The Traka
JANUARY
This trip can be booked soon
The Traka
Experience a unique gravel adventure in the heart of Catalan cycling culture during this 6-day Traka Gravel Camp in Girona. This trip is specially designed for gravel riders looking to prepare optimally for The Traka, one of Europe's most iconic gravel races. Starting from Girona, the gravel capital of Europe, we ride along endless gravel roads, through the forests of Les Gavarres, and over the rolling hills that annually form the backdrop for the race. With a carefully structured training week, we combine technique, endurance, and course reconnaissance so that you appear at the start line with confidence.
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About the journey
During this trip, everything revolves around progressive build-up. From relaxed introductory rides and technical gravel sections to long endurance days and a race-specific simulation, every ride has a clear goal. In addition to the training sessions, we focus on nutrition, recovery, pacing, and equipment selection. Thanks to the combination of excellent accommodations, challenging routes, and the unique atmosphere of Girona, this trip is much more than just a training week. It is the ideal mix of athletic preparation, personal development, and enjoying the best that gravel riding has to offer.
For all our trips we indicate which level of cyclist the trip is suitable for.
The journey can be given 1, 2, 3 or 4 mountains to indicate how difficult the journey is.
What does the journey look like?
– 5 nights
– Starting ticket
– Breakfast
– Great Routes (gpx)
– Sports nutrition Maurten
– Guidance/guide
– Drinks consumed on the premises
– Lunch and dinner
- Insurances
– Bicycle rental (from € 255)
– Transport to Girona
– Tourist tax
During the trip, we will stay in bike-friendly accommodation in or around the center of Girona.
Day 1 – Travel day & arrival in Girona
Upon arrival in Barcelona or Girona, a transfer to our accommodation follows. After checking in, we will assemble the bikes and take a short check ride of 10 to 20 kilometers to check the equipment and settings. The evening will be dedicated to introductions, a shared meal, and a briefing on the training week.
Program
• Flight/drive to Barcelona or Girona
• Transfer to accommodation
• Bike build and material check
• Short recovery ride (10–20 km)
• Welcome briefing and dinner
Day 2 – Warm-up & developing gravel feel
Today we stretch our legs on the beautiful gravel roads of Les Gavarres. The route consists of flowing gravel sections, short climbs, and technical passages that are ideal for testing gear and settings.
Distance: 60–80 km
Elevation gain: 700–1,000 m
Focus
• Optimize tire pressure
• Test position and material
• Finding rhythm on gravel
• Evaluate hydration and nutrition
Day 3 – Traka Preview Ride
We head deeper into the interior and explore various sectors that closely resemble the terrain of The Traka. Long gravel climbs, fast descents, and technical corners make for a realistic race experience.
Distance: 60–80 km
Elevation gain: 700–1,000 m
Focus
• Climbing technique
• Turning on loose ground
• Pacing during prolonged exertion
• Testing nutrition strategy
Day 4 – Coffee ride
The work for the Traka is done. Time to rest and make the final preparations for the race.
Distance: 20-40 km
Elevation gain: as little as possible
Focus
• Rest and recovery
• Race nutrition and energy management
• Mental resilience
• Bike check and race setup
• Retrieve number
• Exploring the race village
Day 5 – Raceday Traka
Today we combine everything we have discussed and practiced in the days leading up to the race. Your race pace is determined, your nutrition strategy is clear. The goal is to execute everything today in that one moment.
Focus
• Control the starting pace
• Technical passages under fatigue
• Pacing on race day
Day 6 – Return journey
This gravel camp is suitable for cyclists who want to prepare specifically for The Traka or a similar gravel event.
Ideal for:
• Gravel riders with some experience
• Sporty cyclists riding their first Traka
• Experienced participants who want to improve their performance
• Cyclists who want to get acquainted with gravel
• Riders who love long days in the saddle
Level
You can comfortably cycle 80 to 100 kilometers and have experience with longer rides. The routes are adapted to the group's level where possible.
Do I need a gravel bike?
Yes. A gravel bike with tires of at least 40 mm is strongly recommended to fully enjoy the routes.
How strenuous is this trip?
The trip is aimed at intermediate to advanced gravel riders. The structure ensures that each day prepares for the next training stimulus.
Are private rooms available?
Yes. We work exclusively with accommodations where single rooms are available or with villas where each participant has their own bedroom.
Is participation in The Traka mandatory?
Yes.
Is supervision included?
Yes. The routes, daily briefings, and guidance are included. Optionally, additional services such as massage, support, and nutritional guidance can be added.
How much does this trip cost?
The target price is between €1,100 and €1,600 per person. Depending on accommodation, guidance, and additional services, this can rise to a premium training camp.
What makes Girona so suitable for gravel?
Girona offers a unique combination of well-maintained gravel roads, challenging climbing routes, an excellent climate, and a rich cycling culture. Many professional cyclists use the region as a training base for major races.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes. In fact, we advise participants to test their race nutrition prior to the race so that there are no surprises during The Traka. We will bring Maurten Sports Nutrition (bars, money, and drink mix) for all participants. As a participant, you will receive a sample pack.
Do you want to book this trip?
The guests appreciate our trips with a 9,2
Sports medical certificate
It is not mandatory, but it is wise to have a medical certificate signed at a Sports Medical Center. A sports medical examination costs money, but it is oh so important to know whether you can participate in this grueling journey in a healthy way. You will be fully or partially reimbursed for such an examination through the supplementary insurance of many insurance companies. To make it easy for you, To create this, CYCLOsportive has entered into partnerships with various Sports Medical Centers in the Netherlands. Click on the button to see which parties we work with and where you can have the medical certificate signed.
