THE GREAT CROSSING EPIC II
THE GREAT CROSSING EPIC II
From beer steins to the fountain of wine.
17.07.2027 | Munich [DE] - Ayegui [ES]
2.050 ~ 2.200 Km | 34.500 ~ 42.000 m+
290 hours | 110 riders
The ultimate adventure across Europe, linking the Alps, Mont Ventoux, and the Pyrenees in one monumental ride. A journey through landscapes that could belong to different worlds, where legends are written between Bavarian beer and the fountain of wine in Navarra.
Registration from 01.11.2026 (10:00 CEST)
THE CHALLENGE
The Great Crossing Epic begins with a toast. A local Bavarian beer raised high before the wheels start turning; a spell cast for the adventure ahead. From there, The Great Crossing Epic II unfolds across five countries and some of Europe’s most iconic cycling landscapes, linking the Alps, Mont Ventoux and the Pyrenees in one monumental journey.
But this is not simply a route to be completed. It is a challenge to be explored. Across the crossing, 100 Explorer Points mark the places, climbs and moments that define the Epic. To become a Finisher, you must earn at least 20% of the Explorer Points, while covering approximately 2,050 km and 34,500 m of elevation gain.
For those who dare to go all the way, the ultimate challenge awaits. 100 Explorer Points. 2,200 km. 42,000 m of climbing. 290 hours.
Those who collect every point and reach the finish within the time limit will earn their place as TGCE Legends.
Five countries. Three mountain ranges. One epic crossing.
And after the Alps, Mont Ventoux and the Pyrenees, the journey ends where the road meets legend: at the iconic Fountain of Wine in Navarra.
From beer steins to the fountain of wine.
The Great Crossing Epic is yours to conquer.
MAIN RULES
Leave no trace
Riders can participate solo or in team (2, 3 or 4)
Riders must be fully self-supported
Riders must know and follow the local laws and traffic regulations at any time
No drafting allowed at any time
Tracker device must be active during the entire route
No E-BIKES allowed
Riders are required to read and sign the corresponding rider manual and rider agreement
WHAT YOU GET
Being part of to the Ultracycling Challenges’ community, including exclusive ultracycling coaching & mentoring online sessions
Welcome event incl. food and drinks
The full kit of .GPX route files
Publishing of riders’ bike features on dotwatcher.cc
A starter-kit including, at least:
o Ultracycling Challenges’ drawstring bag
o Map of the route
o The tracking device for the duration of the challenge
o The exclusive and individually personalized The Great Crossing Epic cap
o The exclusive Specialized Munich’s water bottle – Ultracycling Challenges’ 2026 special version
o Hoppebräu non-alcoholic beer.
o Ultracycling Challenges’ jelly beans
o Other goodies like gels or energy bars
Real-time tracking for the duration of the challenge
Live media coverage with photo and video
Coverage of the challenge on social media and dotwatcher.cc
Publishing of individual times on website and media incl. replay functions
Finisher goodies incl. at least:
o The exclusive 3D biodegradable The Great Crossing Epic’s finisher trophy
o Gift of a small red wine bottle from Bodegas Irache
Rider finisher get-together with beer
Album of Images of the challenge to be downloaded
90 days of Komoot premium
50% discount on the full range of Ultracycling Challenges’ cycling apparel and merchandising
50% discount for the The Great Crossing Epic’s T-Shirt edition 2026
20% discount on the entire Lupine product range
10% discount for purchasing ultracycling Cyclite equipment
5% discount on all UC Challenges at 2027
Other goodies from our partners and sponsors
Other discounts to be arranged
With the passion, dedication, and genuine spirit of the Ultracycling Challenges’ team, we will bring you the adventure of a lifetime!
RIDERS TGCE
FINISHER TROPHY | CAP
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
Start from Munich
The journey begins in Munich, Bavaria’s vibrant capital. The city releases you into the adventure through the beautiful and peaceful Bavarian roads.
Pupplinger Au
Across the Pupplinger Au, where the Isar river carves its wild path south of Munich, riders face a landscape both untamed and timeless.
Bavarian Allgäu
Through the hidden Rohrmoostal, deep in the Bavarian Allgäu, the road narrows into a wild gorge where silence and mountain echoes reign.
