questioning the Series' commitment to collaboration and fairness.
"If The Traka is the crown jewel, The Rift was a shining star in its own right," writes Joe Laverick, a gravel racer and columnist. "The Icelandic event has earned its place as a global classic, and its absence from the Series is a cause for concern."
A Collaboration Gone Sour
The Rift and The Traka had a mutually beneficial partnership for several years. The Rift, being Iceland's premier gravel event, gained exposure and support from the Series, while The Traka's eco-conscious mission aligned perfectly with The Rift's values.
However, as time went on, The Rift's organizers began to feel that the Series was not delivering on its promises. Despite paying for additional media coverage, they felt their event was not being promoted adequately, and registrations were not increasing as expected.
"We felt like we were not getting the support we needed," Dana Rún Hákonardóttir, a member of The Rift's organization, explained. "The Series was not sharing any valuable information throughout the year, and we started to question our involvement."
The Traka's Takeover
As the 2025 season drew to a close, The Traka proposed a new level of collaboration with their "By the Traka" designation. This move, however, was seen as a power play by The Rift's organizers.
"They wanted to take over our event, or we were expected to pay them to organize it," Hákonardóttir revealed. "We wanted to maintain The Rift's independence and focus on delivering an exceptional experience."
And so, the partnership ended, but the story doesn't stop there. When The Rift's organizers learned of The Traka's plans for a new Icelandic event, the situation turned hostile.
"It felt like a betrayal," Hákonardóttir said. "After three years of collaboration, it's disappointing to learn they had been planning this all along."
Klassmark's Perspective
Klassmark, the organization behind The Traka and the Gravel Earth Series, has a different take on the situation. They claim that the new Icelandic race has been in the works for years and was planned well before The Rift's departure from the Series.
"We're focusing on events that truly embody the spirit of gravel and our shared values," Gerard Freixes, CEO of Klassmark, stated. "Smaller events struggle to meet our requirements, so we're concentrating on fewer, stronger races to create a fair and competitive environment."
The Fallout
The Rift is not the only event to leave the Gravel Earth Series. Gravel Worlds, a prominent US race, and the Grasshopper Adventure Series in Northern California have also withdrawn their support. This loss of established events is a significant blow to the Series.
While Klassmark may see this as a natural progression, the perception of their actions has damaged their reputation. Many in the racing community feel that Klassmark's ambition has overshadowed their commitment to fairness and collaboration.
"It's about more than just the money," Hákonardóttir emphasized. "As event organizers, we must consider the experience of the riders and the integrity of the sport."
So, is this a case of backstabbing or good business? The gravel racing community is divided, and the debate rages on. What do you think? Should the focus be on growth and evolution, or is collaboration the key to a successful and sustainable sport?