EP1 Grosse Scheidegg
Ascend the spine of the Bernese Alps, where gradients bite and alpine legends stare back. Rising from Meiringen, this climb twists for 16 km with brutal ramps reaching 17%, all the way to 1,962 m. Beauty and challenge share the same road here. Conquer the first explorer sector and earn 11 explorer points.
EP2 Gestelenpass
A steep, hidden crucible of sweat and resolve. Short, savage and gorgeous, this HC-rated hidden gem climbs nearly 900 m in less than 9 km, with average gradients close to 10% and relentless pitches that demand every ounce of strength. The epic climb worths 5 explorer points.
EP3 Col de la Croix
A secret alpine crown between vines and peaks. At 1,779 m, this pass rises from Les Diablerets with an average 7% grade and sections that bite up to 12%, its winding slopes a quiet test of rhythm and will. 5 more points to those conquering it.
EP4 Col de Joux Plane
A legendary Alpine climb rising above the valleys of Haute-Savoie. Joux Plane delivers steep gradients, wild mountain scenery and spectacular views towards Mont Blanc. A short but demanding ascent where every turn reveals another glimpse of the Alps at their most majestic. Conquer it to add 7 explorer points.
EP5 Grand Colombier
Climb France’s fiercest sentinel—steep slopes, panoramic dominion, point-earning glory. At 1,501 m, the Col du Grand Colombier punishes with some ramps until 14% before rewarding the brave with sweeping views over the Rhône valley and 16 Explorer Points.
EP6 Mont Ventoux
Ride the Giant of Provence—where Martian summit meets mortal will. A climb carved into legend, 21 km of exposed slopes lead to its barren, lunar peak at 1,909 m. Conquer it, and claim 19 Explorer Points among the gods of cycling.
Col de Peyresourde
A silent sentry of the Pyrenees, keeper of cycling’s ancient duels. Rising to 1,569 m, the Peyresourde’s steady gradients and iconic views have tested champions for more than a century.
EP7 Col du Portet
Scale the extra mile of epic—where clouds become the finish line. Higher and harsher than the Tourmalet, the Portet stretches to 2,215 m, with endless switchbacks and gradients near 10%. A summit worthy of 17 Explorer Points.
EP8 Col du Tourmalet
The grand dame of climbs, where centuries of heroes echo on the slopes. At 2,115 m, the Tourmalet is the second highest paved pass in the central Pyrenees, a mythical ascent that embodies the soul of cycling itself, and is worth 8 explorer points.
Col d'Aubisque
A Pyrenean gatekeeper carved in stone. Since 1910, the Aubisque has haunted the Tour de France, rising above sheer cliffs and narrow corniches, its gradients and history combining into a crucible of endurance.
EP9 Col Pierre St. Martin
Hidden grandeur at Pyrenean heights—quiet, steep, unforgettable. This cross-border climb to 1,766 m mixes rugged beauty with relentless ramps, offering 3 Explorer Points to those who do not overlook it.
EP10 Col d'Erroztarre
A remote and rugged climb through the Iparralde mountains, where quiet roads lead deep into a landscape shaped by forests, rolling hills and open mountain scenery. Col d’Erroztarre is one of those climbs where the feeling of adventure matters as much as the ascent itself. And it worths 4 explorer points.
EP11 Col d'Arnosteguy
A remote and spectacular climb in the borther with Navarra. Open mountain views and an unmistakable sense of wilderness make Col d’Arnosteguy something special, and offers the last 5 explorer points.
Col d'Orgambide
The gateway into Navarra, and a defining moment of The Great Crossing Epic. After crossing the remote and spectacular landscapes of the Pyrenees, Col d’Orgambide marks the moment when the mountains begin to fade behind you. It feels like leaving something truly special behind: wild roads, vast horizons and the unique atmosphere of this side of the Pyrenees.
Finish at the Wine fountain
Where the epic crossing finds its end and triumph flows red. After crossing 2,200 km and 42,000 m of ascent, riders reach the fabled fountain of wine beside the Monastery of Irache. Here, the clock halts not at the line, but when you taste victory, in red. From beer steins to flowing wine, the Great Crossing Epic is complete. And legends are born in every drop.
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